Showing posts with label Sai Tamhankar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sai Tamhankar. Show all posts
After so many years of work, insecurity shouldn’t exist-Sai Tamhankar
8:18 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 30, 2026)
Sai Tamhankar is happy with the response she has received to her performance as Barkha Bhatti in the period crime drama Matka King. Playing the wife of Vijay Varma’s Brij Bhatti, Sai brings restraint and emotional depth to a role that could have easily slipped into stereotype.
She says, “People have been telling me that the character felt natural and layered. That’s always satisfying to hear because you want the performance to feel organic.” For Sai, Barkha’s journey resonated on a personal level. Much like the character navigating chaos and uncertainty, the actress recalls her own early years after moving to Mumbai from Sangli.
“It took a lot of mental preparation to survive on your own and face everything a city like Mumbai throws at you. The city has given me a lot and taken a lot too, but it has shaped me into who I am today,” she says.
She describes Mumbai as a city that forces resilience. “It teaches you how to manage stress, how to take care of yourself and how to survive difficult situations. In the beginning, there were days when I genuinely felt this wasn’t my cup of tea. But over time, you learn how to deal with the chaos. And once you face chaos, you begin to value peace,” she says.
Despite working in an industry driven by competition, Sai says, “I don’t see myself as part of any race. The race is only with myself,” she says. “Everyone has their own talent and individuality. If you’re thinking long-term, there’s no point in being insecure,” she adds.
The actor acknowledges the inevitability of younger faces entering the industry. “After so many years of work, insecurity shouldn’t exist. Somebody younger will always come in — that’s the way life works. I believe that with talent, work will continue to come at every age,” she says.
You can’t even name five mainstream filmmakers who are united-Nikkhil Advani
9:53 AM
Rohan Kanawade, Nikkhil Advani
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 24, 2025)
Rarely does this emotion strike filmmakers, but when it does, it hits hard. Nikkhil Advani experienced it — that feeling of a filmmaker reminding you of your younger self — when he watched Rohan Kanawade’s Sabar Bonda. “Rohan is the filmmaker we set out to be 30 years ago. But along the way, we had to take other decisions,” he says. “The purity with which Rohan has made the film is beautiful.”
Sabar Bonda tells the story of Anand, who, while navigating the grief of his father’s demise, finds love in Balya. The Marathi film has Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane, Sai Tamhankar, and Nagraj Popatrao Manjule as its executive producers. It’s notable how the movie brought several filmmakers together. Not a rare phenomenon, according to independent producer Shiladitya Bora, who recently told us that mainstream Bollywood filmmakers have more unity than their indie counterparts.
But Advani disagrees. “You can’t even name five mainstream filmmakers who are united. In the 1990s, 44 Aram Nagar was Sudhir Mishra’s office where all of us — myself, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Anurag Kashyap — used to hang out. Today, there’s more unity among indie artistes because their struggle is the same.”
As an executive producer, Advani is happy to nurture Kanawade and hopefully ease some of his struggles. Asked whether he felt almost envious while watching the director’s work, and he admits, “When I saw Aligarh [2016], I said, ‘Wow! Hansal [Mehta], what have you done?’ When we saw Udaan [2010], we were like, ‘Who is Vikram!’ I want to be jealous of [good] films when I see them.”
Advani, who made his directorial debut with Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), knows that preserving one’s voice is far from easy. For Kanawade, he has a simple advice.
“He has to learn from me. I made Salaam-E-Ishq [2007] as my second film. My [approach] was that since nobody is giving me credit for my first love story, I’ll make six love stories. The decision was wrong because it was [born] out of arrogance. But you have to tell yourself, ‘I won’t go against [my instincts]’.”
I know it’s very difficult to get a theatrical release nowadays, says Sabar Bonda director Rohan Kanawade
8:28 AM
Director Rohan Kanawade reveals he was initially fearful of Sabar Bonda not finding a release in today’s market
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 16, 2025)
Faith over fear — this principle has guided filmmaker Rohan Kanawade up to this point. His maiden feature film, Sabar Bonda, won the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema: Dramatic category at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Despite the win, the director wasn’t sure whether his romantic drama would be picked up for a theatrical release. Today, his faith in the movie has trumped his fear as actor and producer Rana Daggubati is bringing Sabar Bonda to theatres. “I didn’t know it would be this quick,” he chuckles.
“I know it’s very difficult to get a theatrical release nowadays. So many of my filmmaker friends have made their movies and they aren’t getting distribution. So, it was scary when we were making Sabar Bonda. But with all these people joining it, the release will be stronger,” he says, happy to have the support of filmmakers Vikramaditya Motwane, Nikkhil Advani, Nagraj Manjule, and actor Sai Tamhankar who have come on board as executive producers.
Starring Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman, the Marathi movie revolves around Anand who falls in love with Balya when he visits his ancestral village during the mourning period of his father’s demise. With Kanawade giving us a tender queer romance, we ask him about the love stories that influenced him in his childhood.
“My dad used to take us to watch films all the time. So, I used to watch all the Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan films. I cried when I watched Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [1998],” he recalls.
But if there was a film that aroused his curiosity about what goes on behind the camera, it was the Marathi classic, Maherchi Sadi (1991). “While all the women in the audience were crying for Alka Kubal’s character, I asked my father all about the projector and kept on looking at all those colourful rays coming out of it.”
If the seeds of filmmaking were sown that day, they were further nurtured by Marathi filmmakers Jabbar Patel, Sumitra Bhave, and cinema legend Satyajit Ray, whose works Kanawade devoured.
“I realized how differently you can tell stories. There is not only one way to tell a story — I saw that in films made by these filmmakers. Sometimes if you feel jealous of other filmmakers, it inspires you to push yourself.”
Fear is another emotion he has come to terms with. “When you are writing something new, you have fears. But you have to force yourself to make what you want to.”
Speaking my mind has landed me in trouble in the past-Sai Tamhankar
8:02 AM
Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; November 21, 2024)
Starting out in the field of acting with inter-collegiate competitions, Sai Tamhankar had no idea about how far this journey would take her. Back then, it was just about a young girl earning decent money from acting but not knowing what to do with it. Then came a turning point in her life. In a heartfelt chat with us over cups of freshly-brewed black coffee by her, Sai talks about this change that eventually paved the way for her passion towards work, how she’s at a stage where she wants to strike a work-life balance, why counselling should be a must for everyone, and more. Excerpts:
‘I am a very hygienic actor today’
Back when she started doing films, work ethic wasn’t really a focal point. But a gradual transformation resulted in a changed approach. “I wasn’t as punctual as I am today. I have consciously changed that. Today, I am a very hygienic actor. If I have an 8 am shift the next day, I will ensure to sleep early and reach the set on time. This change happened organically, definitely not overnight. I think acknowledging that you want to change is the biggest step in the direction,” she says, adding, “I have learned to channelize my energy well. Learning from mistakes has been the biggest takeaway for me in this journey.”
‘Have understood and acknowledged myself beautifully’
The Bhakshak actress acknowledged the importance of taking time off work, but it isn’t something she has fully made peace with yet.
“As a person I have understood and acknowledged myself beautifully. That said, I do feel sometimes that I don’t reward myself as much as I should, especially in terms of time,” she tells us.
Essentially, that translates to not taking time out for herself. She adds, “I have this approach that my professional life needs to be top-class. Other things can take a backseat. This is exactly what I want to change. Work will continue to be the focus but after all these years of slogging, somewhere I am feeling burned out. Not creatively, but by constantly thinking of work.”
Ask her if she sees herself doing nothing but chilling, and she replies, “I would be lying if I said yes. Without working for a week, I will be like a fish out of water. I like being a workaholic, but I think work and life can be better balanced. I have started doing it. If I am shooting a long schedule, I make sure to have at least two days to myself. I will use them for doing laundry, cleaning my house or just relaxing. I haven’t achieved that balance completely, but I am slowly getting there. Your brain needs rest. I am realizing this a little late, but I am glad that I am.”
‘I feel everyone should take counselling for mental cleansing at least’
Mental sanity is of utmost importance for everyone today, feels the Mimi actress. “Being neutral, calm and present is like having a fertile piece of land. Whatever comes out of it is bound to be good. I feel counselling should be mandatory for everyone at least once a month. We do physical cleaning or workouts to stay physically fit. Counselling can help you cleanse your mind,” she says. She also shares that one shouldn’t shy away from seeking help. It is something that she doesn’t just preach but practices as well.
Opening up about her experience with therapy, Sai adds, “I have taken therapy too. It started after my divorce, but it’s a continued process for many reasons. Therapy has helped so much and opened a whole new world to me. You do minor things daily that entangle your life. When you speak to a professional, you understand it’s not necessary and that’s when change begins. Once you open up to someone, you feel light. It’s amazing."
The call that changed her life...
Sai has an interesting slate of projects to look forward to, including Agni, where she teams up with Pratik Gandhi and Matka King, through which she ticks off a name from her directors’ wish list – Nagraj Manjule. The actress confesses that it took some time for her to understand the seriousness of her profession, but since she did, there has been no looking back.
“I was always interested in acting but as a youngster, I wasn’t that serious about it from a professional standpoint,” she says.
Things changed after a phone call from her father, who Sai lost at a young age. “I was probably 20 when I got a call from my father. After that call, I had a gut feeling that from here on I was going to be responsible for my mother. My mother is my weak point. That call was a turning point in my life and from then, I never looked back,” she shares, adding that it’s only now that she has reached a stage where she thinks she can relax and sit back for a while.
‘Wrongs never stay hidden; they find a way to come out’
A few months ago, the Justice Hema Committee report created ripples in the south-Indian film industry with its findings about the discrimination and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.
Ask Sai how a #MeToo movement or the Hema Committee report has changed things on ground, and she shares, “I think it’s a process. Things aren’t going to change overnight. I think these developments have been successful in helping lay a foundation for rules and guidelines. Most importantly, they have created widespread awareness. There may be more such revelations in the future but ultimately the common goal should be to reach a point where all this stops. It needs time and patience because uniting people to do something together is not easy. But it will happen. Harvey Weinstein is the biggest example of how wrongs don’t stay hidden. You can’t suppress them. They find a way to come forward.”
The actress further adds, “Of course I can tell women to take no nonsense today from the position that I am in. But it’s easier said than done. I think recognizing the problems and giving it back to perpetrators in whatever way you feel is right is an individual’s decision."
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Speaking my mind has landed me in trouble in the past. But I have realized that my words mean something and are looked up to by many people. So that responsibility give me a self-check now
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People think I am a snob. I don't want to change the perception. It automatically creates filters and keeps nonsense away from me
Anish Joag and I have gone our separate ways, and it was a mutual decision-Sai Tamhankar
8:11 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 27, 2024)
Actor Sai Tamhankar has confirmed her breakup with longtime boyfriend and filmmaker Anish Joag. Rumours of their split began circulating a few weeks ago after Tamhankar shared a cryptic post (see top right) that read, “I’m single by choice. Not my choice. But it’s still a choice”, and deleted all pictures with Joag.
In an exclusive chat with us, Tamhankar clarifies that their separation was mutual. “Yes, we have gone our separate ways, and it was a mutual decision. He was and will always be special; I wish him well.”
Before dating Joag, Tamhankar was married to visual effects artist Amey Gosavi. The couple tied the knot in 2013 but parted ways in 2015. Following that, Tamhankar and Joag began dating, with Joag producing several films starring Tamhankar, including YZ (2016), Girlfriend (2019) and Dhurala (2020), among others.
On handling public scrutiny, the actor, who recently starred in the thriller series Manvat Murders, states, “I clearly see the line between my professional and personal life, and I’m very protective of that boundary.”
Female actors aren’t generally taken seriously-Sai Tamhankar
7:57 AM
Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; April 16, 2024)
Few things can get Sai Tamhankar to skip work and nursing a sore throat definitely isn’t one of them. Over a cup of hot coffee on a hot April afternoon just before heading to an event in the city, the actress spoke to us about the new phase of her life, dancing on screen and conveying one's thoughts in the right manner. Excerpts:
‘With great power comes great responsibility’
That’s a Spider-Man line that Sai swears by when it comes to speaking about things that bother her.
Does it mean she looks the other way? No, but the actress tries to find a way in which her statement isn’t wrongly interpreted. “Fame is a double-edged sword. Your words hold weightage, but they can be held against you. I feel that’s alright too, and I accept it. Having said that, this shouldn’t stop you from saying what you feel. What matters is how and where you say it. Don’t be in an urgency to react,” says the actress, adding, “While shooting for Mimi, Pankaj Tripathi ji said a very interesting thing about finding the opportunity to present your thoughts through a character. That changed my perspective.”
‘Auditioning for roles is an ongoing process’
Sai will soon be seen with Emraan Hashmi and Pratik Gandhi in two different projects - Ground Zero and Agni. The actress tells us that she auditioned for both projects and that auditions are an ongoing process.
"Over the years, I have learned that auditions are not about questioning an actor’s talent but about how you fit a specific character or look. If you maintain a positive approach towards them, life becomes easy. Till date I have butterflies in my stomach when I audition for roles, and I think that is how it should be too,” she says.
Changing perceptions and the YOLO mantra
A string of successful projects, a beautiful home and a swanky set of four wheels later, the Pondicherry actress feels that you have only one life and you should do what makes you happy in it. “I am happy with what I have achieved. Yes, I took some risks, but I feel you need those to keep going in life,” she shares.
The actress also feels that when you continuously do good work, there’s a definite change in the public perception. “Maybe it's more to do with female actors because we aren’t generally taken seriously. Don't know if there's a specific reason for that, but I have realized that perception too can change when you keep doing good work. Gradually, there’s more weight in your words, people listen to you. I have observed this happening with me over the last few years.”
On her takeaway from Bhakshak...
Sai’s role of a cop in Bhakshak, with Bhumi Pednekar in the lead, was appreciated by many. The actress’ takeaway from the film? “The topic we were addressing in Bhakshak (which was about young girls facing abuse at a shelter home), was intense, difficult, bothering and unsettling,” says Sai, adding, “My takeaway from the film was that hope pe zindagi kayam hai, and also a reassurance that there are people who use the power they have to do good in the society.”
More dancing on screen?
Among the things that Sai got cold feet for earlier was dancing on screen. But that changed post Param Sundari (Mimi) and the actress also shook a leg to Dil Mein Baji Guitar (Sridevi Prasanna) recently.
"Param Sundari was the turning point and Ganesh masterji (choreographer Ganesh Acharya) is instrumental in removing my mental block about dancing. For Dil Mein Baji Guitar, Siddharth Chandekar and I were sailing in the same boat, but both of us enjoyed the experience. Earlier, I would feel like going to write an exam before heading for a dance shoot. Now I look forward to it,” she shares. So, expect to see more dancing from Sai in upcoming projects.
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Where I am today, 80% is due to hard work and 20% is the result of prayers, fans, well-wishers and good vibes
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Taking time to understand things and then speak about them is the need of the hour, not reacting to something immediately
Despite all the success, Pratik Gandhi is grounded-Sai Tamhankar
8:35 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 1, 2023)
Sai Tamhankar, who is a popular name in Marathi cinema, has also made a mark in Hindi films. After Mimi, which won her a lot of appreciation, the actress was also a part of Madhur Bhandarkar’s India Lockdown.
Excited about the way her career is shaping up, Sai says, “I think many doors are opening for me now. I am being approached for interesting projects quite often these days, which is great. I am meeting new people and working with talented people. It’s like different avenues are opening up for me and I am ready to take on the world! There’s this very positive feeling right now.”
Talking about the kind of work she wants to do, the actress says, “I am a workaholic. I love my work. I don’t believe in barriers of language or region. What has helped me are my career choices, which have been interesting. I would like to give that credit to myself.”
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Basking in the success of being a pan-India star, Sai Tamhankar on sharing screen space with Pratik Gandhi in Agni
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 1, 2023)
Sai Tamhankar believes she is living in the golden era of Indian cinema, where lines between regions and languages are blurred and actors across the country enjoy equally exciting opportunities and fandom. The Marathi star, who has broken out as a pan-India actor post Mimi (2021), has already shot for two projects—the Emraan Hashmi-starrer Ground Zero and Excel Entertainment’s Agni, alongside actors Pratik Gandhi, of Scam 1992 fame, and Saiyami Kher.
While she is not permitted to divulge details of her upcoming projects, sharing screen space with Gandhi has been a revelation for Tamhankar. “I love actors who know their job. Pratik is extremely subtle, composed, and a wonderful actor. Despite all the success [he has received], he is grounded. Having a background in theatre speaks volumes of how he approaches his work,” says the actor, mighty impressed with her co-star.
Tamhankar has also been roped in as a host for a docuseries titled, Postcards From Maharashtra, where she will take viewers on an experiential journey of food, culture, architecture in the state.
Sai Tamhankar, Emraan Hashmi unite for Ground Zero
8:26 AM
Preeti Atulkar (BOMBAY TIMES; September 21, 2022)
Sai Tamhankar is on a roll. After picking up awards for her performance in Mimi, the actress is set to be seen in multiple Hindi films in the near future. We have learnt that Sai has been paired opposite Emraan Hashmi in an upcoming film titled Ground Zero.
Tejas Deoskar, whose last release was the Marathi film Bucket List, is directing the film and Emraan reportedly plays an army officer in the film that also stars Zoya Hussain and Deepak Paramesh.
According to a source Sai is playing Emraan's wife in the film. “The two got along well during the preparation of the movie. They share amazing chemistry,” says the source.
Reportedly, the film also features Lalit Prabhakar, who was recently seen opposite Sai in the Marathi film Medium Spicy.
The film's team is currently shooting in Pahalgam, after wrapping up a schedule in Srinagar.
I get more energy from people doubting me. I say to them, ‘You have doubts? Watch me perform!’-Sai Tamhankar
8:14 AM
Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; September 13, 2022)
In one of her previous interviews with us, Sai Tamhankar had said that an actor needs to constantly reinvent themselves with every role. And going by the streak of successful projects and varied characters that she has done in the last few years, it’s safe to say that the actress is sticking to that mantra.
In a chat with us, Sai – fresh from her Filmfare award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) for her role in Mimi – speaks about her desire to explore “something out-of-the-box and irrespective of the platform or length of the role”, why awards matter and why she feels the magic of cinema will never fade. Excerpts:
‘I JUMP AT OPPORTUNITIES THAT GIVE ME A CHANCE TO EXPLORE SOMETHING DIFFERENT’
In the last few projects of hers, Sai has played a Muslim woman from Rajasthan, a Maharashtrian woman from Pondicherry, a Tamil woman in Maharashtra and a girl from Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region. “I will soon be playing a Bihari girl in MX Player’s upcoming show Bindiya,” she laughs.
But the actress says that she doesn’t consciously choose these characters. “I’ve said this before, that I don’t plan anything. My effort is to do different things. I recently played a Varhadi character, and people weren’t confident that I would be able to pull it off. But I get more energy from people doubting me. I say to them, ‘You have doubts? Watch me perform!’ It’s not about proving anyone wrong but just about wanting to surprise people. Personally, I feel you should jump at any opportunity that gives you the chance to explore something out-of-the-box, irrespective of the platform or length of the role. This urge to do a variety of things is what drives me,” says Sai.
‘BIG DREAMS SEEM APPROACHABLE AND ACHIEVABLE NOW’
Globally, the showbiz industry has seen a rise in inclusivity, not just in terms of gender or sexuality, but ethnicity as well. Characters are being written as per the demand of the story, not to create or establish certain stereotypes. In the Indian context, when we speak of ‘breaking boundaries’ of regional cinema, is that the beginning of the journey towards this global approach, we ask Sai.
“Absolutely! Things are changing for the better. Today, the concept of an actor being restricted to a certain geographical area in terms of work is becoming redundant. The most important outcome of this shift for people like me is that we don’t fear dreaming big,” says Sai, adding, “Earlier, what used to be just a dream, seems approachable and achievable now. This feeling and possibility is amazing.”
‘GIVE TIME FOR THINGS TO GET BACK TO NORMAL’
The audience’s response to many post-lockdown theatrical releases has been lukewarm at best. This has reignited the discussion about whether people
are moving away from the big screen experience. However, Sai feels that there’s no point in jumping to conclusions. “The Coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives, and it has taken us two years to come to terms with this ‘new normal’. In these two years, our lives have changed, our approach towards things has changed, and the way we consume content has changed, too. So, I think we should give it time to recover. It won’t happen overnight. You can’t judge the fate of cinema based on the box-office response of a few films. Let’s give it time and not jump to conclusions,” says the actress.
She adds, “Cinema and cricket are in our blood, and that’s not going to change. Yes, the trend has changed due to OTT platforms. People think twice before spending money on a family outing at the cinema hall and will probably go there only if they are getting something grand to watch on screen. Also, we are now in the habit of watching global content, and the comparison happens at that level. All said and done, I believe in the magic of cinema, and I don’t think it will ever fade.”
Sai Tamhankar’s dream of buying a new house in Mumbai finally comes true
8:26 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 17, 2022)
Sai Tamhankar’s dream of buying a new house in Mumbai has finally come true. The actress, who hails from Sangli, moved to the city in 2005 to pursue a career in showbiz. After many years of hard work, she has finally realised her goal of owning a home here.
Talking about her new home, she says, “I have been waiting for this moment. Achieving things on your own gives you a different high and a sense of power. There are a few occasions in your life where you feel proud of yourself, and this is one of those times.”
Sai’s house is on the 45th floor of a high rise in Malad. About her pad, that’s currently being done up, she says, “It’s quite a bright and breezy 3 BHK apartment. My interior designer and I are working on creating something minimalistic. I am going to put up a lot of plants in the house. One of the bedrooms will be converted into a walk-in closet. I’ve always wanted that as I have a huge collection of clothes, shoes and bags, and they deserve a separate room.”
The Mimi actress, along with her family members, had a puja at her home recently. For the happy occasion, she wore a beautiful paithani saree. Speaking about why she chose to wear this sari, Sai says, “I chose this paithani because my sister had gifted this to me during her wedding. She stays in New Zealand now, far away from me. I wanted to feel her presence during this auspicious occasion, so I chose to wear this sari for the puja. It felt good.”
I just didn’t know how to break the chain of same roles-Sai Tamhankar
8:27 AM
Sai Tamhankar says it was a long wait for different roles to come her way post Hunterrr
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 5, 2022)
Sai Tamhankar has come a long way from her debut in Black and White (2008), to now leading web shows such as the Marathi web series Pet Puraan, while balancing Hindi and Marathi films.
But there was a phase which the actor calls her toughest so far. “After Hunterrr (2015), I was approached for similar kind of roles for the longest time. I just didn’t know how to break that chain,” she rues about the norm to typecast actors in similar roles.
“Love Sonia (2018) broke that chain for me, and Mimi (2021) broke it even further. Now people are assured that she can play characters. Waiting for that one role to come your way can be frustrating. Waiting is the biggest part of our profession. You have to accept it, not just with a pinch but a bag of salt,” confesses the 35-year-old.
Due to such experiences has her criteria of choosing roles undergone a change? “It has changed. Now, I like characters which have a voice. Pet Puraan was a novel thought about today’s couples who don’t want children, but pets. While choosing a script, it should be something I have never done before. When this show came to me, I was excited to go and shoot. I can explore more freely on OTT though than films, as one can be more adventurous,” says Tamhankar, who was also a part of the web anthology Navarasa last year.
She is however happier that she gets better roles in films now. “If you ask me from my perspective, I have a better understanding now. As you grow, you acquire experience, your point of view, everything changes,” she ends.
I used to fear cats; now I have now adopted one-Sai Tamhankar
8:17 AM
Conquering her fear of cats, Sai Tamhankar on how the series Pet Puraan changed her mind
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 31, 2022)
In a world where people are desperate to have a lineage, more and more couples are opting to not have children. While the subject has often sparked a debate, Sai Tamhankar’s recent outing Pet Puraan sheds light on this conflict and brings out a unique approach. In conversation with mid-day, the Marathi actor talks about the changing times and why urban couples prefer to become pet parents.
Not one to be embroiled in debates, Tamhankar says, “My only agenda has been to live and let live. I think it is easy to judge somebody [who opts to not have children]. However, someone has to take responsibility and say that there are enough people on this planet. I know a lot of people from my generation who don’t want kids by choice. Things are changing now, and I think having pets is a major part of that change.”
The Sony LIV offering, directed by Dnyanesh Zoting, revolves around a modern-day working couple, who choose to not have children, while their respective families hope that they take a more traditional approach to complete their family. Undeterred by family pressure, the couple adopts a dog and cat instead. Having to face her fear of cats, the decision to come on board was not an easy one for Tamhankar.
“I have always been a dog lover. I used to fear cats because I had no experience with them. However, this web series changed everything. I have now adopted a cat,” explains the actor, adding that it was Zoting who dispelled her fears. Tamhankar also confesses that shooting with a cat and dog was not an easy experience. “I got bitten and scratched everywhere, but it is like having a baby. It is a wonderful experience.”
Digital entertainment is growing, and at a fast rate. While the content in Hindi has been ruling the roost, regional projects are slowly “grabbing eyeballs”. “A lot of Marathi content is exploring different genres and subjects. I am sure within a year or two, we will also have a variety of content.”
I fall in love easily, very easily. I hate that thing about myself. But that’s how I am-Sai Tamhankar
8:06 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 12, 2022)
Fresh off the success of her latest Marathi film, Pondicherry, actor Sai Tamhankar is happy with the response. She says, “A Marathi film of mine released in theatres after two years. Shooting the film on an iPhone, working without assistants, and the comfort was liberating.”
Tamhankar has been receiving rave reviews for her performance in the movie. However, she admits she cannot view her work objectively. “I can’t objectify or judge my work anymore. It’s been so many years and I have done a lot of work. Sometimes, you seek validation and sometimes you feel, ‘Theek hi kiya hoga’,” expresses the Balak Palak (2013) and Tu Hi Re (2015) actor.
The 35-year-old resonates with “the emotional and financial independence” of her character, Nikita, in Pondicherry, who is a tour guide in the eponymous city. However, the part where she is reluctant to fall in love is something Tamhankar “doesn’t relate” to. “I fall in love easily, very easily. I hate that thing about myself. But that’s how I am (laughs),” she quips.
Regardless, she confesses that playing the character was quite “intense”. “It was draining. I am a sensitive person. (So) I get pulled towards the characters that have a lot of pain and emotions in their journey. It was exhausting. This emotion was new to me. I get involved in every film like that. It’s consuming, yet I don’t know any other way. It has worked for me. Vaibhav (Tatwawadi, co-star in Pondicherry) teases me, ‘Marr jayegi itna involve hoke. Itna involve koi hota hai kya?’,” she shares.
Madhur Bhandarkar rues inability to send his film India Lockdown to Cannes, Venice film festivals
8:01 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 2, 2021)
Madhur Bhandarkar was almost done with his upcoming film India Lockdown when he had to stop everything due to the second Coronavirus wave. The National Award-winning filmmaker says he intended to send it to many prestigious film festivals but his plans were thrown into a tizzy.
“I wanted to send the film to Cannes and Venice film festivals, I missed the dates for both because of the lockdown. The editing also stopped, we didn’t know what to do,” he laments.
However, Bhandarkar is happy that he had enough time at hand before the second wave to work on the film.
“I am very fortunate that I had started shooting in January end, and completed most of the film in 27-28 days. We followed all Covid protocols. I shot with a crowd also, everything was taken care of. I completed most of it in one go,” says Bhandarkar, thanking his actors Prateik Babbar, Sai Tamhankar, Aahana Kumra for cooperating well. “They knew the subject I was dealing with. I was showing what happened in the first lockdown in 2020. It is a human story,” he adds.
The industry had again suffered losses due to the shutdown, considering a lot of releases and announced films had to put work on hold. The last day of the shoot before work shut down for Bhandarkar was March 9.
The Fashion (2008) director says the unlock has come as a big sigh of relief, with actors venturing out to resume shoot. He shared pictures of the post production work beginning again.
“The whole of April and May, we didn’t know what to do. My editor couldn’t come, the office was shut. In this crisis, you just had to sit at home. Now that work has opened up again, I am happy with the way my film is shaping up,” ends Bhandarkar.
I’ve always put my foot down when it comes to the remuneration I deserve-Sai Tamhankar
7:47 AM
Preeti Atulkar (BOMBAY TIMES; June 19, 2021)
She is one of the most sought-after actresses in Marathi cinema today, but Sai Tamhankar calls herself an accidental actor. “For me, it all changed when I did my first play, Aadhe Adhoore, for a state level competition at Sangli during my college days,” she recollects, adding, “The experience of performing on stage for the first time was so surreal that I did another play soon after. I began to enjoy acting and found the process to be extremely satisfying. Soon, good opportunities started coming my way and I bagged my first TV show while I was in college. It’s been a non-stop journey since then.”
‘IT’S A RELIEF TO BE DOING SOMETHING THAT I LOVE’
Sai, who was shooting in Daman till recently for Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra 2, is back in Mumbai. The actress feels fortunate to be working in these uncertain times. She shares, “It gives me immense joy to be watching some amazing performances from the judge’s chair. Right now, we are all so stressed out and uncertain about things. In such times, this show is a great way to keep myself involved and, of course, stress free. It is a relief to be doing something I love, especially amid the pandemic.”
‘KRITI SANON WOULD SPEAK WITH ME IN MARATHI’
Apart from waiting for the release of her various Marathi projects, including Pondicherry, Colorphool and Medium Spicy, Sai is also set to be seen in two Bollywood films — Laxman Utekar’s Mimi and Madhur Bhandarkar’s India Lockdown.
Her India Lockdown co-star Shweta Basu Prasad had reportedly visited Mumbai’s red-light area as a part of the prep for her role as a sex-worker in the film. Ask Sai about her role, she says, “I had to work on a particular dialect. That’s all that I can say at this juncture.”
The actress is also all praises for her co-stars from both films. “Shweta (Basu Prasad) and I have a mutual admiration for each other’s work. Kriti Sanon (who she’s worked with in Mimi) is extremely cool and easygoing. She exudes a happy vibe; there’s never a dull moment when she is around. I remember she would often try to speak with me in Marathi on the sets. But one thing that I strongly relate to with Kriti is her passion for work.”
‘PAY DISPARITY EXISTS, AND WE NEED TO START A MOVEMENT AGAINST IT’
Voicing her opinion on the gender pay gap, Sai says, “Pay disparity has been there since ages now. It is wrong and there is no debating that. People have started realising it, but things will not change overnight. We need to unite and probably start a movement to work through it. Having said this, personally, I have never enquired about another artiste’s pay, but I’ve always put my foot down when it comes to the remuneration I deserve. I am also thinking of altering some of the clauses in my contract as a female artiste.”
Lockdown affected every strata of society. My film will capture that-Madhur Bhandarkar
8:15 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; January 21, 2021)
The pandemic has affected people of every strata across the globe, and it’s only natural that the subject has found its way into films, too. Known for his hard-hitting, true-to-life films, Madhur Bhandarkar is all set to begin the shoot of his next social drama, titled India Lockdown, which will revolve around the emotional, mental and financial repercussions of the lockdown due to Coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking about the movie, which will feature Prateik Babbar, Aahana Kumra, Shweta Basu Prasad and Sai Tamhankar, among others, Madhur says, “The film is inspired by true events and is set around the first two months of the lockdown (March-April 2020). It has multiple tracks running simultaneously, which revolve around migrant workers, sex workers, businessmen and lonely people. It will essentially deal with poverty and isolation. All of us were holed up in our homes, and for the first few months, we didn’t know what to do with our lives. We were not accustomed to this life. Through the film, I will try to understand what helped us survive. I will start shooting the film at the end of this month at real locations in Mumbai and in the interiors of the country.”
He goes on to explain, “I want to tell a humane story. This film is inspired by real people. For instance, I know of couples who love to party on weekends. These people used to dress up on weekends and stay at home because that would make them feel better. We did whatever made us happy. Lockdown affected every strata of society, and my film will capture that.”
My mental health is more important than paying attention to trolls-Sai Tamhankar
8:05 AM
Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; October 31, 2020)
The last few months have been a roller-coaster ride for everyone, but Sai Tamhankar is used to such ups and downs by now. She confesses, “My career has been like an ECG graph. There is nothing constant in it.” For someone who likes to take on new challenges, the actress doesn’t regret the choices she has made and is ready for newer things, a new venture being one of them. In a chat with us, Sai talks about working in the new normal, why people call her team the ‘Bomb Squad’ on sets, and the reason she’s not active on Twitter lately. Excerpts:
You were one of the first Marathi actors to have returned to the sets post the lockdown. Since the first workday in the new normal till date, how have things changed?
Between then and now, I think the number of sanitiser bottles used by us has increased. The rest of the precautions and work routine is largely the same. Coronavirus is not something you should be casual about. People on the sets of my Marathi show Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra call my team the ‘Bomb Squad’ because my seating area is sanitised before and after I go there. I have even purchased a UV light stick to be doubly sure of the hygiene. After returning home, too, I thoroughly sanitise myself and my clothes. I think it’s a necessary routine given the fact that we are not out of danger yet.
You are looked upto as a style icon, and you recently started your own fashion venture, though this seems to be a tough time to start a business. Did you have any inhibitions?
I think I’ll look on the positive side of it and say that the move itself is commendable. There’s a lot of work involved and besides being exciting, it’s therapeutic because it keeps my business partner, Shruti Bhosle, and me mentally involved. That’s something we all need in this time of crisis.
The past few months have taken a toll on peoples’ mental well-being. Some of it is reflecting on social media and has led many people to quit Twitter, including your peers Subodh Bhave and Siddharth Chandekar. Your take?
Although I haven’t deactivated my Twitter account, I have been off the platform for a few weeks now. It may sound cliche, but there’s too much negativity there right now. You say something, you are trolled. You don’t say anything, you are questioned. It’s pointless. And, at the moment, my mental health is more important than paying attention to trolls and the toxicity around it. I am not in a space to deal with the negativity. Probably, people are frustrated with the pandemic and are venting it out on social media. Let them vent. If and when they stop, I will return to being active there again.
Barring the comedy show that you are judging right now, are there any more projects that you will start soon?
I have a Marathi film, a Hindi film, and web series in both the languages in the pipeline. But that’s all that I can say right now. I hope to begin work on these soon. There’s my film Mimi, which is complete, and we hope it gets a theatrical release soon.
Since you’ve honed your cullinary skills during the lockdown and with Diwali around the corner,are there any faral items that you will be preparing?
I won’t be going into the kitchen anytime soon. I’ve had enough of cooking throughout the lockdown and that should suffice for another six-eight months (laughs!). My mom is preparing some dishes that I love, and I will gorge on them this time.
I’m not fond of this phrase, new normal-Sai Tamhankar
8:30 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 16, 2020)
“My lockdown started in February as I had injured my leg. This has been the longest I’ve been at home,” says actor Sai Tamhankar, who adds that the Coronavirus lockdown has helped her become emotionally independent. Though she says that her lockdown has been “bitter sweet and lazy”, she feels that there has been a lot of positives. “I realised that I am a very strong person. For example, now if I am stranded on an island, I am sure I will survive,” she laughs.
Tamhankar made her debut in the film industry in 2008, and has been a prominent figure in the Marathi film industry since then. Ask her how has this pandemic affected the regional industry, and she is quick to respond, “I don’t think it is just the Marathi industry. The entire film fraternity all over the world has slowed down because of the pandemic. I hope this situation improves soon because ours is not a medium where you can play by a rule book, it is a creative field.”
So, how does she think will the industry cope with the changes? “I think human beings are the most intelligent species and I am sure we can adapt in any situation,” she says. Tamhankar believes the “new normal” is going to very difficult for actors. “I am really not fond of this phrase — new normal. Everything is new, but nothing about it is normal. It would be difficult for actors but 2020 has been about survival of the fittest,” she concludes.
Sai Tamhankar fractures leg on the sets of Mimi
7:56 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 4, 2020)
After Tabrez Noorani’s Love Sonia, alongside Freida Pinto and Mrunal Thakur, Sai Tamhankar, who is shooting for the Kriti Sanon-starrer Mimi in Mandawa, Rajasthan, recently injured herself while returning to the hotel after packup. She twisted her leg and was in a lot of pain.
“I was really concerned when I learnt that it was a fracture. I didn’t want the schedule disrupted. So, I’ve continued filming with our director (Laxman Utekar) figuring out different angles,” she informs.
I am among the few fortunate actors whom directors have imagined in such different roles-Amey Wagh
8:04 AM
The actor on playing a loser in his new film who struggles to find a love interest
Renu Deshpande-Dhole (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 21, 2019)
Amey Wagh’s physical transformation from a lean, agile go-getter in Faster Fene to an overweight, stubbled slob has been the talk of town ever since teasers from his upcoming film Girlfriend were first revealed on social media. But for those who’ve seen his body of work over the years on different mediums, what’s more striking is the big departure the actor has made from the characters he’s embodied so far.Immensely affable and gregarious off-screen too, Wagh’s popularity among his predominantly young fan base has been built on the basis of the 31-year-old’s unmistakable charisma, his wicked wit and his casual coolness. Comedy web sketches, anchoring gigs, youth-oriented TV shows and largely likeable roles in films have capitalised on these strengths so far. But in Upendra Sidhaye’s directorial debut titled Girlfriend, his role as the bored nerd Nachiket (aka Nachya), struggling to find a love interest, seems to have demanded a divesting of his very personality. “That’s exactly what attracted me to this role. After the director and producers read the script to me, the first thing they said was that they don’t think I suit this role at all. And honestly, it is hard for me to play a loser and an under-confident guy (laughs). But that’s why I chose acting as my profession, so that I get a chance to break all these shackles, and be who I can never be,” Wagh says.
He thanks filmmakers for throwing different challenges at him and then, with characteristic swagger and smirk, pats his own back for having proved himself capable of taking such risks. “I am among the few fortunate actors of my generation whom directors have imagined in such different roles. I don’t know how the makers of Faster Fene saw me as the quick-witted Banesh — I’m so lazy and slow; I take my own sweet time to think, get up and move about. Similarly, I’m nothing like Nachiket in real life. But that’s the fun of being an actor,” he reiterates.
From not relating to Nachya at all to growing very fond of this character, it has been a journey in empathy for Wagh. “I’m really feeling sad that I won’t get to meet this character now that the film has ended. I came out the film having befriended this guy and had started feeling really protective about him. We have so many Nachikets around us whom we think of only as these ‘poor guys’ who don’t have much to say. But they are actually really good at heart. In fact, I have a few friends like that and I picked up a few mannerisms from them for this film,” he explains.
The loser-guy-gets-hot-girl track of the film seems to have hit the right notes with Marathi cinema’s famously bold actress Sai Tamhankar being cast opposite Wagh. Having played off female co-stars like Parna Pethe, Mithila Palkar and now Tamhankar, who command their own strong screen presence instead of merely being ornamental beauties, Wagh is aware of the strength they bring to the film. “I believe every strong actor goes towards making a stronger film. And Sai is someone I’ve always had huge respect for. Her work has consistently been good, even in films that weren’t so great. From being a fan boy, I can now say we have developed a kind of camaraderie after working on this film.”
More than the chemistry with the costar, however, Wagh believes that it’s the director-actor equation that truly shapes the film. “That’s why I always look for good directors to work with. I know that as an actor, I don’t have much control over the fate of the film. I can only act well and promote my film. Whether the film works or not is not in my hands. So I make sure at least the process of making the film is enjoyable and enriching, given that I only do one or two films a year,” he says.
With Sidhaye (who’s credited for writing Mumbai Meri Jaan, among others), that desire was completely fulfilled, says Wagh. “I was introduced to him on the sets of Muramba. Nipun [Dharmadhikari, friend and director] had told me that if you want to know the best of what’s happening in the entertainment world, follow Upendra’s FB Page. He’s a film geek, who’s seen all kinds of cinema. It was a learning experience working with him.”
While Girlfriend releases on July 26, Wagh is looking forward to two web shows this year (Hindi and English) and a Marathi multi-starrer Dhurala, directed by Sameer Vidhwans, next year. “Even when I’m not on screen, I keep reaching out to audiences through my plays and live shows. Every medium has a separate viewership, but once they see me on one platform, they are curious about my other work too. So hopefully, my different audiences will overlap gradually,” he says.
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