‘Aathavanitle Baba’ is the best tribute from son Varad to his father Late Vijay Chavan
During the complete lockdown period due to corona virus, the activity of Film, television and stage had come to a complete halt, forcing all those connected with this industry to stay at home. But, those with creative mind occupied themselves with something which would help them to communicate with others, through social media. One such good attempt was made by young Varad Vijay Chavan son of legendary Marathi actor Late Vijay Chavan.
Varad who is himself an actor, having performed variety of roles in television serials and films, thought of using this time to communicate with people through his video programme titled ‘Aathavanitle Baba’ which is spread over in parts. He has uploaded this video on youtube . In a short time he has received good response from people , who feel that it is the biggest tribute from a son to his father. Through this video Varad has described the early life of his father and his entry into this field. He has dedicated one full part talking about his father’s successful play ‘Moruchi Mavshi’ which created a record of presenting 500 shows in 500 days.
Varad also explains how his father was benefited with the experience he gained while working with some top artistes of his time, including legendary Dada Kondke and others. Certainly a worth watch, as Varad has made it interesting by narrating some humour filled happenings during the stage shows of his father and by adding old photos and documents from his collection.
Varad Chavan impresses as Police Inspector in ‘Jeevalaga’
Till recently, the ongoing Marathi serial ‘Jeevalaga’ on Star Pravah was centred around four lead characters played by Swapnil Joshi, Amruta Khanvilkar, Siddharth Chandekar, Madhura Deshpande and few character artistes around them. But, with the new twist in this serial and with the entry of Police Inspector played by Varad Chavan there are many interesting happenings taking place in this serial. However, it is Varad Chavan with his new image as a police inspector has been inviting all the attention, with his particular style of dialect which also invites some humour into this serial.
Having performed variety of roles in many TV serials and Marathi films, Varad established his own identity as an actor through his characters played in ‘Ajuni Chand raat Aahe’, ‘Mangalsutra’, ‘Asmita’, ‘Devyani‘, ‘Madhu Ithe Chara Tithe’, ‘Ek Taas Bhutacha’ & ‘Runji’ serials. He also impressed through his important roles in Marathi films like ‘Kho Kho’, ‘On Duty 24 taas’, ‘Tujhi Majhi Love Story’, ‘Shrimant Damodar Pant’ and so on.
Varad is now following the footsteps of his father late Vijay Chavan a legend of Marathi entertainment industry. During the past few years, he has also gained a lot of experience, to prove his skills.Last time when we met him, he had said that was more keen on playing an angry young man action hero and with this role of Police Inspector, this 6ft + tall smart and handsome actor has certainly been receiving not only good response from his admirers but is also likely to receive better offers from the TV and serial film makers . But, this present role of Police Inspector in ‘Jeevalaga’ will surely take him a long way to attain more and more success in his acting career.
Renowned Marathi stage and film actor Vijay Chavan no more
Renowned Marathi actor known for his comedy roles in Marathi plays and films, is no more. He was 63. He is survived by his wife and son Varad who is also an actor. Vijay Chavan breathed his last today morning at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, where he was admitted few days ago . He was suffering from ailment for the past few years. Very recently, he was conferred with the prestigious State award for Lifetime Achievement at the Maharashtra State Marathi film awards, at the hands of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Devendra Fadnavis and in presence of State Cultural Minister Mr. Vinod Tawde. On this occasion, he was brought on a wheel chair by his son Varad. But, even in that condition he gave an inspiring speech indicating his willingness to perform more and more roles.
Mr. Chavan had performed in about 350 films, which also included few Hindi films. Most of his roles were comedy roles and what was good about him was that he established his own identity even in presence of top comedians during late 80s and 90s when he won several awards for his performance. Best thing about him was that he continued to perform in films in spite of his illness, inspiring his fans with a message that ‘the show must go on‘. Vijay Chavan will always be remembered for his superb performance in the hit Marathi play ‘Moruchi Maushi‘ which staged 400 shows. With his passing away, Marathi film industry has lost a very good actor, but he will always be remembered for his variety of roles.
Many veteran artistes like Mahesh Kothare, Ramesh Bhatkar, Sanjay Narvekar who were present for his funeral, paid tributes to their departed friend. Incidentally, Vijay’s son Varad has also established his identity as an actor in Marathi TV serials and films. And, we are sure he will carry forward the legacy of his father.
‘तुमचं आमचं सेम नसतं’ विनोदी नाटक १५ मार्चला रंगभूमीवर
‘यश क्रिएशन’ आणि ‘परीस प्रॉडक्शन’ निर्मित ‘तुमचं आमचं सेम नसतं’ या नव्याकोऱ्या विनोदी नाटकाची निर्मिती सौ. अर्चना निलेश चव्हाण आणि के.प्रतिमा करीत असून दिग्दर्शन नितीन कांबळे करताहेत. प्रेक्षकांचे दिलखुलास मनोरंजन करण्याच्या उद्देशाने निर्मित ‘तुमचं आमचं सेम नसतं’ या नाटकातून हरहुन्नरी विनोदी अभिनेते विजय चव्हाण यांचा मुलगा वरद चव्हाण हा रंगभूमीवर पदार्पण करतोय.
प्रेम म्हणजे प्रेम असतं… तुमचं आमचं सेम असतं.. अस कितीही म्हटलं तरी बऱ्याचदा ते तसं कधीच नसतं.. हे सांगणारं ‘तुमचं आमचं सेम नसतं’ ह्याचे लेखन सुद्धा नितीन कांबळे यांचेच आहे, संगीत व पार्श्वसंगीताची साथ तृप्ती चव्हाण यांनी दिली असून गायक साईराम अय्यर, तृप्ती चव्हाण, करण यांनी ती गायली आहेत.
वरद चव्हाण बरोबर सिद्धार्थ पगारे, गौरी जोगळेकर, नितीन कुर्लेकर, कविता मगरे, आदित्य भालेराव, अभिजीत दुलगज आदि कलाकारांचा हयात समावेश आहे.
या नाटकाचा शुभारंभाचा प्रयोग बुधवार १५ मार्चला सायं. ४:३० वा. विष्णुदास भावे नाट्यगृहात रंगणार आहे.
“Acting is all about hard work”- Varad Chavan
Who says that Marathi film industry is short of heroes with a good personality? Here comes young Varad Chavan, son of veteran Marathi actor Vijay Chavan. Varad, who has been blessed with a good height and a perfect physique required by an actor, is more keen on doing angry young man roles and doesn’t seem to be that interested in comedy roles done by his father over the years. Not very long ago, like any other Mumbai collegian, Varad too enjoyed dancing and worked hard to complete his graduation in computer science. He also gave his exams for NDA and Navy to make a serious career in it.
But, as they say, “Fortune knocks at every man’s door once in a life.’ Varad too had his chance to become an actor. He got his first opportunity to play lead in ‘Chaundrakala’ opposite Megha Ghadge. This was followed by ‘On Duty 24 Taas’ where he played a Villain and now you will see him in the second lead in forthcoming film ‘Premasaathi’ and then ‘Pakyabhai’ is to follow. Varad has also reached the home viewers through Mi Marathi’s ongoing TV serial ‘Mangalsutra’.
Varad Chavan
Looking at his body language and confidence, Varad certainly stands a better chance to find suitable roles as per his wish in days to come. In a chit chat with Marathi Movie World, he speaks about his new acting career.
Q: You have been watching plays and films since your childhood. When exactly you got attracted to this glamour world ?
A: It was sometime in 1994, as a child I was present in the theatre during the first show of the revival of the popular play ‘Moruchi Maushi’. Watching quietly from one corner of the stage my father’s entry and exit in that get up, I really got attracted to this acting profession.
Q: So, after that did you express your wish to your father?
A: No; In fact I focused on my studies, as I felt that being totally dependant on acting would not make me financially strong, in the days to come. By giving many competitive exams, I was almost getting ready to settle down with India’s defence wing. But, at that crucial time, I had to accept what was in my destiny.
Q: Now, how much do you enjoy working in this field ?
A: Yes, it is a great experience and I am enjoying every moment.
Q: What type of roles, you feel that you will be comfortable with ?
A: I am looking forward to play action hero, with an angry young man look.
Q: You are now occupied with films and also on TV with an ongoing serial. What is your advice to newcomers, who wish to take up acting as their career?
A: It is not that easy, as you visualize it. There is lot of hard work. Sometimes there is 14 hours of continuous work, where you are required to give your best all the time.