"Strength of the role and not length is important" - Hemangi Kavi
Graduate from Mumbai's J.J. School of Arts, Hemangi Kavi is a renowned artistic
painter besides being a talented actress. For her, the role that she portrays
matters a lot almost like a situation where she paints a portrait. For the past
seven years she has been in the field of acting, having begun with a small role
of a flower vendor in Inter collegiate competition for Purshottam Shield.
Hemangi did work for a company for one year after her graduation, but her
interest in acting, brought her into Marathi entertainment industry and Hemangi
performed in all the three areas of entertainment i.e. Marathi plays, television
and films.
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. However, she is already doing well in Marathi films with
variety of roles. She initially began with small roles but soon went on to play
lead roles with a film 'Manatlya Manaat' followed by 'Davpech',
'Dhudgus', 'Paaradh' and 'Kon Aahe Re Tikade'. But, even thereafter we have seen her
performing small roles with better impact in films today. 'Fakta Ladh Mhana',
'Pangira' and 'Rangi berangi' are few such films.
Hemangi'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.
. 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.
