Asides

Prashant Damle
Interviews

“I want to achieve more” – Prashant Damle

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Prashant Damle is a familiar face on stage, television, and cinema. He began his acting career with comedy plays like ‘Moruchi Mavshi’ and ‘Brahmachari’. Now he has three plays running with ‘Bahuroopi’, ‘Eka Lagnachi Gosht’ and ‘Olakh Na Palakh’. He has entered the record books for a record number of shows and maximum shows of comedy plays performed on a single day. MMW spoke to Prashant in his make-up room as he was preparing for another successful show of ‘Bahuroopi’.

Prashant DamleQ.: How do you manage to do so many plays at the same time?
It’s all time management and I enjoy acting. I am a house oriented person, without any vices and with pranayama and yoga I keep myself fit to tour all over Maharashtra and abroad too.

Q.: You are rarely seen in films today.
Theatre gives me a high and it’s the best medium for me and with three plays running simultaneously, I can hardly spare time for films. But, if I get good films like ‘Tu Tithe Me’, ‘Atmavishwas’ and ‘Wajwa Re Wajwa’, I will certainly accept them.

Q.:And television?
Prashant: I have done popular comedy shows like ‘Uchapati’ and ‘Filmi Chakkar’ and if I get a good show like ‘Gharkul’ I will definitely do it.

Q.:You are also a brand ambassador now. Isn’t it ?
Prashant: Yes, I am a brand ambassador for SVC Bank and Disha Direct. I visit the branches, meet clients and do endorsements for them. I have my own personal web site too.

Q.: What next?
Prashant: I want to achieve more by producing and directing films and also produce many more plays and act in them as well.

Saii Ranade Sane
Interviews

Saii Ranade – Sane, Actress

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Saii Ranade

Saii Ranade – Sane, who plays the title role in E-tv’s Marathi serial ‘Kasturi’, is emerging as the new Marathi star who has managed to pull a sizable number of fan club to this new serial with progression of every episode. With clarity in voice, perfect dialogue delivery and a charming face supported by expressive eyes, have come to her advantage while grabbing this title role. Saii is now marching ahead with the success of this serial and we will soon see her playing lead role in a forthcoming Marathi film titled ‘Bandya Aani Baby’. Marathi Movie World caught up with Saii Ranade Sane during the ‘Mahakhadhya Jatra’ held in Thane and she agreed to speak about her acting career . Excerpts from an interview.

Q: How do we spell your name ? Is it Sai or Saee?
A: It is Saii. Saii Ranade -Sane.

Q: How did Saii land into this field of acting ?
A: Since my childhood, I was interested in acting. And, to take the first step in acting, I joined Bharat Natyam Classes while I was studying in Vimlabai Garware school, Pune. When I was in 10th standard, I won Sadhna Puraskar at Kalavardhini Group, from among 45 students. While in Fergusson College, I started taking interest in stage. Later, I joined Satyadev Dube’s 15 day acting workshop in Pune and also performed in an experimental play ‘Aatlya-sahit Manus’. This performance actually brought a lot of development in me from the acting point of view. I used to do modeling for print media those days and then started giving auditions to find suitable role in a TV serial . Initially, there was a lot of disappointment, but during one such visit to Mumbai, I was informed that my selection was made for the role of Janaki Kirloskar in ‘Vahinisaheb’. They informed me late night at 11.30 pm and I was asked to rush to Mumbai, next day morning.

Q: How was your experience working for the first time on the sets of a TV serial ?
A: Thought I was playing a negative type of role in ‘Vahinisaheb’, I enjoyed it as an actress. It was on the sets of this serial that I could get so many experiences that a newcomer faces with senior artistes. Still, I was happy, as I got the recognition through this serial. I used to live in Thane those days with our relatives and later shifted to Vile Parle as paying guest for convenience of shooting, as I received another offer to play a negative role in ‘Kulavadhu’. Living alone in Mumbai and to manage everything on your own was difficult initially for a girl like me, who was brought up in a family with lots of love and affection. But, I managed it well.

Q: Did you find your life partner almost during this period? Tell us something about that relationship.
A: While I lived in Thane, Salil Sane lived in the neighborhood. I knew him through my relatives. I also happened to interact with him on Orkut network. We found each other on the same wavelength, as we found a lot of time to move together. That time I only had one serial in hand. Later, our friendship turned into marriage, while I was doing Kulvadhu’ serial.

Q: After being typecast in negative roles, how were you selected for the role of ‘Kasturi‘ ?
A: Actually, I didn’t want to be typecast into negative roles and made up my mind to give a full stop to such offers. I was confident that one day I would be offered a suitable role and kept trying for the same . And, one day the makers of ‘Kasturi‘ told me that I was selected for this role.

Q: After ‘Kasturi‘ what next ?
A: There are many other projects I am involved in. There is a film titled ‘Bandya aani Baby’ in which I am playing lead opposite Prasad Oak. In between, I have done many films in guest appearance. You will also see me in Swapnil Bandodkar Music Video album ‘Tichya Dolyat…’

Nandu Madhav
Interviews

Nandu Madhav – committed to acting profession

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For some people, life goes on happily with whatever profession they have chosen out of personal interest. They just wait for the right time and opportunity to prove their worth, so as to be accepted by one and all. Nandu Madhav who chose the acting profession 25 years ago, did perform on stage and received acclaim for his performance, but to get the recognition of a lead actor in films, he had to wait for 25 years. With the release of ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ he has suddenly shot into fame.

Nandu MadhavAs a committed actor, I kept on performing, whether on stage or in films with sincerity through whatever roles offered to me and preferred to wait for a major role, till I was asked to play this role of Dadasaheb Phalke.’ says this simple and obedient actor from Goregaon , Mumbai. Marathi Movie world caught up with Nandu Madhav on the first day of the release of his film ‘Harischandrachi factory’. Excerpts from an interview :

Q: How did you prepare yourself to play the character of Dadasaheb Phalke ?
A : From my point of view, when I took up this role, I tried to measure the character with its length and breadth in History. There were certain characteristics of Dadasaheb, which I were to enact as per the facts but there was ample scope for certain other things besides acting. Like, if I were given two pairs of spectacles, at least, it was possible for me to use their placements. Moreover, understanding what kind of treatment the director wants to give to the film, an actor like me had to make alterations, suggested by the director. After all, he is the man who had perceived this idea and every decision of his was to be respected.

Q: Tell us something about your educational background and your other activities besides being an actor ?
A: I spent my childhood in Beed district of Maharashtra and completed my graduation in science and law from Aurangabad. I didn’t do my internship in law as I wasn’t interested in practicing law. Instead, I chose the acting profession. And, since then till date, I have remained loyal to this profession.

Q: We heard a lot about your performance in stage play ‘Wada Chirebandi’. Even heard your co-star praising a lot about your performance in this play. Tell us something more about the role you played ?
A: Actually, ‘Waada Chirebandi’ was in three parts. The two parts that followed made the play stretched to 9 hours, showing the continuity. Fortunately for me, I was the only actor who got an opportunity to play my role in all the three parts. It showed my character attaining old age in the last part. It was a great pleasure performing in this play.

Q: For a full time actor like you must have experienced a time to take a break. What have you attempted during such period ?
A: During the break period, I only diverted my activity by making short films. I even did a Indian film for French film producer, besides doing few Hindi films like ‘Darpan Ke Peechay’, ‘Jis desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai’ and ‘Daayara’. That was only the change I experienced. But, I did not switch over to any other profession.

Q : Any memorable moments during and after completion of ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’?
A: Every day was memorable for me while shooting for this film. There were some happy moments in the form of compliments that I received from people, while the film was shown at different festivals. In Calcutta, after watching this film, Saumitra Chatterjee came and hugged me after the show, appreciating the performances and the film. So many well known critics interacted with our team, on this topic; particularly, as to how the medium can be used effectively to communicate with the audience.

Q: Has Nandu Madhav as an actor suddenly shot into fame, after release of ‘Harishchandrachi factory’ ?
A: You may say so; but as an actor I am committed to this profession since 1985. May be, with my experience as an actor on stage and films, I was picked up for this coveted lead role . I just did my duty with sincerity. And, that itself has brought the change.

Q: So, can we expect that Nandu Madhav will be flooded with offers from both in Marathi and Hindi film producers ?
A: Hope so. :)

Pravin Raja Karale
Interviews

“My aim is to inspire today’s youth” – Pravin Karale

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With the release of a forthcoming Marathi film ‘Bhairu Pailwan Ki Jai Ho’ Pravin Karle will be celebrating 25 years of his association with the Marathi film industry. As a student of Elphinstone Technical School, Mumbai, Pravin was closely associated with Marathi stage and was part of Sudha Karmarkar’s group of Children’s theatre. Being the son of a Journalist and writer, he was exposed to theatre, right from his childhood. Later, he joined J.J. School of Arts, only to enhance his knowledge in this field. In his acting career, he has won 175 awards in different categories, whether it was for acting, direction or lighting does not matter, as long as they were connected with his profession.

Pravin Raja KaraleHis total dedication to this field made him present many creative things on stage and one of them was a play ‘Dictator’ along with 60 artistes for INT. It was a silent play with only body language and expressions to communicate with the audience. He took a lot of interest to promote Classical plays on television. Pravin has been associated with production of many tele films, ad films, documentary films, some of which have been for BBC. He was assistant director to Mahesh Bhatt for some time. In 2001, Pravin was the Sr.Director of Programming with Zee TV.

Besides his much awaited film ‘Bhairu Pailwan Ki Jai Ho’, Pravin has also completed a Hindi film ‘Hands Up’ for Producer Sudhakar Bokade. His much talked about film ‘Bokad’ is on the floors and will be released by December 2010. Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Pravin Karle, to know more about his forthcoming film ‘Bhairu Pailwan Ki jai Ho’ .  Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Why have you chosen this title for your film? Is it a bilingual film ?
A: The reason for choosing this title is only because of the popular inspiring slogan meant to boost the morale of our today’s youth. I felt that our youth need to be told about the origin of this ancient sports – Wrestling, which has its reference even in our Indian mythology. How much of hard work is there during training and how beneficial it is for health, I wanted to convey that message.

Q: How different this film will be from traditional Marathi film ?
A: The film has a good story and the screenplay and is strong enough to hold the audience to their seats, throughout the film. The producer of the film Dr. Anil Saxena was himself of the opinion to offer this kind of subject to inspire today’s youth and for that reason we opted an actor like Siddharth Jadhav. Listen to the music and watch those four Wrestling ties in my film and you will be convinced about my artiste selection.

Q: How did Siddharth respond to this role?
A: Siddharth is a versatile actor now. He took up as a challenge to play this role. On the sets, he has worked very hard. Even while shooting, we had made arrangement for his Temporary Gym, to boost his morale.

Q: What about marketing of this film?
A: We are making all efforts to market the film well , so as to reach maximum people. We have also chosen online publicity, taking into account the net savvy people.

Q: What about the release date ?
A: The film will be released in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra on 15th October 2010 and for Mumbai we have scheduled the release date as 15th October 2010.

Pallavi Subhash Actress
Interviews

“Now, I have a role to play my age”- Pallavi Subhash

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Pallavi Subhash Actress

She is young and talented, possessing graceful looks with sharp eyes which she uses to express her emotions clearly. Unfortunately, till now Pallavi Subhash got all those roles in Hindi serials, where she had to play middle aged women. But, after she did an ad for Cadburys, she now has a taste of ‘meetha’ through a meaty role in Zee Marathi’s latest serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’.
Few years ago, she performed in Marathi films and serials and for one of the films ‘Kunku Zala Vairi’ she was even nominated for best actress Zee Gaurav award. Later, Pallavi shifted to Hindi serials, but couldn’t succeed in finding roles to test her talent. Now, she finds one through this Marathi serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’, where she almost plays a lead role opposite Sandeep Kulkarni through this tailor made character of Ananya that suits her personality and young age. The serial has picked up well during its first week run and Pallavi with her confident looking performance has already created a sensation.

Tall and charming Pallavi was the attraction of the media during the press conference of Zee Marathi channel, when the artistes of ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ were introduced while releasing

the first look of the serial. After the event, she had a chit chat with Marathi Movie World.
Excerpts from the discussion:

Q: Today, you are better known as the Cadbury ad-girl. Do you think that this chocolate ad made you a celebrity?
A: I just don’t know. But, I hope this exposure has helped me to find better roles.

Q: But, you have already done many Hindi serials?
A: Yes, I have done those serials, but I had to play middle aged women in most of them.

Q: What are the film projects you have in hand ?
A: I am doing a Tamil film ‘Om’ opposite South star Arjun.

Q: And, ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ is the only serial you are doing at present ?
A: Yes, I decided to focus on this role for next few months, as this was the kind of role I was looking for. More so, the serial is not going to stretch too long.

Q: Do you think that this particular role will help lift your career ?
A: Yes, I was just waiting for such kind of role to play my age in Marathi and when I received this offer, I immediately accepted it.

Q: How much are you enjoying it ?
A: I enjoyed every moment during our first schedule of shooting and we have a good team work. Satish Rajwade is doing a good job as a director. Just saw the first look of this serial and I am happy to find a good response coming from all.

Sonalee
Interviews

Sonalee Kulkarni, Actress

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With the super hit movies like Sonalee‘Shwaas’, ‘Pachadlela’and ‘Sarivar Sari’, Marathi film industry is at booming stage again. A sizable signing amount and a better marketing and distribution network are the major reasons for young talents to get attracted toward this industry. Sonalee Kulkarni – one of the most upcoming talents in Marathi Film Industry, who has received an award for best actress at ‘Zee Gaurav’ for her debut movie – ‘Bakula Namdev Ghotale’ is the best example.

What is your reaction after Zee Gaurav Award?
Obviously, I’m thrilled after this award. I never thought that I’d get the award, especially when prominent actresses like Pratiksha Lonkar and Ashvini Bhave were also in the race. I was happy, as I was nominated for my debut movie. I went there just to enjoy the ceremony but when I heard my name, I couldn’t believe. It was really a big surprise to me. It looks like early success, but believe me, there is lot of hard work behind it. It was a tough decision for any next-door girl to frame her career in an uncertain field like this, without any godfather. But I trusted my abilities; worked hard and after struggle of almost 4-5 years, God has turned my fate into brighter side.
So, you have struggled a lot, to achieve this admiration….
Yes! I was involved in dancing since I was in class fifth. I got first opportunity of acting in class 9th for FTII short-film. But even after that I was confused whether I should choose acting as a career or not. But when I was in class 10th, I participated in a beauty contest- ‘May Queen’. Though I had not taken it seriously, I grabbed runner-up position with 5 subtitles. The victory boosted my confidence so much that I decided to edge my career in the same field. That’s the reason why I went on to choose mass communication after completing 12th from Ferguson College’s. Taking this decision was an easy thing, but further path was not easy at all. I neither have any ‘godfather’ in the industry, nor contacts. I gave auditions all over India initially and hardly got any success. I was so crazy at that time that I used to make 5-6 trips to Mumbai in a week even for small auditions. Meanwhile, I endorsed few brands like ‘Vipul Sarees’, ‘Idea Cellular’, ‘PNG’ and ‘Reliance’. I also performed a dance in a movie- ‘Gadhvache Lagna’. But ‘Bakula Namdev Ghotale’ was my first full-fledged movie.

Sonali Kulkarni

How did you get that movie?
Actually, by luck! Ankush Chaudhari called me for an audition of ‘Sade Made Teen’. But that audition was cancelled because of some reason. When I was coming back to Pune, Ankush Chaudhari called me to tell that Kedar Shinde was in search of a new face for his upcoming movie. “If you want to meet him, I’ll talk to him.” he said. Obviously, I was interested and so I met Kedar Shinde. My audition for ‘Bakula’ was actually held in front of ‘RK Studio’ under streetlights. At that time only Kedar Shinde offered me role of ‘Bakula’.

Even in the early life of your career, you have worked with prominent names of Industry like Bharat Jadhav, Kedar Shinde . How was the experience?
Amazing! I have learned so many practical things with them. Bharat Jadhav and Siddharth Jadhav helped me a lot. When I was very nervous at first shot, Siddharth Jadhav made me feel nice by telling me jokes. Even Kedar Shinde never used to shout at me, even if I made any foolish mistake. After one week, I adjusted well and gave many ‘First take’ perfect shots. I even worked with legendary actor ‘Ashok Saraf’.  Let me tell you, all these people in Marathi Film Industry are very helpful and down to earth. It is extremely nice and learning experience to work with them.

Sonalee Kulkarni in ‘Bakula Namdev Ghotale’ What are your future plans?
To complete my graduation! Because of heavy workload, I have been forced to bunk many lectures. Despite that, my teachers have supported me well, Completing graduation will be my priority. Beside that, I have also planned to complete my post graduation in Mass Communication, simultaneously with my career in acting. I know that people are expecting much more from me after ‘Zee Gaurav Award’ but let me assure them that I will fulfill all the expectations and responsibilities through best acting. I have already got two more movies and negotiations are going on with few producers. I hope, I will be able see my dreams come true and become the most successful actress

Sumitra Bhave, Sunil Sukthankar
Interviews

Sumitra Bhavve & Sunil Sukthankar

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Known for their well researched issue based presentation of subjects, the film maker duo- Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar have contributed a lot to lift up the level of Marathi films not only in India but at the international scenario.

Their latest film ‘Ek Cup Chya’ which is their 9th feature film, has been shot on the backdrop of picturesque Konkan focusing on the day to day happenings in the life of a simple self respected Bus Conductor employed with State Transport Corporation. This film is due for release in the coming week.

Sumitra Bhave, Sunil SukthankarIt was a great pleasure sharing that sweetness of ‘Ek Cup Chya’ with Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar during the early hours of the day on which the film was to be premiered. Excerpts from the discussion :

Q: Having successfully passed the social message be it Schizophrenia or any other topic so far, what’s new in ‘EkCup Chya’?
A (Sumitra) : The producers of ‘Devrai’ who wanted to spread awareness about Schizophrenia felt this time that they could extend their area towards some other issues and that’s how the concept of ‘Ek Cup Chya’ was born. The story of this film revolves around a self respected Bus conductor, whose conscience does not permit him to be destructive or violent just to prove his point. Through the film’s script we have supported him with the most powerful ‘Right to Information act’ so as to preserve his dignity while living a purposeful life. There are so many people living in this world, who do not like to participate in strikes or adhere to destructive practices, just to prove their point. Our film offers them a different tool to protect their self respect.

Q: So, ‘EkCup Chya’ will try to show the power of RTI Act ?
A (Both) : Exactly! Through this film we have tried to emphasize on the rights of the people under this act and to educate them about the strengths of the act through this medium of entertainment.

Q: Tell us something about the various characters of this film ?
A (Sunil) : We have Kishore Kadam playing the central character of a Bus conductor, while Ashwini Giri plays his wife.The four children are played by Mrinmayee Deshpande( Kunku and Agnihotra fame) a talented artiste , along with child artistes – Om Bhutkar, Parn Pethe and Mandar Devdhar. We have Kamal Desai playing Grandmother’s role dressed up in that typical 9 yard saree. Devika Daftardar plays Dr. Durga, while I myself play the role of Sayyad- the driver.

Q: All your films are issue based focused at a particular target audience. When are you going to give a commercial look to your movies ?
A (Sumitra) : We wouldn’t agree that our films are focused only on a particular target audience. Except for ‘Devrai’ which obviously could not be called a commercial film, all other films can be categorized under Mainstream cinema. Take for example Dahavi Pha ( 10vi F) ; when this film was shown at Delhi Festival, it was categorized under Mainstream cinema section and this film was an opening film in that section. Look at the presentation of ‘Doghi’, ‘Vastupurush’, ‘Gho Mala Asla Hava’. Were they not mainstream cinemas? Now, talking particularly about commercial angle, that’s not in our hands. It is for the producers to market the film at different theatres in a commercial manner. May be because of the budget limitations, they may not be able to give our films a complete commercial look, but we call our films commercial. We leave it to the audience and media to appreciate and brand them as commercial hits.

Q: How was the response received from people abroad to your films during various international festivals ?
A (Both) : We were always confident about our subject presentation, but we were not very sure as to how our cinematic presentation would be accepted by people from different countries. But, they appreciated that part too. In Germany and Japan they were rather surprised as to how we could manage the technical sides within our restricted budget. In short, we tried to reach the world audience through festival audience at various international screenings of our films.

Q: How do you both coordinate during the making of a film ?
A (Sunil) : We first sit together to research on the script details. Once that is finalized, Sumitraji takes the charge of art direction and costumes. During actual shooting I myself handle camera and artiste movements, while Sumitraji takes charge of the monitor and decides on the final shot. Even on the editing table, she has her final say. This has worked well so far.

Q: So, can we expect a commercial success for ‘Ek Cup Chya’ ?
A (Both) : Yes, of course. Thank you.

Smita Talwalkar, Actress
Interviews

“Playing a vegetable vendor is a more challenging act.” – Smita Talwalkar

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Smita Talwalkar has contributed a lot to the Marathi movie world, television and stage with her choice of socially relevant subjects and with her ability to convey a message. Her own films like ‘Chaukat Raja’, ‘Savat Majhi Ladki’, ‘Tu Tithe Mee’ and  ‘SaatChya Aat Gharat’ went on to say a lot about her concern towards society. Her TV productions ‘Katha Ek Aanandichi’ and ‘Ardhangini’ were also relevant to social issues. At present she is playing a lifetime role in the play ‘Govid Ghya Kuni Gopal Ghya’ depicting a poor lower middle class vegetable vendor fighting for her right. Indeed, Smita Talwalkar is an extraordinary actress with a mission to offer something back to the society where she has earned a name.
MMW met her recently during her stage show. Here she is in chit chat with us.
Smita Talwalkar, Actress
Q: You have produced good films in the past, what’s new in the making ?
A: Yes, I do have a subject; but I have to still work on it. There is still time.
Q: Do you have to say something about the issues relating to suppression of women?
A: Not much to say at present. But, tell me; even if I decide to present something on that topic, how many women would come forward to willingly accept a girl child. Even today, many women still desire to give birth to a male child. Time has changed and so a woman should also change. Watch my role of Janabai in this play ‘Govind Ghya Kuni Gopal Ghya’. She is illiterate but goes with her conscience when it comes to taking few crucial decisions.

Q: How happy you are playing this character of Janabai ?
A: I am glad that I was offered this role. It is the most challenging role and I enjoy playing Janabai. But, for that I did personally visit Byculla vegetable market to study the body language of those vegetable vendors. Kiran Mane , my co-artiste, helped me to develop on the accent and in just few days time I was ready to enact Janabai .

Sanjay Surkar
Interviews

‘Sukhaant’ is based on real facts! – Sanjay Surkar

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Sanjay Surkar is known for his realistic, hard hitting movies on social problems. His films like ‘Saatchya Aat Gharat’,  ‘Aapli Manse’, ‘Chaukat Raja’ etc have been critically lauded. His latest film is ‘Sukhaant’ based on the controversial problem of euthanasia or mercy killing. We spoke to Sanjay about his new film. Here are some excerpts.

Sanjay SurkarHow did you think of making a film on euthanasia?
I had been to a friend’s house and he was really troubled by the state of his elderly mother who was comatose for the last eleven years. His predicament really troubled me and I did research on the net regarding euthanasia or mercy killing which is being considered by many lawmakers but still has not been implemented.

Your casting of Jyoti Chandekar as the old paralyzed woman requesting her son Atul Kulkarni for moving court to grant her wish of mercy killing is a powerful performance. How did you manage this?
I didn’t know Jyoti that well nor have I seen her plays or serials or films. But I didn’t need a
star or a known face for the role of the old woman. I needed an actor who would look rustic and speak the rustic lingo. She would come to me from now and then for a role and this time I did offer her the all important role of the paralyzed woman who wants to die with dignity and without troubling her dear ones.

How did you cast Atul Kulkarni as the son grieving for his mother?
I needed a face who is though a lawyer but would look village bred. And Atul Kulkarni is a powerful performer as is the performance in ‘Sukhaant’.

Renuka Shahane, Actress
Interviews

Renuka Shahane

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Somebody has rightly said, “So many languages in this world and smile speaks them all” So, you can imagine how many people in this world Renuka Shahane must have communicated with, through her pleasant smile. If you ask her, she smiles; adding you to the unaccountable list of admirers. This popular actress and TV anchor, known for her characteristic smile, has now turned a film maker with her new Marathi film ‘Rita’. This will also be her directorial debut, as besides direction she has also written screenplay and dialogues of this film. Based on the original novel ‘Rita’ penned by her mother- Shanta Gokhale, Renuka has hardly made any changes to bring alive the Rita Welinkar of 1995 on mega screen. Having assertively opted for her longtime friend Pallavi Joshi, to play the central character of Rita, she is now happy that the film has come out very well and is now due for release on 4th September 2009.

Renuka Shahane, Actress

MMW caught up with Renuka Shahane, when she was promoting her film ‘Rita’ through a talk show, where her friend Pallavi Joshi was also present. Read, what Renuka has to say about her film â’Rita’.

Renuka Shahane What made you go for Pallavi to play the central role of Rita ?
I was looking for a female who would look 17 and later play the natural role at 40; and I could not think of anyone else than Pallavi. Believe me, it is not only because of our intimate friendship I selected her, but only because the role was tailor made to suit her.

Why did you opt for Jackie Shroff to play Rita’s boss-Mr. Salvi, when there were so many talented actors around, in Marathi film industry ?
Renuka: The character of Mr. Salvi- the boss, demanded a particular virtuousness, and Jackie perfectly fitted into that requirement, as described in the novel. Moreover, I could also make my producer happy by increasing the star value of my film.

And, how about yourself, playing the role of Rita’s friend  Saraswati ?
Frankly speaking, when we finalized everything about this film, I had almost exceeded my budget. If I were to offer to anyone, I had to spend extra amount. By playing Saraswati myself, I saved on the cost. But, I am happy that both myself and Pallavi could get a chance to act together in the same film.

How do you look at the relationship between Rita and her boss, when it blossoms into love affair? Isn’t it ex- marital relationship ?
The relationship between Salvi-the boss and Rita is not like love at first sight. It is an outcome of the circumstances. Nowhere in the film, the Boss is shown disloyal to his family. He cares a lot for them. In the script, it is shown that Rita, whom he supports right from the age of 17, almost becomes a part of his family, but Rita realizes that they are doing something wrong. It is about the conscience from both sides. It is at this time she seeks advice from her friend Saraswati. It is the concluding part of the film, that will make all your doubts clear about human relationships.

Who are the other important artistes to match with the characters of original story ?
In ‘Rita’ you will find Dr. Mohan Agashe playing Rita Welinkar’s father and Suhasini Muley playing her mother. I haven’t paid much attention on popular artistes to play Dolly and Sherry, but Sangeeta’s role which is well defined, is played by talented actress Sai Tamhankar. I have opted for Medha Jambhotkar to play Ms.Salvi’s ( Jackie’s wife) while Geetu Kulkarni plays Mariamma.

This movie is mainly describing the woman’s plight in this world, but in your opinion how would you describe a woman in present lifestyle ?
I would like to salute all those women, especially the working women, who are shouldering the home as well as office responsibilities. Watching them rush for their office during morning hours and witnessing some of them even getting prepared with kitchen work, by cutting the vegetables during bus or train journey , while returning home from office; is something that really needs a special mention. Some of them even take the lessons of their kids after dinner time. It is a great sacrifice from their side. They hardly find time to watch TV or even to rest, except for that incomplete sleep.

In that case, whom do you call an ideal husband ?
In today’s busy lifestyle, every husband must share the responsibilities at home front too. There are certain things which husbands can do, like giving time to the children, while mother is busy and also help his wife to whatever manner possible from his side. In my own case, Ashu took time off for three months from his work, to give time to my children, when he knew that I had to work on my film. It came automatically from his side, understanding the situation.

What’s your idea about living happy married life ?
According to me, small arguments turn into big clashes. Avoid arguments as far as possible. Even if it happens, close the argument at that time itself. Never carry forward the same for the next day. That causes more disturbance in relationship. Good , healthy Communication is the key for cordial relationship. Both husband and wife should play their respective roles like good friends.