For the past ten years, kavita has been associated with a marathon serial ‘Char divas Sasuche’ on E-tv. In the recent past, she also hosted a popular reality show ‘Jodi Jamali Re’ on Star Pravah, besides presenting a popular cookery show ‘Mejwani’. Recently, Kavita also made her presence felt through films like ‘Sukhaant’ , ‘Anolkhi Hey Ghar Majhe’ and a suspense serial ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat’. At present, she plays the mother of little Yamuna alias Ramabai in the period serial ‘Unch Majha Jhoka’ based on the life of social reformer Mahadeo Govind Ranade who marries little Yamuna.
Marathi Movie World spoke to kavita Lad Medhekar, to know more about her present activities and past projects. And the versatile actress known for her good PR, immediately found time to speak to us. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Having worked with so many great personalities from Marathi entertainment industry, how do you look at those Golden moments, at the beginning of your career ?
A: I have been actively associated with acting since my college days. It was a passion that drove me to this field. I began with stage plays and got my first professional assignment through ‘Sundar Mee Honar’ Luckily for me, I found all good people to encourage me and help me find suitable roles. Working with people like Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, Dr. Girish Oak, Mr. Purushottam Berde, Vandana Gupte, Prashant Damle was a great experience. I could learn so many things from them. From Dr. Lagoo, I learned punctuality. He always used to be ready before the second bell of the drama. Prashant Damle with whom I did about 1700- 1800 shows, influenced me with his versatility. It is very difficult to name all, but whoever I worked with, had something special in them.
Q: Your TV serial ‘Char Divas Sasuche’ has completed 10 years. How do you react to this success? Have you come across anyone, who has been a great admirer of this serial ?
A: Yes, it’s a great achievement. Working on the sets of this serial, has been almost like meeting people from my extended family. I have noticed the same kind of enthusiasm on the face of Ms. Rohini Hattangadi, as I had seen at the beginning of this serial. Being a senior and most experienced actress, she certainly inspires all of us. Now, as regards popularity of the serial, unfortunately no one known to me has complimented for the success of this serial; but when I visited the district places like Kolhapur and Satara, I came across the regular viewers of this serial, who complimented me personally. This indicated that people from district places in Maharashtra are more fond of this serial.
Q: Today, we find a big change coming in Marathi films, with new subjects. Since, you have been in this industry for past so many years, how do you view this change?
A: I am really happy to note this change and also proud to be part of this industry. I am highly impressed by the subjects handled in films like ‘Shala’ and ‘Deool’. I only wish that I were part of these films.
Q: You have already had to your share films like ‘Sukhant’ and ‘Anolkhi Hey Ghar Majhe’ in the recent past. How do you react to your performance ?
A: I would say that performance wise, in ‘Anolkhi Hey Ghar Majhe’ I had a better role. I was told about the script, which was a remake of Bollywood film ‘Sansaar’; but, since it was closely connected to our Maharashtrian culture and family values, I enjoyed doing that most important character in the film, who plays a key role to bring the joint family together.
Q: You also presented a cookery show and anchored a reality show ‘Jodi Jamli Re’. How was that experience? Were you able to match any pairs?
A: Both the shows were presented by me, as I enjoyed playing the host. It’s a great pleasure, learning new dishes. As regards the match making show, we succeeded in matching two pairs . You can call it the success of this programme.
Q: Do you yourself believe in such arranged marriages with horoscope matching ?
A: No, not really!
Q.: So, you are of the opinion that in love marriages, one need not see horoscopes ?
A: Yes, I agree.
Q: You have also played the character of Revati a middle aged woman in the suspense serial ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat’, where her characteristics and past history matches with the horoscope of a young college going girl . Did you yourself, believed in such happenings?
A: No, not at all. I only looked at the script as a fiction.
Q.: Today, we find you playing little Yamuna alias Rama’s mother in the serial ‘Unch majha Jhoka’. But, you were not seen during her marriage scene. What was the reason?
A: This was as per the script. The mother didn’t attend the marriage of her daughter. She meets her daughter later. There was no other reason for my absence. In fact, I was told about it earlier, when I was signed to play for first 50 episodes.
Q: Whom you would like to thank for helping you in your career?
A: There is not one person, who helped me or encouraged me. All those with whom I worked, have been good to me and encouraged me from time to time. I have already mentioned about them. Now, I take this opportunity to thank them all.
If one has to know about her very recent role, it was in ‘The Dirty Picture’ where she played the mother of Vidya Balan. More than her role, Neha is all excited about her selection for this role. “Milan Luthria was seriously in search of a woman who would fit into that role. He had called for photographs from different model coordinators. I received a call for audition, when I was given the dialogues , I confidently gave the test and got selected. It was an achievement for me, as it was a big banner film.” says Neha.