First V R Kothari Journalism Award Goes to Kumar Ketkar

First V R Kothari Journalism Award Goes to Kumar Ketkar

The first ever V R Kothari Journalism Award is announced. Noted Journalist and editor of the famous Marathi daily Loksatta will be the first recipient of this award.

V R Kothari was a prominent journalist and social reformer of 20th century. He started Prabhaat, a Marathi daily from Pune in 19xx. He started a crusade against all the wrong things happening in the name of religion, caste and traditions, through his newspaper and speeches.

V R Kothari wrote many books, including a book on French Revolution.

He suffered all the odds from the community, especially from the orthodox people.

Kumar Ketkar is also a journalist and social reformer of present day. He also has suffered from today’s orthodox people, but still he is fighting against all the wrong things taking place in the society.

To inform about this award, a delegation from Pune met Kumar Ketkar on 5th November and congratulated him. The delegation included Mr. Milind Phade (General Secretary of Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha), Mr. Arun Khore (Editor of Daily Prabhat), Dr. Ravsaheb Patil (Noted Marathi writer, speaker and journalist), Mahavir Sanglikar (Social reformer and writer) and Mr. Abhay Kothari.

Kumar Ketkar will receive this award on 22nd November of 2009, in a convention of Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha at Mumbai.

Mahadevan sings in Marathi

MALLIKA MULHERKAR

Marathi cinema is getting bigger, thereby attracting talents from the Hindi film industry

The latest is that Shankar Mahadevan is singing for Most Wanted, a Rajan Prabhu film in which the latter is the director, script writer and music composer. The film is being released by the end of the year, and Shankar’s participation will heighten the curiosity manifold for sure.

The film is a comedy of errors based on seven criminals, who come together in search of work when others refuse to let them lead a normal life. The track sung by Shankar brings back memories of their past. Called Tya pahate chi me vaat pahin (I will wait for a new dawn), the track set to bhangra beats turned out to be an awesome experience for those working on it. “When actor Milind Gawli heard the song, he said that if someone could do justice to the song and the music it would be Shankar Mahadevan. That is how we approached him. He liked it a lot, and found it very different,” recalls Prabhu.

Ask Shankar about this, and he sounds really happy. “I am a great fan of Marathi music as it is very melody based. The tunes and the taals are so catchy. My guruji hails from this music background, and it was a beautiful experience to be a part of a Marathi movie and sing a meaningful song. Last year, I also received an award for Mann uddhan varyache, a song I did for a Marathi film,” says he.

We asked Rajan about his experience of working with Shankar. “He is such a huge personality, and yet so humble. When I recited the song, he heard me without stopping me for a bit even though he knows much more about music than I do. Even though he had his hands full, he worked on our project and the song sounds superb!” says Rajan. With Shankar doing the singing, one can understand why.

Adesh Bandekar Joins Shivsena

Mumbai Popular Marathi TV star Adesh Bandekar joined the Shiv Sena on Friday. Welcoming Bandekar into the party fold, Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said the alliance between the Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Assembly polls would be finalised soon after discussions to clear the air on a couple of seats.

Bandekar’s entry into the Sena comes close on the heels of the first Indian Idol, singer Abhijeet Sawant, joining the party.

Bandekar joined the Sena in presence of Uddhav and wife Rashmi at a function organised at the Thackeray residence, Matoshree, in Bandra on Friday morning. Bandekar’s TV show ‘Home Minister’ on a Marathi channel (in which he visits homes and interviews women, who have to play games to win a Paithani, an expensive traditional handwoven silk saree, in each episode) is quite popular among housewives.

Bandekar, along with Sawant, is expected to add glamour to the poll campaign.

Uddhav, speaking about finalising the seat-sharing arrangements for the October 13 polls with the BJP, said, “We are finalising seatsharing between the two parties. It will be done soon.”
“There are no differences between the alliance partners on seatsharing. There are a couple of seats which both parties are staking claim to. But things would be sorted out in a few days,” he said.

In the 2004 polls, the Sena had contested 171 seats and the BJP 117 of the total 288 seats and the formula is likely to be repeated this time. Sources said that post-delimitation, the Sena has claimed Guhagar seat in Konkan currently with the BJP. Leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam of the Sena is keen on contesting Guhagar as his Khed constituency has been wiped out in the delimitation exercise.

On the crisis within the BJP at the national level, Uddhav said it would have no effect on the elections in Maharashtra.

No Marathi PM for now

NEW DELHI: Congress and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) announced a 26:22 seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra on Monday. The announcement, which came after days of suspense, saw NCP getting one seat more than it did in 2004.

Congress leader AK Antony said that the “two parties will fight unitedly as alliance partners.” Reiterating that the two parties would contest together, NCP’s Praful Patel said, “We are in alliance and we will support each other. There will be no friendly fights and Congress and NCP will have a joint campaign.” Leaders of both parties were evasive on whether the alliance would also extend to other states like Goa and Gujarat. “We have right now finalised seat-sharing in Maharashtra,” Mr Antony said

Even though the seats have been finalised, there is still a possibility of an exchange, “based on mutual request”. Sidestepping queries about the third front, Mr Patel said: “We have been a part of the UPA for the last five years, and we have chosen to be with Congress in these elections. We are in an alliance with Congress. We shall stand by the alliance and support fully all the candidates. There is not to have any other understanding.” Mr Patel also dismissed the issue of Mr Pawar’s projection as the prime minister. The Union minister said that his party chief has already clarified that NCP was a small party and “there is no need of words-splitting.”

Mr Patel as well as Mr Antony said that the request for exchanging seats was being taken under consideration and the process will be complete in the next one or two days. Among the seats that are being considered for exchange is Osmanabad in Marathwada. The seat, which is a bone of contention, is currently in NCP kitty. Both parties said they will hold discussions on exchange of few seats in the next two days. Former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh is keen on contesting Osmanabad. Congress therefore has asked NCP to give the seat and take Jalna instead. NCP is keen on fielding controversial ex-minister Padamsinh Patil, who is related to party chief Sharad Pawar, from Osmanabad.

As for seat allocation for the Republican Party of India (RPI), Mr Patel said: “We couldn’t have held talks with others till things between Congress and NCP were sorted out”. It is believed that both Congress and NCP will give up one seat each to accommodate RPI. Both leaders said that they will “take a decision very shortly and we want to take our friends with us.” On the issue of accommodating SP in Maharashtra, both leaders were once again evasive.

Raj Thackeray granted bail

NDTV Correspondent

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 (Mumbai)

Hours after being arrested, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has been granted bail on a surety of Rs 15,000 on Wednesday.

He was arrested from his central Mumbai residence and was taken in a police van to Vikhroli court in suburban Mumbai, where he was produced.

A case against him had been registered in Vikhroli police station after he made inflammatory remarks against North Indians that led to incidents of violence.

Following Thackeray's arrest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said, ''Police have taken the correct step by arresting Raj Thackeray.''

Adding to Deshmukh's statement, Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil said Raj Thackeray's arrest was an implication that Maharashtra government would not let anyone take law into his own hands.

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi was also arrested from his residence in South Mumbai on charges of inciting violence and promoting enmity between groups. But an hour later he was granted bail.

Azmi was produced before Mumbai's Bhoiwada Court and was released on bail against a surety of Rs 10,000.

Security has been beefed up around the Vikhroli court. Raj Thackeray's lawyers had asked for an appointment to argue for bail.

Eight MNS workers have also been arrested in Vikhroli. Earlier in the day, MNS State Secretary Vasant Geete was also taken into custody in Nagpur.

Meanwhile, police made around 1800 preventive detentions in various parts of the state to prevent any untoward incident in the aftermath of the arrests of Thackeray and Azmi, Director General of police PS Pasricha said. (With PTI inputs)

Country's interest first for us: Bal Thackeray

Press Trust of India

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 (Mumbai)

Maharashtra has always put the country's interests first and abided by the Rashtra dharma (national ethos), Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray said, in an apparent indication that he is not pleased with his nephew Raj Thackeray's campaign against North Indian migrants.

''Shivaji Maharaj took help of Pathans who belonged to other religion and other country in his fight against Mughal invaders,'' he said in an editorial published today in Sena mouthpiece Saamana.

''We also want to carry out the same work. Those who will come with us are our friends, our brethren. We will not think about their caste, region and religion,'' the Sena chief said.

In a veiled attack on Raj, who left the Sena in 2005, he said, ''When Shivaji Maharaj unfurled the saffron flag in Maharashtra, those who stabbed him in the back were his blood relations...his own Marathas.''

''When we proclaim the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, it is not only to announce caste inheritance,'' the 82-year-old Sena patriarch noted.

For the last 40 years, the Shiv Sena has imbibed Hindutva, he said, adding ''now, the Hindu religion is facing invasion after invasion. At this time, reply will have to be given to this Islamic aggression through Hindutva,'' he said.

Raj launched his own outfit Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in 2006 following differences with his cousin Uddhav, the Sena Executive President.

Raj Thackeray, Abu Azmi arrested

MUMBAI: As per TV reports, Mumbai Police have arrested MNS chief Raj Thackeray and SP leader Abu Azmi on charges of promoting enmity between groups.

Thackeray, who was arrested from his central Mumbai residence, was taken in a police van to Vikhroli court in the suburbs.
Commenting on the arrest of the MNS chief, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said that Raj Thackeray's arrest shows that government will not let anyone take law into his own hands.

According to a Mumbai police official, the law and order situation is under control in the city.

It is not clear whether Raj Thackeray has applied for bail.

Thackeray and SP leader Abu Asim Azmi were booked under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 153 A (promoting enmity between groups on the basis of place of birth, residence, etc) and 153 B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration).

The case against Raj was registered at Vikhroli police station and against Azmi at Shivaji Park police station.

A day after an FIR was lodged against MNS chief Raj Thackeray, arson spread to Pune, Nashik and Marathwada region with angry MNS mobs attacking buses and public property in several places.

More than 400 MNS workers were rounded up in Mumbai and Aurangabad triggering panic forcing the Centre to rush paramilitary forces to Maharashtra to prevent the situation getting uglier.

On Tuesday, in Pune and Pimpri Chinwad, MNS workers went on a rampage following reports of the possible arrest of Raj, during which windows and windscreens of 11 buses were smashed.

Shops along Nashik Road were closed down following the incident. Incidents of stone-pelting on state-run buses were reported from Nashik Road, Ambad, Ravivar Peth and Gangapur areas. Bus services were severely curtailed and diverted via Nipani.

In Amrawati, rumours of Raj's arrest led to MNS workers blocked roads and pelted stones at buses damaging several vehicles in the process. Preventive arrests were made here as well.

Marathi magazine to be launched in Feb is first Braille fortnightly

The magazine, to be launched on 1 February, will be sold through subscriptions and also distributed free to institutions working with the blind in Maharashtra

Sudha Menon

Pune

Until now, blind people in Maharashtra who wanted to keep themselves abreast of the latest political and current affairs news had no option but the radio and the audio stream from television news channels. Soon, they will have a 40-page fortnightly magazine, in Braille, and in Marathi.

Working out of a tiny office in Andheri, a western suburb of Mumbai, journalist-turned- theatre personality and entrepreneur Swagat Thorat is set to launch Sparshgyan, which he claims will be the first news, politics and current affairs fortnightly magazine for the blind in the country.

The magazine, to be launched on 1 February, will be sold through subscriptions and also distributed free to institutions working with the blind in Maharashtra

Well-known Marathi poet and writer Arun Mhatre will write a column in Sparshgyan, as will theatre critic Suresh Chavan, who will talk about the latest work on the stage. And P.D. Deshpande, who runs Helpers of the Handicapped, a non-government organization (NGO) based in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, will write a column on personality development.

While organizations working for the blind have been continually at the forefront to make life easier for the visually challenged, there is always a little more to be done, says Parimala Bhat, a social worker with Air India.

For more than six years now, Parimala has been running Snehankit, a help-line for the blind that helps the community by finding volunteers to help them cope with the demands of everyday life.

"Education is a big issue...; there are very few readers and books (in Braille) are limited for higher studies," says Bhat.

For the past four years, Thorat has been publishing Sparshgandh, a collection of fiction and non-fiction in Braille. He sells around 500 copies of this every year.

A few corporations have shown interest in Sparshgyan and Thorat has found a few sponsors, but he is not willing to divulge the details.

Sparshgandh has, in the past, featured advertisements (in Braille) from Bank of Maharashtra and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd, among others and Thorat is confident of getting good response from advertisers for the new magazine. A year's subscription of the magazine costs Rs960.

According to the National Association of the Blind, an NGO, India has the largest population of visually challenged people in the world. The organization runs a talking book library project that produces a range of books in Braille every year.

Ashwini Bhave Wins Screen Award

By R.M.VIJAYAKAR
Special to India-West

MUMBAI — Marathi and Hindi film actor Ashwini Bhave resides in Hillsborough, Calif., the upmarket abode of Silicon Valley's celebrities. But as of now, her address is the seventh heaven of delight, for the lady is ecstatic about winning the Screen Award for Best Actor (Female) in Marathi cinema for her maiden production as well as comeback film, "Kadaachit."

Speaking to India-West by phone from her home, she said, "I am really honored because Screen is very close to my heart and is hugely respected as the industry's paper. Besides, this is a jury award. This is my comeback to cinema after 10 years and my debut as a producer and I am very thrilled that everyone has loved the film."

Ashwini Bhave's last release was "Yugpurush" in 1998.

She married Kishore Bopardikar, founder and president of the software company Calypso, and settled in California. Now a mother of a son, 5, and daughter, 4, she came back after a decade.

Bhave is also making her debut as producer with the Marathi psychological thriller, "Kadaachit" — the title means "possibly" or "maybe" — which has garnered high critical acclaim and is also doing well commercially all over Maharashtra.

"I had time on my hands and I wanted to utilize it, so I made the film," said Bhave. "I have always kept myself updated with what was happening in the Hindi and Marathi film industries, and let me tell you that my almost exclusive connection with them was the extensive entertainment section of India-West!"

Even during her absence from the studios, Ashwini did not severe personal connection with the arts. She enrolled at the Academy of Art University's BFA program in San Francisco, becoming a student of cinema all over again, and graduated in 2002.

"Kadaachit" goes beyond a psychological thriller into a deeper dimension. "My film is about the perception of truth," Bhave explained. "People have different perceptions of various things, but the truth is often different from what they perceive. My film may be different, but it is gripping to the last frame and entertaining as well — from start to finish.

"I must tell you about the uneducated old woman who sat next to us when my director Chandrakant Kulkarni and I quietly watched the film along with the audience. She had no teeth and wore thick spectacles, but she was enjoying throughout and giving all the right reactions to the humor, drama, sad scenes and so on. We as filmmakers often underestimate the audience, which is very intelligent and receptive to any good entertainment."

"Kadaachit" co-stars Sachin Khedekar, who has also clinched the Screen Best Actor Award for the same film. "Another highlight of the film is Sadashiv Amrapurkar in an image-breaking role," says the actor-producer who is thrilled with her role too. "I have never done something like this in any of the 40 films in which I have acted."

"Kadaachit" is technically savvy, like all Marathi films nowadays, and director Kulkarni is the man who gave Marathi films its turnaround movie "Bindhaast" in 1999. "Bindhaast," a whodunit, was Marathi cinema's first film in Cinemascope and had three female leads. Its denouement formed the blueprint for the plotline of Priyadarshan's 2006 success "Bhagam Bhag."

How did the film happen? "Chandrakant told me about this story written 15 years ago by the famous Marathi playwright Girish Joshi. It had never been staged, and I fell in love with it. We decided spontaneously to make the film, and production was an enthralling process though it had its moments of stress!" said Bhave.

The actress and producer, whose most famous Hindi film is "Henna," now awaits a good script before she makes her next movie in both capacities. Tentatively, "Kadaachit" is expected to release in the U.S. in February.

Multiplexes refusing Marathi movies may face action

Multiplexes refusing Marathi movies may face action

MUMBAI: Not running Marathi movies as per the stipulations will cost the multiplex owners dearly as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil on Tuesday warned of cancelling lincenses of such theaters.

A meeting was held in Mantralaya (state secretarait) where Marathi film distributers discussed problems with government officials in releasing movies in multiplexes, official sources said.

There is a provision that multiplexes shall keep one screen reserved for Marathi movies, but they do not follow this rule, distributors pointed out.

There are 16 multiplexes in the city, but they avoid screening Marathi movies in prime time, they said in the meeting attended among others by Patil, who is also the Home Minister.

Nana Patekar to direct film for Prakash Jha

By Reshma Kelkar

Nana Patekar didn't take much interest in filmmaking after his directorial debut Prahaar. But he is planning to take up direction seriously, soon. His second film as director will be produced by Prakash Jha.

Jha who is currently contemplating four scripts for his banner informs that Nana's film will be one of the films that will be produced by his banner next year. "Nana is friend. We worked together in Apaharan. My production house is working on different kinds of films. I want to produce five films a year, and Nana will direct one of those five films that will commence next year," says Jha.

According to Prakash, Nana is still working on the script with his team of writers and once they complete scripting, he will announce the film. However as an actor, Nana will be a part of Jha's forthcoming film called Rajniti that will be directed by Prakash Jha himself.

"I am planning to start Rajniti at the end of January. The film deals with the understanding of democracy. The story is mine and we are still working on the script. Ajay Devgan and Nana will also be part of the film," he confirms, "We will cast three more actors, and two strong female actors for the film."

It is believed that Jha was keen to sign on Lara Dutta who opted out of his film Apaharan. "Yes we were in talks with Lara but she was busy with a foreign film and couldn't do Apaharan. We haven't finalized any actress yet. We will make an announcement once we have all our actors on board, and that will be sometime soon, hopefully."

Marathi film hits the big money jackpot

Neeta Kolhatkar

Saade, Maade, Teen is one of the biggest Marathi hits, as the box office collection in three weeks has created a record of sorts

MUMBAI: Marathi cinema is a poor cousin of its Hindi counterpart and films in the regional language rarely make it big at the box office. But a new Marathi film is giving Bollywood’s best a run for their money and is scoring big at the turnstiles.

Saade, Maade, Teen a Marathi film loosely based on Chalti ka Naam Gaadi was released last month and has become a huge hit. Such has been its success that many theatres that had booked screens for Aaja Nach Le, the comeback vehicle of Madhuri Dikshit switched to Saade, Maade, Teen.

“In the first week we had kept Saade, Maade, Teen in the 200 seat auditorium as we had reserved three shows for Aaja Nach Le, in the 526 seat auditorium. However even Madhuri’s magic did not work on the audience so we ended up swapping the two,” said Arvind Chaphalkar, director City Pride Multiplex in Kothrud, Pune.

Many reasons have been given for the Marathi film’s success. The producers, Zee Talkies, spared no effort to give it a gloss normally associated with big budget Hindi blockbusters. But behind the scenes too, it was professionalism all the way. International stock of positives was used for the first time in Marathi films for the first time and every cast member was given a hardbound script witch each frame sketched in it. “The entire film was shot in 24 days in Lonavala,” said Ajay Bhalwankar, executive producer.

The cast of the film helped too. The three lead actors are Ashok Saraf, Bharat Jadhav and Makran Anajpure, the first time so many big names have come together. “We were all in sync with each other and at no point of time was there any confusion,” said Sachit Patil, the director.

But it is the story that has proved to be a big hit. The film is about strong family relationships and Indian traditions, which has clicked with audiences. So overwhelming has been the response that it broke all records. Trade figures show that the film earned over one and a half crores in the first three weeks.

“All our 21 shows in the first week were houseful and in the second week 19 house full. From the third week despite the fact that the film was shown in other theatres we have been doing well,” said Vivek Damle, one of the directors Prabhat Theatre, Pune.

But what really tilted the balance in its favour is the younger Maharashtrians as well as non-Maharashtrians have been attracted by the film. Rakesh Sippy, of Chitra cinema happily says that the new young Maharashtrian filmgoer also spends more money in cafeterias, unlike his older counterpart.

One country, 3,271 rivers... and an encyclopaedia that maps it all

PIA CHANDAVARKAR

Sharatchandra Manohar Bhalerao’s extensive travels to rivers throughout India during his career may have been restricted to fulfilling his role as engineer and consultant with various irrigation and water projects. But it was his love and deep sense of awe for the country’s rivers and their influence on the Indian consciousness that became the final inspiration for his lifetime’s work: perhaps the first ever Encyclopedia on Indian Rivers in Marathi.

Bhalerao did not live to see his dream through to its logical end. He died in February 2006, leaving behind him 16 years of painstaking research and an unpublished encyclopedia. But his research associate Anuja Joshi carried his work forward and today, the book is in its final stages of publication. Brought out by the city-based Diamond Publications, the book is slated for release by the end of the year, complete with rare maps and photographs.

The Bharatiya Sarita Kosh, as it is called, includes detailed information on all scientific, cultural, historic and even spiritual aspects of the country’s 3,271 rivers. From detailed descriptions and classification of rivers and their tributaries to their earliest references in the Rig Veda, the encyclopedia contains everything one needs to know about rivers.

The first section of the book deals with the scientific and statistical information on rivers, including the origins, length, tributaries and the states through which they pass. A unique aspect of this section is the diagrammatical classification of each river, giving a hierarchy of its tributaries. “This highly scientific data brings together information from various sources including the irrigation department, state government gazettes, and even rare maps. This makes it a vital source for research, and at the same time is given in a language that is simple and easy to understand for the common man,” said Joshi.

Information on the bird, animal and plant biodiversity found along these rivers can also be found in the encyclopedia, as are geological facts on the soil and rock variety in the river basins. Modes of transport used to ferry goods along rivers since ancient times are also detailed in the encyclopedia. Apart from this, the book also lists the irrigation projects and dams undertaken on these rivers, including any controversies or conflicts that may have arisen from them (like the Narmada Dam project).

Rivers hold a special significance for Indians in all states, and many temples and religious places are built on their banks. What’s more, the rivers themselves are revered as goddesses in many places like the Shri Krishnabai Mandir at Karad in Maharashtra (Krishna River) or the Godavari Devi Mandir (Godavari River) in Nashik. Festivals are also celebrated in some parts of India to pay tribute or express gratitude to the rivers. All this and more has been dealt with in the cultural section.

In the historical section, all references to rivers in classical Indian texts like the Rig Veda have been recorded, as are historical tales like that of ‘River Ganga: Myth and Reality.’

In his foreword, Bhalerao talks about how rivers held the nation together and forged a feeling of respect and patriotism among Indians for their own land. “Through this book he wanted to underline how the rivers, which passed through various states, forged a sense of oneness in the country,” said Joshi.

A Marathi paean to Urdu poetry

Prashant Rangnekar

Wearing various hats simultaneously is nothing new for the Thane Municipal Corporation's (TMC) public relations officer Sandeep Malvi. At 36, he has also been a journalist for 12 years and has worked with the anti-HIV/AIDS movement at the Maharashtra State AIDS Control society (MSACS). But his favourite hobby is also his worst-kept secret—Malvi has honed a fine talent, of writing ghazals in Marathi.

Since ghazals are primarily a form of Urdu literature, there are few who have dabbled this form of poetry in any other language even after Marathi poet Madhav Julian started writing ghazals , followed by famous ghazal writer Suresh Bhat, who also wrote in Marathi. But Malvi once had the opportunity to tour with ghazal singer Bhimrao Panchal, a trip that turned a small hobby into a serious passion.

“I believe a poet's mind keeps thinking all the time, whatever he does,” says Malvi, when asked when a busy civic official finds the time for couplets. “Whenever any line comes to my mind, I quickly put it down on a piece of paper. Still, sometimes just one ghazal may take months to finish. It all depends on what comes to my mind.” A collection of Malvi’s ghazals has already been published by the Ghazal Sagar Pratisthan, with a second edition being released by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh earlier this year.

His versatile work experience reflects in his poetry too, besides having assisted his steady climb in his career. Starting as a journalist in Kolhapur, the always-calm Salvi came to Mumbai in 1997 to join a magazine before switching to MSACS as a project co-ordinator. “My stint as a journalist and my work with AIDS patients brought me closer to some harsh realities of life,” he says. That’s why, his poetry dwells on various emotions, but the focus is often on social issues.

“Earlier, I would pen verse of any kind, without really keeping in mind any particular form. But it was ghazal singer Bhimrao Panchal who, having read some of my poetry, advised me to try developing myself as ghazal writer,” he says. “One has to take proper care while writing ghazals, since the rhyming pattern must match the form.” His ghazals “directly touch the chords of the heart”, in the words of Panchal. “Even while writing on various issues ranging from life to social problems, he maintains the rhyme of ghazals which is of utmost importance,” adds Panchal, who has sung several of Malvi's ghazals at big concerts.

Malvi is now also writing a novel and a book on eunuchs, a project he has toured the country for, trying to gather detailed aspects of life in India for the transgender community. For Malvi, until that project is complete, it’s another bee in his buzzing bonnet.

HINDI REMAKE OF KAALCHAKRA LIKELY, SAYS AVINASH ONKAR

First-time producer Shri Avinash Onkar plans to remake his Marathi film ‘Kaalchakra’ screened as part of the Indian Panorama Section at IFFI-2007 in Hindi. While speaking to media persons here today, Shri Onkar informed that he was inspired to make Kaalchakra, a film that deals with the life situation of HIV + persons and how the society excludes them at large, after having personally witnessed the plight of some of the HIV + persons known to him in real life. The Hindi version would allow spreading the message of the film to a much wider audience, the producer commented.

The film’s director, Shri Vishal Bhandari stressed that great amount of research had gone in finalizing the film’s story such as acquiring authentic information on AIDS and HIV + cases from the National AIDS Research Institute, Pune and interaction with real life HIV + people. Meanwhile, commenting on his decision to play the main protagonist of the film i.e. Shekhar, Sachin Khedekar said “It was a rare opportunity to work in a film that provided me an opportunity to give back to the society which has given so much to me”.

The film revolves around the life of Shekhar whose dreams come crashing down, when he discovers that he is HIV +. He loses his family, job and self-respect. The film deals with the problems that Shekhar faces in terms of social exclusion and how he gradually acquires the will and determination to give himself a better future. Finally Shekhar succeeds.

Dilip Kumar’s life story in Marathi

Deepa Venkatraman

The book, tailored around the actor’s birth, family, career path and his heroines is slated for release in December

He has seen his favourite star many a time, seen all his movies right from Mela to Jugnu and Naya Daur to Saudagar. But this take is different for Prasannakumar Daniel Farande as he’s turned author of Dilip Kumar Bhartiya Cinenayakache Charitra, the Marathi version of the biography on Dilip Kumar in English, Star Legend of Indian Cinema- Dilip Kumar written by Bunny Ruben years back.

“Sanjay Nahar of Chinar Publication approached me to do the project and I didn’t think twice when I came to know it was on the legend whom I have been tracking since my childhood. Now even the Puneites and all the Marathi readers can get an in-depth information of their favourite hero,” says Farande who started the translation about two years back.

The book, tailored around the actor’s birth, family, career path, and his heroines, is slated to release in December 2007. The book also states that Kumar spent a brief period in Pune before entering the film world. “From Peshawar, Kumarji’s family came to Mumbai and started a fruit business. He later came down to Pune after his studies and worked as a canteen manager in the military mess for a year. He made a lot of friends and enjoyed living in the city,” says Farande.
Although a versatile actor who gave a new dimension to Indian cinema, Kumar had his own share of troubles at the start of his film career.

“Kumarji wanted to become a journalist but was destined to meet actor Devika Rani of Bombay Talkies and thus got the first role in Jwar Bhata followed by Pratima Swarna, which received a lot of criticism for his physique. But the turning point in his career was his subsequent movies Mela and Jugnu where he was recognised as an actor. Although Jugnu was banned in for a while Kumarji’s acting was applauded,” he says.

Farande unearthed many anecdotes that made the legend popular amongst his peers in the industry. Farande says, “Once when Bimal Roy was going through a financial crunch just before the release of Madhumati , Kumarji talked to the distributors and got the finances arranged. He also gave a considerable amount of cash for the repair work of a temple and a masjid during one of his shoots in North India.”

There was a writer too hidden inside the versatile actor. “ The creative spark was the result of a fire burning in his belly as he was refused a role in Mother India. That’s not it, Bhojpuri dialect was introduced in Hindi cinema for the first time in Ganga Jamuna.”
Although Kumar was known for his affairs with his heroines, his true love was only one-Kamini Kaushal. Farande says, “In the book, Kumarji has

confessed that he loved only once and the first flame of love cannot be copied. He was totally heartbroken when Kaushal was forced to give up the relationship and left for London to get over it.” But cupid struck him once again in the form of Saira Banu.

Vasudev Balwant Phadke

From Screen

Vasudev Balwant Phadke is a Marathi film that recalls the life and efforts of a Maratha freedom fighter, which stood against the British regime. At a time when Indians had accepted British as their true masters, Vasudevrao, as he was more popularly known, chose to ridicule the oppression and autocracy. Vasudevrao created his own army and fought against the East India Company’s rule.

The film focuses deeply on Vasudevrao’s personality and his influence on others around him. The film also recalls Vasudevrao’s vision for a free India and his contributions to Maharashtra’s social upliftment. Vasudev Balwant Phadke attempts to relive the life of a freedom fighter and create awareness about him.

ProducerRamesh Deo
“Some years back I was addressing a guest lecture for BA students in Pune and out of the blue, I popped them a question. I asked them if they knew who Vasudev Balwant Phadke was. A few students raised their hands and when I asked them to speak about him, I was shocked. Some were of the opinion that he was the grandfather of some producer and others identified him as a businessman, social worker and other such professions.

It was a surprise that we Marathi folk had forgotten Vasudev Balwant Phadke, a man who stood against the British empire when the Indian society identified them as a divine blessing. Vasudev Balwant Phadke, the film speaks about how he opposed the British regime and made people aware that their oppressive reign was not a gift of God.

I have made films on historical subjects before so I knew what had to be done with Vasudev Balwant Phadke. Where an average Marathi film on historical figures is made on a meagre budget of 50 lacs, we have gone all the way with our film. I wanted this film to be as big and lavish as possible, and our added efforts have made it as wonderful as a timeless novel. I hope people watch this film and relive true Indian and Maratha glory.”

‘Kaalchakra’ to be screened at World Bank HQ

By Indiantelevision.com Team

Marathi film Kaalchakra which is currently being shown at the IFFI has been invited by the World Bank for a screening at its headquarters in Washington.

The film focuses on the sensitive issue of HIV/Aids. Sachin Khedekar who plays the lead as Shekhar has his dreams come crashing down when he discovers that he is HIV positive. He loses his family, job and self respect. Even his wife deserts him.

Produced by Avinash Omkar and directed by Vishal Bhandarkar, Kaalchakra succeeds in breaking some myths about this disease. Also starring in the movie is Shilpa Tulaskar and Yatin Karekar.

Mumbai Amchich: Who's Mumbai is it?

Prachi Jawadekar WaghTuesday, January 8, 2008: (Mumbai):

Mumbai Amchich is one Marathi film that could not just renew the debate on who is a true Mumbaikar but also whether cinema is being used as a political tool.

In the film a police officer quits the force to tackle a syndicate of politicians and businessman who are trying to run the Marathis out of his city. Although the plot is said to be fictional, the events and characters shown find echo in real life.

In keeping with its vitriolic theme several negative characters are played by non-Maharashtrians.Despite this, the filmmaker claims his message is not one of exclusion.

"The Government says this and we are only saying the same thing that people who have already come are part of us now but the train loads of people who are coming should not come," said Sharad Bansode, actor, director and producer.

But it's a message that didn't find it easy going with the censors. The Censor Board saw the film four times but refused to give it a certificate.

The main reason being that they felt the film brands all non-Maharashtrians as being against Mumbai and that the movie may do little good for a city it claims to reclaim.

But finally after three more viewings from the tribunal the film got the green light.While his views closely resemble those of parties like the Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray's party neither party has agreed to come forward and support his movie so far.

Digital technology to be used to spread Marathi culture: Maharashtra CM

Panaji, Jan 6: The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh today said that new digital technology should be used to preserve and spread Marathi culture and tradition for the sake of new generation, and the Jagatik Marathi Academy can help the Maharashtra government in achieving this task.

Speaking during the valedictory function of the Jagatik Marathi Sammelan, a global Marathi conference on the theme ‘Shodh Marathi Manacha’, at the Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir, he said that the Maharashtra government has already decided to provide grants for supporting the traditional arts from the state, including folk art and stage productions.

“The Maharashtra government is also dedicated towards reducing the distance and differences between it and the writers, poets, artists, performers, and so on,” he added.

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr R R Patil, besides the president of the conference and noted film and stage actor, Nilu Phule were also present on the dais.

Speaking further, Mr Deshmukh said that a Marathi person may be slow in his approach but definitely attains the target set for him.

Stating that any state achieves success when it has control over law and order situation, Mr Deshmukh observed that Goa is one such state where even the tourists are ensured of their safety. “The theme of the conference which is based on search of a Marathi mind, was fulfilled when the Chief Minister of Goa agreed to take on the responsibility as the chairperson of the reception committee of the event,” he pointed out.

Mr Deshmukh also said that the grandmothers in various Marathi families settled around the globe have become a major force for spreading Marathi language in their respective families.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister also lauded the presence of Nilu Phule for the function, stating that in spite of old age and ill health, the veteran actor and noted social worker had attended the 3-day function due to his love for the language.

Mr Kamat, in his speech said that the global Marathi conference is one of the unforgettable events in his career.
Mr Patil, speaking on the occasion said that Maharashtra is ahead of countries like Russia, Poland, Italy and South Korea, in terms of its achievements in the field of investment.

He also stated that more youth from Marathi families should remain present for such functions.

Nilu Phule and the president of the Jagatik Marathi Academy, Mr Ramdas Phutane also spoke on the occasion. The co-ordinator of the event, Mr Vishnu Wagh welcomed, while Dr Ajay Vaidya compered.