| INTERVIEWS. VIBHAVARI DESHPANDE - Actress |
| - Filmography - Biography - Awarads- Natarang Review |
| Interview by Ulhas Shirke © MMW |
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“I am too eager to do variety of roles in films”- Vibhavari Deshpande
Few years ago she was seen just one of those smart young girls in in the city of Pune pursuing her job as a professional writer after completing her Mass Communication. Now, we see her playing a typical old fashioned Village woman of 60s or a traditional Maharashtrian woman of early 20th century. It does give a feeling whether another Smita Patil is born. For an artist of her caliber it is the character that’s most important. Watching her perform in ‘Harichandrachi factory’ and ‘Natarang’ in prominent roles, no one could believe that she was just one of those mod college girls moving with modern outfits in Smita Talwalkar’s film ‘Saat Chya Aat Gharaat’, which was released just few years ago.
Toady, Vibhavari Deshpande has certainly made her mark into Marathi films with the help of her solid theatre background. In an interview to MMW, Vibhavari talks about herself and her experiences in this field.
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Q. What prompted you enter this creative field of acting ?
Since my childhood, while I was studying in Garware High School, Pune, I used to watch Marathi plays. When I joined Fergusson College for my BA course, I started performing on stage. I attended a workshop of Pt. Satyadev Dube and also attended a theatre workshop at NSD , Delhi. There was also lot to learn at Lalit kala Kendra. Later, when I joined GRIP Theatre movement, which is an Indo -German group, I developed myself to write script and also act. After completing my Mass Communication, I was working with Mr. Shrirang Godbole’s Magic Eye, as a professional writer. However, my interest in plays continued. I got my first break into films through ‘Shwaas’ with a small role. Later I played one of the seven students in Smita Talwalkar’s film ‘Saat Chya Aat Gharaat’. Also performed a cameo role in
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Amol Palekar’s film and worked in Dr. Jabber Patel’s documentary. That’s how it all began few years ago. In between, I had taken a break for domestic commitments; but now, I am back with films.
Q. Whether it was playing a woman in the era of early 20th century or a typical poor village woman of 1960’s time; how did you prepare yourself mentally ?
It’s all psychological process of believing what you are at that particular moment. For people who are already into acting field, especially having done stage; it becomes much easier. If you are asking my own experience, I paid more attention on body language of these characters. While playing Ms. Phalke in Harischandrachi factory, the director Mr. Paresh Mokashi had already given us clear hints through the scripts; as to how that character is supposed to behave besides the dialogues. It clearly explained that women those days though dressed up according to the tradition, were forward in their thinking process and smart enough to take their own decisions. You must have noticed this lady, saying a flat ‘No’ to playing that much required woman character in that film, when no one was available. It was not because, she was scared, but she knew that she had some other responsibilities to shoulder at that crucial time In ‘Natarang’ I worked more on situation, and accordingly decided to emote strongly , wherever required. Watch that scene, where this lady drives away her husband who returns to take her back. In short, if the script is well written describing the character, performing that role becomes easier.
Q. While Nandu Madhav performed on stage, you appreciated his performance as a teenager. Did you ever think that one day you would play his heroine ?
Not at all. Actually, I knew him before I was signed to play. For me, Nandu was an elderly person, whom I respected a lot. When I was told about my selection to play opposite him, I was trilled.
Q. After watching you in the get up of 9 yard Sarees, Marathi film lovers are keen to watch you in a different style . Are you prepared to take on such challenges ? If so, what kind of roles, you prefer to play ?
Yes, of course! I am too eager to do a different role with a different look; hopefully soon. But, that does not mean that I am going to say ‘No’ to the kind of roles I have played before. It all depends on the importance of the character in that film.
Q. Do you think that Marathi films have really come off age ? In that case, what will be the form of Marathi films in next two-three year’s time
Yes , it is welcome change. All these film makers of recent times have really worked hard to offer good presentations. Especially, those directors with theatre background have done extremely well. As far as the new audience is concerned, especially the middle and upper middle class have started visiting the nearby theatres. Now, even the multiplex owners who were reluctant to release Marathi films, are asking for the prints. It only hurts me, when I see those pirated DVD’s of Marathi films purchased by our own people. Why can’t they help stop this piracy? Unless our own people come together and prevent this piracy, nothing is going to work. I have seen in South India, whether it is Chennai or Bangalore, it is the joint effort of common people which has prevented the piracy of their regional films. No one dares to sell the pirated DVD’s of their regional films. If we have to witness prosperity of our Marathi cinema in next 2-3 years time, this piracy is to be stopped completely with moral policing.
Q. If not shooting or performing in Dramas/ serials; how busy is Vibhavari otherwise ?
If not shooting, I get busy with my writing work. At present I am already writing dialogues for popular Marathi serial ‘Agnihotra’ as one of the three members of the script team. Even otherwise, during my free time I am associated with my GRIP Theatre movement, writing scripts for their forthcoming projects.
Q What future plans ? Will you also be doing TV serials ?
I will certainly continue with film projects, be it in the capacity of a writer or an actress. But, I have decided not to act in serials. I had few offers and I said ‘no’ to them. I just don’t want to mix up that area with my film projects. As far as my association with stage is concerned, I don’t mind working on stage. Soon, I will be associated with one such project with GRIP.
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