Asides

Smita Shewale
Interviews

“Dancing is my passion but acting is my profession” – Smita Shewale

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She made her confident looking entry into Marathi films through Kedar Shinde’s film ‘Yanda Kartavya Aahe’. Like all time greats Shanta Shelke and Mrunal Kulkarni, she too is an alumni of Pune’s famous Huzurpapga School. Bright and talented Smita Shewale has never missed a single opportunity since her childhood, when it came to competition, be it Dance Competition, College gathering or New Comer’s party; she always used to be around. It was only surprising, how she couldn’t get a call from Zee Marathi’s programme Ekapeksha Ek Apasaras. She was certainly a better choice. Were her dancing talents not known to the organizers?

Smita ShewaleAnyway, in the days to come, her dancing talents will surely be noticed, as she is certainly one of those sincere and hard working actresses in Marathi entertainment industry. Marathi Movie world spoke to this talented star, to know more about her passion and profession.

Q: How you got your first break through ‘Yanda Kartavya Aahe’ ?
A: One day, I had gone to see a play at Pune’s Sudarshan Manch. Over there, I sensed some confusion on the faces of those people whom I knew. In the meantime Shubhangi Damle approached me and inquired about my present activity. When I told her that I was performing dances, wherever, I was given an opportunity; she asked me to post her my photographs. I totally forgot about it, till I received 2-3 calls from her. This time, she suggested me that Kedar Shinde was looking for a girl, like me as he was doing a film on Rasika Joshi’s script. When I met Kedar Shinde, he immediately finalized me for swati role, without even taking my audition. It looked like that he had found his Swati in me.

Q: How many films and serials have you done so far?
A: My first film was ‘Yanda kartavya Aahe’ followed by ‘Manya Sajjana’, ‘Laadi Goadi’ and ‘Chal Lavkar’. For television, I have done ‘CharChaughi’ and presently doing ‘Shrimant Pehwa Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Mandala Don Ghadicha Daav’ which has recently been launched on Star Pravah.

Q: What type of role you are playing in ‘Mandala Don Ghadicha Daav’?
A: I am playing Anagha, who is a perfect role model of an ideal girl. She is different from others. A very matured girl, who knows how to handle every situation. However, her younger sister is exactly opposite to her. She is a pampered girl and has a different track of living life. It is Anagha, who always protects her, whenever she is in trouble. It’s a challenging role.

Q: After watching initial episodes of this serial, it only reminds us of Juhi Chawla’s film ‘Aaina’, Don’t you think so?
A: May be, you are right. I sacrifice a lot, just to make my sister happy. Sometimes, I go out of the way to protect her and in the process affect my own self. But, you need to see the forthcoming episodes, before arriving at any such conclusion.

Q: Sure, we will see your forthcoming episodes. But, are you planning to continue with serials ?
A: Presently, I am so much occupied with my work through serials that I get exhausted and there is hardly any time to plan future action. But, let me think about it.

Q: You are also passionate about dancing. Are you a dancing actress?
A: I have trained myself in Bharatanatyam for 12 long years and it is my passion. But, acting will always be my profession. Recently I also directed a classical ballet. Whenever I get a chance to display my both talents together, I shall consider it a privilege.

Adv Samrruddhi Porey
Interviews

Samrruddhi Porey – An Advocate and a film maker

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She is an advocate by profession , but film making is her passion. We have witnessed Doctors, Architects and Engineers turning into writers, actors and filmmakers; then why not an advocate make a film? Not long ago, Samrruddhi Porey wrote scripts on honour killing titled Palisades of Silence & Brrrr and registered them with Hollywood. Then, in India she registered one script ‘Apni Dil Ki Baat Suno’, which is in the process of production. But, for a long time, there was one such case that she came across, that created a deep impact on her mind. It was about the legal implication arising out of an agreement with a Surrogate mother, in case something unexpected happened.

Adv Samrruddhi PoreyIn India, Surrogate Mothers are doing a big business especially in villages, where they are exploited by the foreigners and the middle men, who take advantage of their poverty. Taking up one such sensitive tale of a Surrogate mother and the surrogate child, Samrruddhi made a film ‘Mala Aai Vhaychay’ ( I want to be a Mother), which is first of its kind in the world. And, the best thing is that it is a Marathi film. This film has already invited attention at about 8 film festivals, where it was released, inviting attention and bagging awards in various categories. ‘Mala Aai Vhaychay’ is now due for release all over Maharashtra on 11th February 2011. Marathi Movie world spoke to Sammruddhi Porey, the Writer- Producer-director of this film, to know more about her venture. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: What is so special about your film?
A: My film is based on a real life incident and it is the first film in the world on the subject of Surrogate Mother and child. Some people are well aware of this subject, but they are not aware of the legal implications. I have made all possible efforts to convey this message in a cinematic form, so that it reaches not only to the small villages in India, but even to smallest village anywhere in the world, where even an illiterate woman would be able to understand this subject. After all, ‘Mother‘ has an universal identity.

Q: You are an Advocate by profession. How did you manage to enter this area of film making?
A: It does not matter, which profession you belong to. If you have something very interesting to share with the people, that you yourself have experienced or seen happening in real life, then why can’t it be in a cinematic form ? I already had the passion for writing and I have already registered two of my scripts with Hollywood and one with Bollywood. This particular case of Surrogate mother and the child born
to her had a deep impact on my mind and I had decided to make a film. While playing my role as a legal consultant, I was already in touch with many Marathi film makers and even used to share with them some improvisation on scripts, during the course of film’s shooting. One day, I thought that I would be able to make my own film on this subject and it just happened.

Q: How are you going to distribute this film? Did you face any problems?
A: I was myself sure about the quality of my film and my target audience. Now, as far as distribution is concerned, I have to believe in what they feel is right. But, my film will surely be released in multiplexes and single screen theatres. In fact, I am also going to explore the possibility of reaching out to rural audience later on.

Hemangi Kavi Dhumal
Interviews

“Strength of the role and not length is important” – Hemangi Kavi

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Graduate from Mumbai’s J.J. School of Arts, Hemangi Kavi is a renowned artistic painter besides being a talented actress.  On stage, she began with ‘Shame to Shame’ and then did ‘Many Happy Returns’ while on television she started off with a serial on Saam TV and became a popular TV artiste with her serial ‘Maddam Sasu Dhaddam Sun’ on Mi Marathi in the recent past.

Hemangi Kavi DhumalHemangi’s role in the film ‘Dhudgus‘ bagged her the Best actress ‘Late V. Shantaram’ award from Zee Talkies in 2009. An actress with tremendous potential, Hemangi promises good performances in days to come. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actress. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Recently you were seen on television through reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ and comedy TV serial ‘Maddam Sasu ani Dhaddam Soon'( MSDS). How do you rate your success as a TV star ?
A: Now, both my shows are no more there, but I enjoyed working in both of them. In ‘Fu Bai Fu’ there was tremendous scope for variety and MSDS provided me a platform to entertain the audience through a comedy arising out of the Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relations. In Marathi, it worked very well.
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Q: But, don’t you think that you gained popularity faster through your TV appearance rather than being a talented film actress for the past few years?
A: Yes, it could be possible, as TV takes you to almost every Maharashtrian house. I have been doing films, but not all my films were super hit, to become very popular. When I performed in ‘Fu Bai Fu’ as one of the participants, we were provided with the script but given the liberty to perform in our own way using our creativity and that was perhaps more accepted by the audience.

Q: Yes, we liked your part where you and your partner Kushal Badrike played new born babies in the hospital. Wasn’t that a difficult task ?
A: Yes, it was difficult but we rehearsed well before presenting the same. And I really enjoyed being part of this show.

Q: Don’t you think that some of your films in the lead role were good but failed to capture commercial success?
A: Yes, some of my films in the lead role were really good films. But, as we witness today, the poor distribution of such films fail to reach to the true lovers of Marathi films. Many a times, I was told that the movie would be released at many theatres at a time, but on the release day I noticed its release only in few theatres.

Q: Were you disappointed that ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’ inspite of having a good subject, failed to reach the audience?
A: Yes, it was for the same reason of distribution. In fact, in this film I was playing the lead role opposite Subodh Bhave and there were renowned artistes like Mohan Agashe, Sharad Ponkshe, Shubhangi Gokhale and others around.

Q: Even after playing the lead roles, you are nowdays accepting small roles in many Marathi films. Why so ?
A: I feel that the strength of the role and not the length is important. In the past, I was offered such roles where there were few scenes, but considering the importance of those scenes in the film’s screenplay, I have accepted these roles. The best example is recently released film ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’, where I played a small role of a domestic help. When I was explained the character, I knew that this role would create a big impact in the screenplay. If you have seen the film, you will realise it.

Q: Tell us something about your award winning performance in the film ‘Dhudgus‘ .
A: The film had a very good subject and it was all about injustice on a newly married woman. The film was presented well and I had enough scope to prove my ability through this role of a helpless widow.

Q: We also understand that your forthcoming film ‘Pipaani‘ has a challenging role for you ?
A: Yes, for this role, I should thank well known Cinematographer-Sanjay Jadhav. He suggested me that I should accept this role, though it had only 8 scenes. Kranti Redkar is also in this film and we have one such intense scene together. There is a film being shot into this film with Kranti Redkar playing an actress. After completing this film, I realised that I did the right thing by accepting this role. Thanks to Sanjayda once again.

Ashutosh Kulkarni
Interviews

“Satish Rajwade is like a school of acting” – Ashutosh Kulkarni

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A graduate in Social Sciences and Sociology from Pune’s Fergusson College, Ashutosh Kulkarni came to Mumbai only to become an actor. Before that he was active with Pune’s experimental theatre and also performed at the State level competitions. When he first came to this tinsel town, he started taking keen interest on other aspects of stage, i.e lighting technical matters and even direction. He even worked as assistant director to Cinematographer- director Sanjay Jadhav, for the film ‘Checkmate‘ to get the feel of camera and floor movements. ‘Goshta Eka Lagnachi’, ‘Duniyadari‘ and ‘Peshwai‘ were some of the shows through which he got exposure and then through Zee Marathi’s TV serial ‘Asambhav’, he received special attention. Ashutosh learnt his real acting lessons from Satish Rajwade, who was the director of ‘Asambhav’.

Ashutosh Kulkarni
“Satish Rajwade is like a school of acting and there is a lot to learn from him, while he directs you,” says Ashutosh, while recollecting some of the special moments he shared in his company. He also does not forget to mention about Shrirang Godbole and Smita Talwalkar, because of whom he got his timely break on television. While working in Marathi, Ashutosh also had an opportunity to be part of a Hindi TV show ‘Bure Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum’. “It was a good experience to work in Hindi,” he says.

There is not a single opportunity he has missed, when it was time for anchoring any programme or show.

“I enjoy playing that role as I feel very comfortable as an anchor,” he says with a smile. As regards his entry into films, soon, you will see him in a new Marathi film ‘Koni Mulgi Deta Ka Mulgi’, directed by Ashok Karlekar.” Having focused himself totally into this profession, he too has his own ambition of setting up his own production house one day. Whatever this young actor does, it is with full conviction. “I don’t do anything halfway and then leave it. If I take up any work, I try to complete it first, before jumping at other. It was for this reason, while I was preparing for my exams, there were no acting commitments. During that period, I was totally engrossed with my studies.” he says.

In the recent past, we have seen Ashutosh confidently performing every character, whether it was a supportive boy friend in ‘Kasturi‘ opposite Sai Ranade Sane, an ambitious and understanding friend in ‘Anubandh‘ opposite Saie Tamhankar, or as Ajay Raje Shankarshet in Star Pravah’s ‘Goshta Eka Lagnachi’ opposite Urmila Kanetkar; he has always been at ease, doing such roles. His serial ‘Lek Ladaki Hya Gharchi’ is also doing well on E-TV.

Ashutosh is now playing a more challenging lead role in the character of Vikram opposite another talented actress Rujuta Deshmukh in Mi Marathi’s popular ongoing serial ‘Tu Bhetashi Navyane’. In this serial he is in the company of versatile senior actors like Vikram Gokhale, Madhu Kambikar, Pradeep Velankar and now Sharad Ponkshe; who has also been added to the caste. “I enjoy every moment while shooting for this serial. Right from the producer, director, co-artistes to technicians; they are truly professional,” he compliments.

Observing him perform confidently and with ease in the company of big artistes, it becomes clear that he is ‘an actor to watch’ in the coming years. Being very polite, friendly with all approach and considering himself still in the learning process, are some of his good qualities that will take him to greater heights in the long run.

Smita Tambe
Interviews

I have always given my best with total commitment – Smita Tambe

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Artistes with great ability develop and prove themselves good with every new assignment. Smita Tambe is one such hard working and talented artiste, who took up the challenge with every role she was offered. She began with strong character roles in a TV serial and a film and today she has two more films awaiting for release; namely Amol Palekar’s ‘Dhoosar’ and Rajiv Patil’s ‘Paangira’. MMW had a chit chat with Smita Tambe, who spoke about her experiences in this industry.

Smita TambeQ: How comfortable are you feeling today, after choosing acting as your career ?
A: In the beginning, when you don’t find much of work, you always feel that you area struggler. But, when you have work in hand, you dedicate yourself completely to that work. In due course of time you become popular and receive recognition. It is at this stage you consider yourself settled. Today, I have that feeling.

Q: You have been in this industry for the past 3-4 years. How was your journey from beginning till this stage ?
A: I am originally from Satara but lived in Pune. After coming to Mumbai, every new assignment brought extra enthusiasm in me. My parents didn’t know much about this industry and are still unaware about it. But, they never opposed me. In fact, they always supported me. Till now, the journey has been smooth and good. As far as my performance is concerned, whether it was playing Kitty in ‘Anubandh’ or performing in ‘Jogwa’. I have always given my best with total commitment. Not many are aware that I was also a choreographer for the film ‘Jogwa’. 

Q: Soon you will be seen in Amol Palekar’s film ‘Dhoosar’. How was your selection made in this film ?
A: When I went for audition of this film, my selection was made for another role. But, now I have been offered an important role in the film. That made me more happy.

Q: What is this film all about and what kind of role you are playing ?
A: The film’s subject is based on an ailment. It is an emotional story. The character of a girl I am playing is meeting her mother after almost 2 and 1/2 years. But, things have changed during this period. The film has been shot on this backdrop showing that change. Along with me there are other well known artistes like Reemaji, Upendra Limaye, Jyoti Subhash & Amruta khanvilkar.

Q: How was your experience working with Mr. Palekar ?
A: He being a renowned actor and director, I was certainly excited to work with him. Mr. Palekar is known for dealing with diverse subjects and has his own style of working which is different. While on the sets, I knew my responsibilities well. With whatever expectations he had made my selection, I felt that I should give my 100% and did so. Now, it is for the audience to judge my performance.

Rima Amrapurkar
Interviews

Rima Amrapurkar, Director

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Rima Amarapurkar, daughter of popular film personality Sadashiv Amrapurkar, who made her debut as a director through Marathi feature film ‘Aare Aare Baba, aata tari thamba’ has now shot into fame at the international level. Her short film ‘Janani’ which invited attention of one and all at the recently concluded Goa Film Festival; will now be screened at the prestigious Cannes film festival. MMW had a chit chat with her on this occasion.

Rima AmrapurkarQ : Now that your short film ‘Janani’ is going to be screened at the Cannes Film festival; how do you feel about it ?
I am very much excited but at the same time I am nervous, because it is the most prestigious international film festival. With a tradition of 63 long years, I just don’t know, how will be the response here. However, considering the importance of my film being screened here, itself is a big thing for me.

Q: In the recent past, your film was appreciated at the Goa film festival too. How was your experience that time ?
It was a totally different experience, as 80% of the films were Indian films and among the remaining 20% were regional and other language films. Whatever I had expected, I received more appreciation than that. It was a great moment for me, when the members of Jury over there came personally and expressed their gratitude .

Q: Tell us something about the subject or theme of your film ?
In our society there still exists the tradition of compulsorily having a male child. With the technological progress, it has now become easier to detect whether the child taking birth would Rima Amrapurkar be a male or female child. This has only given rise to death of girl child much before their birth. This has only reduced the population of females in the country. The Government did implement strict laws to prevent such crimes, but as you know here in our country the laws are meant to be broken. Even in such cases, people started finding loopholes for escape. One can understand such a craze in villages, but even the literate people living in city are no exception.

In this film I have tried to show how a pregnant woman and her husband are harassed by their own family members and other so called respected members of the society including a doctor and the head of the village.

Q : ‘Aara Aara baba aata tari thamba’ was your first feature film. But, after that instead of doing a film, why did you opt for a short film?
In fact, this theme was already in my mind, much before making ‘Aara aara baba…’ And when the film was completed and ‘What next’ question came to my mind, I immediately tabled the script of ‘Janani’ . I found that this script was not taking more than 30 minutes of presentation. When something can be conveyed within that time effectively, why unnecessarily stretch it? When the film was shot and edited, I felt that it was a wise decision. I could communicate effectively with the audience, which was the biggest experience I had. My first feature film was a comedy with political background but this short film is a serious subject full of emotions.

Q: In our Marathi film industry we have very few women directors and you are one of them. How do you feel about it ?
I feel proud about myself that I have chosen this profession along with few other women directors. But, I feel that more and more women should take up direction, as there are certain subjects that only a woman can present in a more realistic manner. If the film ‘Aare aare baba.’ was handled by a male director, he would have certainly crossed the theme line. Therefore I feel that I have given justice to the subject. In this film industry there are many talented actresses, but we need equally talented women directors too.

Q: Besides short film and feature film, as a director what are the other areas that invite your attention?
I consider only feature film as the best field suited to me . Now, I have two scripts ready. But, after ‘Janani’ I have developed a lot of interest in short films. Therefore, if I get an opportunity with an equally strong script, certainly I would go for a short film.

Ravindra Mankani
Interviews

Ravindra Mankani – an actor to reckon with

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Ravindra Mankani was a name to reckon with during 80s and 90s. As an actor par excellence, he had won several awards for best actor through Marathi dramas and films. Besides Marathi, he had also performed in few Hindi films and was part of almost 12 popular Hindi serials. His sharp looks and perfect body language enabled him to grab attention of the audience even in a short scene. Over the years, Ravindra has kept himself busy with his work, maintaining a low profile in the industry but his creative work couldn’t go unnoticed.

Ravindra MankaniRavindra was attracted to stage since his school days in Pune, when he won several awards in debating, elocution and acting. Besides studying his Engineering, he also performed on stage for the inter-collegiate drama competitions. He won the best acting prize during the years 1978 and 1979 consecutively, besides winning the Purushottam Karandak for his college in 1979.

Being a Civil Engineer by profession with post graduate diploma in Management, he went on to successfully complete a 2.5 crore project for Maharashtra Housing Area and Development Board in the year 1984. His attachment to stage inspired him to study more about filmmaking areas such as camera, direction and lights. So, he started his own company Rohan’s Eye which now deals in Audio & Video productions. Ravindra has himself directed many corporate films, ad films & product promotion films till date. His company is already into commercial production of audio & video cassettes.

Today, he is the Managing Director of a company Raviraj Publicity Pvt. Ltd, which provides all types of media services for advertising. Besides this, he is also director of an Event Management Company Display Creators Pvt. Ltd, which works from concept to commissioning and above all he is the Chairman of Abhiyan Arts Pvt. Ltd., a total commercial mega level production house of TV serials (Marathi & Hindi) Audio albums besides Film making which was launched in 2001.

Besides his busy schedule in business, Ravindra as an actor continues with his acting and some of his performances in films like ’22nd June 1897′, ‘Nivdung’, ‘Warsa Laxmicha’,’Aastitva’, ‘ Vastupurush’ ,’ Not only Mrs. Raut’, ‘Neetal’, Shewari’and ‘Sawar re’ remind us of his intensity in acting while some of his TV serials like ‘Swami’, ‘Soudamini’, ‘Zale Mokale Aakash’, ‘Pimpalpaan’,’Avantika’, and’Eka Lagnachi Goshta‘, only goes on to speak about the variety of roles he has played with ease.

His association with Hindi TV serials for the past 25 years has also invited attention of people all over India for his memorable performances in ‘Terah Panne’, ‘Shrikant’, ‘Trikaal’, ‘Shanti’, ‘Rishtey (Intezar)’, ‘Sanjeevani’ and ‘Saakshi’. It was a pleasure to watch him even in’C.I.D. Special Bureau’ and ‘Aahaat‘. That goes on to speak about his command over Hindi.

His role in the latest released film ‘Mani Mangalsutra’ clearly indicates his capacity to emote spontaneously in the most difficult scene. Indeed, his character of a schoolmaster in this film will be remembered for years to come.

MMW wishes this talented and creative person a very happy Deepawali and a prosperous new year.

Satish Motling
Interviews

“I have really come through hard times” – Satish Motling

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The pre-release campaign of ‘Agadbam’ has also brought into limelight one such person, who has almost risen from rags to riches. Satish Motling, director of ‘Agadbam’ was perhaps inspired by the hard work put in by all time greats like Abraham Lincoln, Jim Carrey, Dhirubhai Ambani and actor Chiranjivi, who had some mission in their life. But, if you ask Satish, what’s his ultimate desire? He says, “I would like to reach a stage, where people from this industry should find me somewhere in line with the directors like Madhur Bhandarkar and Mahesh Manjrekar.”

Satish MotlingIf you peep into his past life, during his childhood he lived a life like a typical Mumbaikar with a good family backing. But, destiny had something else in mind.

He lost his father, when he was in 7th standard. The family had to vacate the Government quarters and Satish was literally on the roads. “We couldn’t even manage to get any funds from father’s office; as he in turn had helped someone by drawing huge loan amount in his name. So, the dues payable to him were adjusted against the recovery” he tells in a soaked voice.

As a school going kid, Satish took the responsibility of not only supporting himself for his education but also his family, by doing odd jobs. He washed the cars in his area early in the morning, even sold newspapers and what not. But, even in that condition, he had a dream in his eyes and that was to become a good cinematographer. He was ready to work hard to achieve it. Those days, Dimple Films was considered to be lucky for those who made the beginning of their profession through them.

“For a beginner like me, I had no other option but to join them in whatever capacity they accepted me. I joined them as a helper and without any hesitation, did all odd jobs there too. As we all know, a helper has no fixed duties. Those days, I lived in the slums, just opposite the tower where I live today. But, my enthusiasm and dedication to work enabled me to move step by step closer to my ultimate goal.” says Satish.

After working as assistant, finally he began his independent work with Bhojpuri and Bengali films. Even did ad films one of which was the famous Manchester United ad, which was done by him on three consecutive occasions. In Marathi, he made his entry with ‘Isshya’ and ‘Agadbam’ is his 13th film as a Cinematographer. But, in ‘Agadbam’ you will see more of Satish as a director. To put it in Satish’s own words, “Cameraman is the captain of the ship.” But, what happens when he is the director too ?

His answer to this question is: Watch ‘Agadbam’.

Bhakti Desai
Interviews

My wish is to perform on Big screen- Bhakti Desai

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Marathi serials are now days looking for fresh faces, who besides acting should also look smart. Gone are the days, when the leading actress dressed up in a Sari or Punjabi dress used to move on the screen carrying a glass of water or a cup of tea for their husbands. Now, their place has been taken by young modern day girls wearing jeans and tops sitting in a coffee shop with their group of friends and using laptops at home. Revathi ( Reva) played by Bhakti Desai, is one such character in the serial ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat’ on Star Pravah, who invites attention of one and all.

Bhakti DesaiBhakti plays the central role of a stylish modern day girl from an upper middle class family, who is well aware of her limits, observes the customary rituals and is smart enough to take certain decisions. Marathi Movie world had a chit chat with Bhakti to know more about her acting career.
Excerpts from the discussion:

Q: Tell us how you landed into acting field ?
A: Since second year of my college, I started performing in commercial stage plays. Before that I used to take part in Inter-collegiate competitions representing Ruparel College. After graduation, I decided to take up acting as my career and started performing on stage. I did 108 shows of ‘Hridayi Vasant Fultanna’ directed by Vijay Kenkre. Then I also played the role of Rashmi with Sanjay Narvekar in 85 shows of popular comedy drama ‘Bajirao Mast Mi’. Besides that I was associated with amateur theatre groups and performed there too.

Q: Besides stage, were you associated with any other serials or films before?
A: To say, something about television, in the past I have done programmes for
Bhakti Desai, ‘Kashala Udhyachi Baat’, Doordarshan’s popular programme ‘Kilbil’. I have yet to act in films and it is my wish to perform on big screen.

Q: Tell us how you were selected to play Revathi in ‘Kashyala Udyachi Baat’?
A: During inter-collegiate competitions many well known people from industry used to come as Judges and one of them happened to be Mr. Vidyadhar Pathare, the producer of the serial. After watching me perform that time, he had approached me for a role, but since my college was going on, I couldn’t accept it. Later, when he decided to do this serial, he once again called me and I agreed to play Revathi.

Q: Did you receive special training in acting from any individual or institute ?
A: My association with different groups and performing with them, itself trained me for different types of roles. Whether it was Avishkar or Mitthak, they all helped me improvise further. I had performed in Satyadev Dube’s Hindi commercial play ‘Thamb Lakmi Kunku Lawte’ which also helped me a lot. There are people like Iravati Karnik , Advait and others who offered a lot of guidance.

Q: How much do you believe in success ?
A: Anything is possible, provided you sincerely work hard in a positive direction to achieve the same.

Q: How much do you believe in Horoscope & Palmistry ?
A: Not exactly! Unless someone tries to explain in a convincing manner logically, I may believe in it. But, as I said, unless I experience myself, I don’t easily believe in such things.

Q: On the set, you have performed with many senior artistes. What have you learned from them ?
A: While working on the set, I observed their way of presenting themselves. Each one of them have their own style of working. No one comes to explain you, how you should react at a given situation. We just have to observe them and learn good things. I just did that and enjoyed every moment.

Q: In the initial part of the serial, you worked under Satish Rajwade’s direction. How was your experience with him ?
A: Fantastic! I wish he were there for some more time. As a director, he is the best. He knows the capability of every actor and accordingly extracts the best out of them.

Q: Do you have any other projects in hand ?
A: At present, I am involved in ongoing serial only. But, would surely like to do a film.

Sai Tamhankar
Interviews

Sai Tamhankar, Actress

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After playing a variety of roles through TV serials like ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’, ‘Agnishikha’ and ‘Saathi Re’, Saie Tamhankar made her entry into Bollywood playing cameo in films like ‘Black and White’ and ‘Gajani’. But, her role in Subhash Ghai’ marathi film ‘Sanai Choughade’ actually brought her into limelight and her acting career actually took off. In the recent past, she was also seen in films like ‘Be Dune Sade Char’, ‘Picnic’ and ‘Rita’.

Sai TamhankarAt present, Saie has become very popular through her performance in popular TV serial ‘Anubandh’. Marathi Movie World spoke to Saie about her career and experience in this field. Excerpts from an interview:

Q : How did you land into acting field?
A: I would say that my destiny brought me here. When I was doing my 12th, I performed for the first time in a play. Thereafter, I developed interest in acting and started taking part in Inter collegiate competitions. I enjoyed this field and made up my mind to choose this field as my career.

Q: What you have say about your role in TV serial ‘Anubandh’ ?
A: Actually, I liked the script and therefore accepted the role immediately. But, there is a lot of difference between character of Ashwini you see in the serial and myself. In fact, the character of Ashwini resembles a lot with my school time friend . While preparing myself for this role, after reading the script, I could only think of my friend. In Ashwini, you will almost find my friend but not me.

Q: How was your experience doing films like ‘Black and White’ and ‘Gajani’?
A: I really had a very good experience doing these Bollywood films. On the sets of ‘Black and White’ Subhashji saw me and being a Maharashtrian, I was selected for the role of Sai in his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Sanai Choughade’.

Q: During your college life, you have done stage plays. Would you be interested now, to perform on stage ?
A: Actually, after ‘Sanai Choughade’ I had decided not to do any serials, but looking at the script, I agreed to do a serial like ‘Anubandh’. In a similar way, if there is really a play with good script; I may certainly opt for it’s no matter whether it is Marathi or Hindi. But, frankly speaking, I get tensed up only to tour different places along with the drama troupe.

Q: Your new film ‘Mission Possible’ is very much in the news. What you have to say about your involvement with this film ?
A: After a long time, I am playing this neutral type of role. I have really enjoyed doing this film. Pushkar is very hard working. Sanjay Khanzode’s style of working and the teamwork of the unit impressed me a lot. I met many new people here and there were many good things to learn from them on the sets of this film.