Marathi stars get best of both worlds

As actors in Bollywood have to make a choice between TV and film genres, their Marathi counterparts are dabbling in both with ������lan. TOI tells you more...
On the silver screen, she maybe playing a village belle and charming audiences, but cut to the telly, and here too, Mukta Barve ��������� in the role of a spunky girl ��������� is simply loved. And she is not alone.Actors like Bhargavi Chirmule, Subodh Bhave, Swapnil Joshi, Pushkar Shrotri, Priya Bapat, Chinmay Mandelkar are among the many other leading stars, who are seen playing lead roles in films as well as TV, and accepted in both avatars. Unlike their Bollywood counterparts, who have to choose one medium over the other, Marathi stars face no such dilemma.
Choosing well
Swapnil Joshi, who started shooting for a serial, that too after the success of his film Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai, says, ���������I have no problems starring in either medium. If I feel like doing a show that showcases my comic timing, I'll do it. Similarly, if I feel the script of a serial is better than a movie, I won't think twice before saying yes. After all, content is king.���������
Connection matters
It is the age of in-your-face publicity and over-the-top visibility. So, from timelines to walls to status updates, every minute of an actor can be tracked. And actor Bhargavi Chirmule feels that this reflects the times we live in. She adds, ���������Today stars have an aura, but the aura is more friendly rather than mystical. If by appearing on TV, we stay connected to our audience, I don't see the harm in working in TV serials, films and theatre as and when we can.��������� Agrees Swapnil, ���������At the end of the day, for a star it's all about how he connects with his fans. If TV helps do that, why shouldn���������t one choose it?���������
Amruta Subhash says, ���������I was doing TV when films happened. And now, when films are happening big-time, TV hasn���������t stopped. I took part in the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Marathi when the promotions of my film Masala were going on! I enjoyed it, and it sure got me closer to my fans.���������
Artistic break
Mukta Barve believes that ���������Whether its TV or a film project, if chosen judiciously, it can be the best creative break for an artist. Apart from the finances, doing TV or theatre liberates me artistically. And I choose only those TV projects, which I know have a start to finish schedule. Therefore, I am also able to concentrate on theatre, which helps me establish a stronger connect with a live audience. In fact, I have observed that whenever I have done a film, which is a hit, the ripple effect is that there is a larger sale of my play tickets or better TRPs for my serials. Why would anyone grudge that?���������
Exclusivity suffers?
But, does straddling two media affect one's exclusivity? Says director-actor Ankush Chaudhary, ���������I think it does, to some degree. I am doing only films, and that's where my exclusivity lies. Also, because I am into film direction, I haven���������t really given TV a serious thought.��������� To this, Mukta adds, ���������Being too much in the public eye, does affect one���������s aura to an extent, which is why I do only select projects. I am not seen in every other party, awards nite or reality shows. It requires effort to turn down those invites, but if I have to maintain an exclusive image, I must limit my appearances.���������
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