Asides

Ishaan Tambe
Interviews

Ishaan Tambe, Actor

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When you will see Ektaa Kapoor’s first Marathi film ‘TaryIshaan Tambeanche Bait’ you will notice a small boy playing the role of Sachin Khedekar’s son. Actually , the film centres around this important character of Omkaar , played by little Ishaan Tambe . Ishaan who lives in Parel, Mumbai, is studying in Balmohan Vidyamandir,Dadar, which is the new hub of budding child artistes. Obviously, he has been trained in the acting workshop of Ms. Vidya Patwardhan and Ishaan is proud to mention his mentor’s name to one and all.

“It is because of her recommendation that I was selected for this role of Omkar in ‘Taryanche Bait’ and I really enjoyed playing the son of an actor like Sachin Khedekar Sir, as I was always his great fan. I am grateful to Vidya Madam.” he says proudly. Ishaan was also all praise for the director Kiran Yadnyopavit and actor Sachin Khedekar , who made him feel comfortable during the shooting. “It was more of a fun than shooting, as all of us behaved like real family members.” he adds.

It was surprising to learn from him that he had not met his producer Ektaa Kapoor till the time of the press show of this film, but expressed his desire to meet her soon. Slightly shy but talented Ishaan grabbed the attention of many guests in the huge lobby of Cinemax theatre after the press show of this film. Prior to his debut in this film, Ishaan played the little Dinu in the popular TV serial ‘Asambhav’ and also played a role in another popular serial ‘Shubham Karoti’. Watching his natural performance in ‘Taryanche Bait’, it becomes evident that he has a bright future.

Ketaki Mategaonkar
Interviews

“I am all excited about my film’s release” – Ketaki

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Ketaki Mategaonkar the 12th standard student, who few years ago entertained the audience with her magical voice on Zee TV’s popular musical show, is now playing a lead role of a perfect school going 9th standard teenager in Sujay Dahake’s much awaited Marathi film ‘Shala’( School), which is all set to release on 20th January 2012 all over Maharashtra.

Ketaki MategaonkarKetaki was lucky enough to be spotted by Film maker Sujay Dahake to play the lead role in his film ‘Shala’. The film was shot during the year 2010-11, when Ketaki was in 11th standard. It was all set to release last year around Ganapti festival time, but couldn’t find a distributor. But when film maker Mahesh Manjrekar saw this film, he was highly impressed with the subject. He also liked the performances of the children. He is now releasing this film under his banner ‘The Great Maratha Entertainment’. The screenplay of this film has been adapted from the best selling novel of the same name , by reputed Marathi novelist Milind Bokil.

The novel looks at the passionate love in its purest and elementary form, in school, i.e. the form of the first love. The movie is an attempt to bring the very essence of pure, unrequited love that the character Joshi a 9th standard schoolboy feels for his classmate, Shirodkar. Ketaki plays this character of Shirodkar and looks very confident in that role. Even before its official release the film has already been shown at various festivals like MIFTA at London, where it was premiered, then at the 10th Asian Film festival, Mumbai, the 7th Asian Film Festival, Pune & Kolhapur and at Leicester Square, Prince Charles Theatre. It has also been screened at NCPA’s Marathi Film Festival- Nave Valan and has received a good response.

Ketaki was present recently during the press conference of this film at Ravindra Natya Mandir, to announce the date of film’s release, when she spoke to MarathiMovieWorld.com about her experience in film. “I began my career as a singer, but when this acting assignment came to me, I became more serious about acting. We had to undergo a workshop on acting, where myself and other children were explained about our behaviour with each other during shooting. Today, we children talk to each other very freely. But, it was different situation 35 years ago, the actual period shown in this film. Hence we all had to pose ourselves very shy, while interacting with each other. Especially, when I faced the camera in scenes opposite my co star Anshuman Joshi. There were many good things we learned from our Cinematographer Diego Romero and it was a good experience.” said Ketaki.

Speaking about managing her shooting schedules besides her studies, Ketaki said that “The shootings of this film took place as per our convenience, in few spells and it was like being with our own family. Sujayda, our director was perfect in his work and I learned so many good things from him. I am really thankful to him for selecting me for this role.” She added. Smart and confident looking Ketaki faced the media with poise. Now, Ketaki is all excited to see how people respond to this film. “Please come and see this film in theatre.” was her appeal.

Ashwini Shende, Lyrics, Writer
Interviews

“Every song has its own identity”- Ashwini Shende

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After hearing those mesmerizing title songs of the Marathi serials ‘Kalat Nakalat’, ‘Anubandh’, ‘Kulvadhu’ and ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’, one always thought of the lyricist for writing those meaningful words. Obviously, Ashwini Shende who penned those lyrics, gets the credit for making these songs so popular. Some people even downloaded them as caller tunes on their cell phones. Ashwini, however attributes the credit to her parents Chandrashekhar & Medha Shende, who encouraged her towards reading and music during her school days.

Ashwini Shende, Lyrics, WriterHaving studied from Borivali’s Suvidyalaya and Parle’s Sathe College, Ashwini does not forget her teachers, who according to her paid more attention on her artistic talent rather than the percentage of marks scored in the exams. Being passionate about reading, Ashwini could compile her own set of words for incorporating them into meaningful lyrics suited to different situations. For the past three years she has bagged the Best lyricist award from Zee Marathi, making a hat-trick. Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Ashwini to know more about her field of interest.

Ashwini Shende
Q: Why did you choose this profession and whether this is your full time profession ?
A: Writing is not only my profession but my passion. Without writing ,be it a song, dialogues or any other matter; I just cannot sit quiet. More important is what I am writing rather than for which production house I am writing. Before entering this profession, I used to write poems. In fact, for 3-4 years I worked as a Journalist for ‘Indian Express’ and ‘Loksatta’. When I wrote the dialogues and lyrics for TV serial ‘Kalat Nakalat’ my passion for such writing turned into a profession.

Q: Many of your songs penned for films and TV serials have become very popular. How do you feel about it ?
A: Feeling nice about it. Actually, what I visualize, I try to put it in simple words. The more
simpler are the words, better the chances of the song becoming popular. I avoid using the typical Marathi language used during olden days. When I get the feedback from people that it is because of the simple language, they could understand the song well, I consider it as an achievement.

Q: Which was the first song penned by you ?
A: My first song was for Vaishali Samant’s album on devotional songs but I wrote my first song ‘Abhaas ha..’ for the film ‘Yanda kartavya Aahe’.

Q: How do you look at this Marathi Film Industry? Is there enough scope for a lyricist like you ?
A: Marathi film industry is progressing these days with good quality films being produced. Even music has its own place here. As a lyricist, I have gained a lot from this industry. Besides writing, I never thought of doing anything else here. What Mr. Gulzar has achieved in film industry, I would like to be something close to that, if not to that level. And I am sure Marathi film industry would offer me that scope.

Q: What is your personal opinion on ‘there cannot be a film without songs’ ?
A: Poems, songs are the medium of expressing your emotions through words. I don’t think that to make a film popular, you need to have songs in it. If you look at the sad song in ‘Iraada Pakka’ and Khel Mandala in ‘Natarang’, you will notice that the story moves ahead through these songs. The wordings in it has the power to turn the audience emotional. I would love to write such lyrics. I am of the opinion that there should be songs in a film only with the demand of the situation. Take for example a film like ‘Shwaas’, which turned out to be a very good film, without songs.

Q: Is there any interference, after your song is finalized?
A: Once the song goes to the Music director, our authority ends. Now, if some of the words do not fit into the beats, the changes are required and those changes could be of a word or one line also. But, every song has its own identity and it should reach the audience is only our concern.

Q: Tell us something about a memorable moment in your life.
A: When I sit for writing and then complete the same, every moment spent during that period is memorable for me. Even if I have done title songs for 10 serials, the one for 11th serial is given the same importance, as if it was my first song. The force with which I deliver it, it should reach with the same force to the audience.

Q: Till now, for how many films and Tv serials you have written the lyrics?
A: May be title songs for 30-35 serials and 15-20 songs for films.

Q: What are your future projects?
A: I am writing songs for films ‘Partner’ and ‘Manya the Wonder Boy’, which are important project for me. Besides that I am busy writing title songs for few more serials. Some albums are there in the pipeline. I am also writing songs for Chandrakant Kulkarni’s drama ‘Ashi hi 20-30′ which is something new for me.

Atisha Naik, Supriya Pathare, Actress
Interviews

Atisha and Supriya – The bad women on small screen, with good heart

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Atisha Naik and Supriya Pathare are known faces on small screen for their negative roles. One doesn’t know, how many housewives totally engrossed in their serials must be cursing them; but, in real life, both of them are fun loving and cheerful women. Marathi Movie world, spoke to both of them simultaneously, a little before an award function in Mumbai, recently. At present, both of them are performing together in an old revived Marathi stage play ‘Varyavarchi Varaat’ and hence were seen together, in a jovial mood sharing their experiences.

Atisha Naik, Supriya Pathare, ActressAtisha Naik, Supriya Pathare Atisha has been in the field of acting since she was 8 years old, when she made her debut in a Marathi play ‘Good Bye Doctor’ as a child artiste. Later, she performed on stage and made her film debut with Mahesh Manjrekar’s Hindi film ‘Pran Jaye Par Vachan na Jaye’. Recently, we saw her playing an important role of a lady Sarpanch, in national award winning film ‘Deool’. With her acting skills and perfect body language, Atisha did invite attention of the audience.

At present, Atisha is also performing in one more Marathi play ‘Suryachi Pilley’; but her role as a cunning Mother in law in Marathi TV serial ‘Pudhcha Paul’, has exploited her potential. Now, instead of being typecast, Atisha is playing an important role in Amol Palekar’s forthcoming humour filled film, ‘We are on, Aata Houn Jaoo De.’ Atisha refuses to speak much about her role and film’s theme, as she wants to maintain the secrecy about it. “But, it’s a kind of role, that I really enjoyed playing,” she said.

For Supriya Pathare, it has been a struggle to reach the position, she has attained now. Sixteen years ago, she used to perform dramas on stage along with her group, during the Ganapati festivals in Mumbai, till she joined Vaman Kendre’s group and performed in ‘Teen Paishacha tamasha’. Born and brought up in Mumbai, she then lived in Dongri area of Mumbai. Those days, she even joined dance classes, to enable her to present her part well. ‘Darling Darling’ was her first commercial play. Being the sister of Ms. Anjali Nevrekar, of Sanskruti Kaladarpan Group, enabled her to begin her acting career professionally.

Her debut TV serial was ‘Kulvadhu’ in which she played a negative role of a selfish step mother, followed by negative roles in serials like ‘Mann Udhaan Varyache’ & ‘Pinjara’. These performances brought her into limelight; but, it was her performance in Zee Marathi’s reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ brought her name and fame. No wonder, she was offered a cameo in recently released film ‘No Entry Pudhe dhoka aahe’.

“On many occasions in the past chapters of ‘Fu Bai Fu’’ I was rejected. They really had a doubt, whether an actress like me, who was typecast in negative roles, would be able to deliver comedy scenes? But, when finally I got a chance, I proved that I could create laughter. Whatever recognition I have received today, is all because of ‘Fu Bai Fu’.” she concluded.

Sharad Ponkshe
Interviews

Biggest award is ‘appreciation from audience’ – Sharad Ponkshe

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He is always in a Jovial mood and very supportive on the sets; whether he is shooting for a film or a serial. Sharad Ponkshe who began his acting career as a stage artiste with one act plays while he was studying in Abhinav Kala Mandir school in Bhayender off Mumbai , was very serious about this profession. But, those days acting was not seen as a well paying profession. One needed a job to support self and family. So, like many others, after finishing his 12th followed by a three year specialized Government diploma, he took up a job with BEST. As an employee of BEST, he participated in various competitions and did his first professional play ‘Varun Sagle Sarkhe’ in the year 1989.

Sharad PonksheFor a totally committed actor like Sharad, it was just not possible to stick on to only stage and hence in 1988 he made his debut in a Marathi film ‘De Taali’ while he was a little known actor. He got his first major break in a TV serial through Adhikari Brothers ‘Damini’ in 1997, where he played a Journalist- Uday Karkhanis. This serial was a super hit and went on for 8 years with a record run. It was during this period that Sharad Ponkshe received another big offer to play lead in a Marathi play ‘Mee Nahturam Godse Boltoy’. The launching of this play turned out to be the most memorable moment in his life, as it literally changed his life. He still remembers the date of launch i.e 10th July 1998.

Sharad, who was then used to be on leave without pay in his office, finally decided to quit his job in the year 2000. The journey of a successful actor had begun with the popularity of ‘Nathuram Godse Boltoy’. Sharad was later signed to play the role of a Journalist again; this time a shrewd and cunning Mr. Khandagale in another popular serial ‘Vaadalwaat’.

So effective was his performance as Devram Khandagle, that for three consecutive years he bagged the Zee Puraskar for the best villain, while playing the same role. Isn’t that a biggest hat-trick scored by an actor? It’s surprising that the same actor with another outstanding performance in ‘Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy’ is yet to receive an award.

Neha Gadre, Actress
Interviews

“I intend to continue my studies besides acting”- Neha Gadre

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For a long time now, we have been watching this simple and ideal character of Gauri in popular Marathi serial ‘Mann Udhaan Varyache’ on Star Pravah. Facing every problem in her life with a challenge, she has now turned out to be a role model for every young girl, whether living in villages or towns. Marathi Movie world spoke to Neha Gadre, who plays Gauri, to know more about her acting career.

Neha Gadre, ActressQ: How was life, before entering this acting field ?
A: I am originally from Pune and spent my childhood here. Having completed my schooling from Muktangan, I joined Fergusson College and presently I am doing my final year BA. Since my 8th standard I was associated with German language and hence made up my mind to do my graduation with this language as my specialized subject. I even completed my Diploma in German language.

Q: Then, how Neha turned Gauri ?
A: I had prepared my Portfolio, which was in western style. When Mahesh Kothare saw these photographs, he invited me for audition. That’s how Neha turned Gauri. Today, I still have a doubt, how he selected me for Gauri’s role, on the basis of those photos with western look?

Q: How do you compare Neha with Gauri ?
A: First let me tell you where they resemble each other. Neha is equally sensitive and emotional like Gauri. Both love the family bonding to preserve the relationship. But, abot other things, both are opposite. e.g.. Neha hasn’t been brought up in a village. She is a city girl. Gauri carries with her traditional deep rooted village culture along with her and is very patient. On the other hand Neha has a limit for patience. Gauri does not teach a lesson to anyone, when she suffers, but if it was real Neha playing that role, she would have certainly challenged Nirja face to face, creating more fun to watch.

Q. While portraying Gauri, what you consider most important ?
A: Gauri is basically from a village, who has moved to a city. She has started adjusting herself to this new life. But, her looks, behaviour, body language and hair style etc. remains the same. That’s how you differentiate her from other city girls. All these things I had to keep in mind, while I studied her character. Now, in certain respect, Neha has become Gauri.

Q: What you have to say about the senior artistes from this serial ?
A: They are all nice people. In fact, our unit is the best. There is not much age difference among the artistes and therefore, we make a very good team. Even with Varsha Usgaonkar there is good tuning. When we are new to the unit, you always have that fear as to how others would react. But, now we are all together in the second year of this serial and therefore we now spend even our holidays together.

Q: How do you manage your studies besides acting ?
A: Last year, while I was doing my 2nd year BA, there wasn’t much tension about the studies. But, this year being final year and that too with University exam, the tension is slowly building up. Next month, I intend to take two months off from acting, to prepare for my exams.

Q: After acquiring your degree, what do you intend to do? Focus on acting or further studies ?
A: I shall continue with both simultaneously. In acting career, there are always ups and downs and therefore acquiring more knowledge would be an asset.

Sanjay Narvekar
Interviews

Sanjay Narvekar, Actor

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Sanjay Narvekar is one such actor who fits into any role with his spontaneity, at any given situation, be it stage or in front of the camera. This versatile actor has already proved his ability as a solo hero and also in supporting roles with the same enthusiasm and vigor. Sanjay’s forthcoming film ‘Mohaan Aawatey’ has invited the attention of one and all, for his author backed role in the film. Here, he speaks about his role, in a chit chat with MMW.

Sanjay NarvekarQ: When you signed this film ‘Mohaan Aawatey’, were you impressed with the story or your role ?
A: I accepted the role, because the script of this film is based on a real life story. It’s how an ordinary person, who is not even educated, advances step by step with his progress in life to reach his ultimate goal, merely with self confidence and hard work. His struggle in life, impressed me. Moreover, all the co-artistes in film were best. In fact, I found it a perfect project.

Q: Will ‘Mohaan Aawatey’ bring a new change in your life ?
A: For an artiste like me, every role is like a debut. Every time, it gives us a chance to improve further. Therefore, even this role is likely to bring some change in me.

Q: In this film, you are playing a central character. What do you have to say about that?
A: Yes, I am playing a central character. But, this role is about a boy, who comes from a very poor background that too having lived in a village during his childhood. He comes to Mumbai, leaving his school studies halfway. His real journey begins only after his arrival in Mumbai. But, it is because of the other characters around him that the central character gets importance.

Q: Can we call it a ‘One man show’ ?
A: No, not at all. No film can be called a ‘One man show’. Even if, one person is a writer, director and actor; there are others too, who make this production complete. To say about this film, it belongs to everyone, right from the Spot-boy to the Distributor. Only because, the film’s name is ‘Mohaan Aawatey’ and that I am performing that title role, does not mean that the credit should go to me.

Subhash Kale
Interviews

True man’s true story, says Subhash Kale

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Subhash Kale is not a new name to Marathi film industry. After working as assistant director for Hindi and Punjabi films, he made his debut as a director into Marathi with ‘Mumbaicha Shahane’ in 2008. His much awaited film ‘Mohaan Aawatey’ (True Man’s true story) is all set to release shortly. Here he is in chat- chat with Marathi Movie world.

Here he is in chat- chat with Marathi Movie world.
Subhash Kale
Q: Why have you titled the name of this new film of yours with a person’s name?
A: This film is based on a story of a person called ‘Mohaan Aawatey’. We have tried to cover his entire life journey, revolving around different happenings in his life. Since this is in particular, a character oriented film, we thought it fit to title the film with his name.

Q: Oh, that means this is a biography of a person called Mohaan Aawatey ?
A: In fact, this is not a fiction. The tagline of this film already indicates ‘True man’s true story’; which means that it is based on a real story. Therefore, it cannot be called a biography.

Q: How did you manage the budget of this film ?
A: The producer of this film has been working as a music director for the past 12 years. He insisted on shooting at particular locations for more perfection. Therefore, the outdoor shoots went on increasing and hence the budget too went on a rise. But, that did not matter. He was always supportive to bear that extra cost. He spent more on song picturisations and also paid attention on background music more.

Q: What do you have to convey through this film ?
A: Every person has to begin somewhere. When a young man comes from a village to a city, he has to face hardships but how he overcomes all the hurdles and finally achieves what he aspires for, is all that I have tried to say through this film.

Q: Why only Sanjay Narvekar to play this title role ?
A: We had two options initially. The first was Sanjay Narvekar, who was already there in our mind and the other was Upendra Limaye. But, Upendra’s dates were not available. When we contacted Sanjay, he showed his willingness by making this dates available. With his acceptance, we felt relieved; as he is such a natural and realistic actor.

Q: This film can categorized in which form, action or story oriented ?
A: The film does have a strong story line and also contains action. So, it is not possible to categorise into one particular form.

Q: How do you rate your film’s chances at the box office ?
A: Our only wish is that this film should reach to all classes of Marathi audience. We haven’t spent much on publicity, as we believe that the ‘word of mouth’ publicity would do wonders for the film’s success.

Siya Patil, Actress
Interviews

Destiny brought me into films – Siya Patil

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Someone has rightly said, “I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.” In the case of Siya Patil, she was a National level Volleyball player and a State level Basketball player. Yet she wanted to become a Police Inspector, but finally landed in this tinsel world of Marathi films. Daughter of a farmer, Siya comes from Rajewadi, a place from Sangli district, which also happens to be the place of late G. D. Madgulkar, popular Marathi poet and writer.

Siya Patil, ActressShe completed her school and college education in Pune and after doing her Masters in Commerce, while she was doing her Diploma in Computers from Cummins, she was spotted by Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, who at that time watched one of her dance performances. Dr. Lagoo not only appreciated her skills but also advised her to join films, as he found her eyes very expressive. At that time, Siya had just kept that thought in her mind, as she was very much concerned about getting a job those days, to support her family, which was in distress. She even worked part-time at a Petrol Pump in Pune and worked as a faculty at a Computer Institute. She was very keen on becoming a Police Inspector and had even passed two tests after giving MPSC exam.

But, as they say, destiny had something else to offer this talented girl. Today, we see her in Marathi films and also in one of the ongoing serials on television. Marathi Movie world had a chit chat with Siya, to know more about her struggle and her present career.

Q: How come a girl with gifted sports talent, landed in Marathi film industry?
A: It’s all destiny. When I played Basketball and Volleyball at the State and National level about 8 years ago, there wasn’t much scope to gain financially. I belonged to a farmer’s family and therefore had to study hard and find a job first, to support my family. We were really going through hard times. So, I appeared for MPSC exams only to become a Police Inspector. I was very good in dancing, but never knew that one day I would be able to enter this profession. But, again, meeting the right people at the right time, to enter this industry.

Q: How it happened ?
A: I received an offer from Mr. Yashwant Bhalkar for his film ‘Ghe Bharari’ and then
the journey began with ‘Navra Avali Bayko Lovely’ to follow.

Q: How many projects you have in hand now ?
A: Presently, I am doing a TV serial ‘Waras’ and have completed films like ‘Pakyabhai’, ‘Dhoom To Dhamaal’, ‘Four Idiots’ and ‘Mohaan Aawatey’ which is due for release shortly.

Q: What is so special about Mohaan Aawatey ?
A: In this film, I am playing Gauri – a flower vendor, who is loved by the leading man. It’s basically a Male oriented film, but I have three songs in it with about 15-16 scenes sufficient enough to give my best. And, I am happy with it.

Q: Would you be interested to play a character based on sports ?
A: Yes, why not? In fact, that will help me a lot to explore my potential. I have done this kind of role in ‘Chal Dharpakad’, but it was limited to a kabaddi match though I played a doctor.

Q: You are also a popular Model. Which are the brands you have worked for ?
A: I started with WIPRO and then performed for a Leather Range show. Then I was a model for a Saree brand besides few other products including Alfa Gas water heater.

Nilesh Moharir
Interviews

Imagination is the key – Nilesh Mohrir

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Almost 21 title songs of popular serials, 14 non film music albums and music for 7 movies. What more one could have asked for ask for from a young music composer Nilesh Mohrir ? This youngster has not only received prestigious awards in a short span but has also been felicitated with some big honours like Anil mohile Purskar, Yuwa Gaurav Purskar, Kala Gaurav, Manavata Gaurav and many others in appreciation of his music.

Nilesh MoharirWhile doing his graduation in Music and Sound recording from Mumbai University, Nilesh had the privilege of learning the basics from Anil Mohile and Achyuta Thakur. Then, he brought out many private albums with reputed companies like Times, Fountain, Sagarika and Krunal. Besides that he also worked as Music arranger. However, he got a boost to his career when he got an opportunity to provide title song to Zee Marathi’s ‘Kalat Nakalat’. And, that’s how Nilesh became a popular name in every Maharashtrian house.

There was no stopping for him after that as serial makers lined up at his place. For the past five years he has been providing quality music and title songs for every serial he has done. Looking at his film journey, how can we forget that beautiful composition rendered by Rahul Vaidya and Vaishali in ‘Yanda Kartavya Aahe’? His recently released film ‘Manya-The Wonder Boy’, also speaks about his hard work and dedication, while offering relevant tunes required for the purpose. Especially, his background score in this film invites

MMW had a chit chat with Nilesh to know more about his achievements and his future plans.

Q: How did you land into this field and whether it was your own decision to take up this career?
A: To tell the truth, till my college days, I wasn’t sure whether I would be seriously taking up this as my career. During that period, I used to listen to music and even performed as a singer. But, during 1994-95 when I heard songs composed by A.R. Rehman for the film ‘Bombay’, I was inspired and also thought that one day I should also be able to produce such a kind of music. Since then, I stated believing Rehman as my guru and focused on all such requirements to study music in detail.

Q: Oh! That means he is your ideal ?
A: Yes.

Q: Now we find so many new music directors mixing up Western Music with Hip-rock and South pattern and fitting into it the Marathi lyrics. Don’t you think so ?
A: (Smiles) True. In some cases it does happen. But, if you ask my personal opinion, I would say that between experiment and imagination, it’s imagination that is important. If you don’t imagine and keep working within the four walls, then many a times you fail with your experiments and I would not like to be a part of it. Whenever I compose music, I ensure that when a western or non-marathi genre is used, the suitable matching lyrics are to be incorporated to meet the requirement.

Q: But, for the past 5-6 years we have been observing that all these new songs are based on South film songs or English pop.
A: Actually, if it is based on South style, it is okay as it has our own regional base. But, if the songs are composed using those foreign instruments, then it misses the Marathi essence. For such compositions, care is to be taken that the sound of instruments should not cover up the singer’s voice. In short, the song should convey the sentiments through words effectively.

Q: In the past, we have seen the Music directors getting the name and fame. But, now days, though people remember the songs of new music directors, they tend to forget their names. Don’t you think so ?
A: Exactly. This is a very big topic of discussion. There are many reasons, but basically the condition of music directors is almost the same as that of Marathi Cinema. In spite of availability of so many mediums, Marathi songs are not reaching to the people. In the past Akashwani used to be the best option open to play Marathi songs, which were heard in full length. But, today we see the dominance of Hindi on all radio channels, where even an average song is played repeatedly to make it popular. For Marathi songs, there is no such option. Many of my best compositions therefore haven’t reached people. Those who know me, is only because of my title songs for Marathi serials, as I have managed to reach their homes

Q: The present generation is Net savvy . Like Mobiles and television, the internet has become a part of their life. Then, why you are not using this medium for promotion of music?
A: Right, today because of internet so many good things are happening. Like me, there are many other newcomers who are making best use of internet. But, to make Marathi music popular among them, it will certainly take some more time.

Q: Which is your favourite song composed till now ?
A: To be frank, my latest song ‘Nur ada, Nur ada’ in the film ‘Manya-The Wonder Boy’ is my favourite composition. Even my media friends have appreciated it and I have been receiving compliments from well wishers for the same

Q: After ‘Manya’ what’s more in films? Are we expecting some more title songs?
A: I have composed music for three more Marathi films namely: ‘Partner’ , ‘Platform’ and ‘Nirruttar’. Among them ‘Partner’ is based on Va Pu Kale’s novel. ‘Platform’ has already been acclaimed at film festivals. For 2-3 forthcoming TV serials, I am composing title songs.

Q: Great! We are all eager to see your compositions filled with melody.
A: Thanks.