Showing posts with label Vikram Gokhale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vikram Gokhale. Show all posts
If you feel suicidal, call me for help, Nana Patekar tells distressed farmers
2:46 PM
Vaibhav Ganjapure & Sumukh Kulkarni (THE TIMES OF INDIA; May 19, 2026)
Nagpur: Veteran actor Nana Patekar made an emotional appeal to distressed farmers on Monday, urging those battling suicidal thoughts to reach out for help, instead of taking irreversible steps, as he reflected on the deep emotional scars left by Maharashtra's agrarian crisis. Addressing the Jal Kranti Parishad in Nagpur, Patekar, who started NAAM Foundation around a decade ago, said farmers' suffering profoundly altered his understanding of life and pushed him away from the glamour of cinema to rural communities struggling with debt, drought and uncertainty.
"Even a frog jumps to save itself when someone tries to step on it. Then imagine how deep the pain of a farmer must be when he decides to end his own life."
Patekar said he and his colleagues often tried to intervene by speaking directly to distressed farmers and encouraging them to reconsider their decisions. Reflecting on his journey into social work, he recalled how he once planned to buy a car with his savings, but changed his mind after watching a television report on farm suicides. The money, he said, was instead diverted to support affected families.
"Visits to places like Beed changed me," he said. "When you see several young widows of farmers with their children and shattered families, you realize immediate intervention is necessary."
Those experiences eventually led to expansion of Naam Foundation, which has since worked on farmer welfare, water conservation and rural development initiatives across Maharashtra and other states.
"The happiness Naam Foundation has given me is greater than all awards and money from cinema," Patekar said. The actor also spoke candidly about his personal life and career, admitting that late Marathi actor Vikram Gokhale, with whom he shared screen in the acclaimed film, Natsamrat, was "better than me in every aspect of acting".
Recalling the making of ‘Natsamrat', Patekar said the role carried enormous emotional weight and was originally conceived as a stage production before he pushed for its cinematic adaptation.
He referred to theatre veterans like Shreeram Lagoo, saying roles such as Natsamrat demanded immense psychological and physical intensity from performers.
Quoting the iconic Shakespearean line used in the film — "To be or not to be, that is the question" — Patekar said he would still love to perform a play at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium someday.
Moving away from cinema, he said he now felt disconnected from urban life. "City walls feel like coffins to me now," he said. "I feel more alive in villages."
Patekar said he wished to adopt a village in a hilly region and spend more time working directly with rural communities, particularly on water conservation and sustainable development. Coming from a modest background, he said emotional connections formed in villages carried deep personal meaning for him. "When someone in a village pats me on the back, it feels like a father's touch," he said. "We are not political parties. We do not want awards. What matters is the satisfaction on people's faces because of the work we do," he said.
"He shot despite being unwell": Sabbir Khan on working with Vikram Gokhale in his last film Nikamma
8:37 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 29, 2022)
Actor Vikram Gokhale, who died on November 26 in Pune, was last seen on screen in Nikamma, directed by Sabbir Khan and starred Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Abhimanyu Dassani. Khan reveals that the veteran’s last project, titled Adbhut, also directed by him is yet to be released.
Revealing that Gokhale will be seen in his next film, which he finished shooting recently, the director tells us, “Our relationship was recent but very strong. I first met him (Gokhale) in 2019, while working on Nikamma. He was 74 then, and despite being a veteran actor, he wanted to give his best. After finishing the shoot, he asked me if I was happy with his work, if I would work with him again.” Khan says it was an awkward moment as he was taken aback by how grounded Gokhale was.
The 46-year-old says that when he approached Gokhale for Adbhut, the actor was unwell. “He wasn’t accepting any offers, but after I narrated the role to him, he agreed to do it,” shares the director, adding that he had initially planned to shoot the actor’s scenes in Manali, but on his request, had agreed to do it in Mumbai. However, when the schedule in Manali began, Gokhale reached out to Khan and said it would be wrong of him to not be there.
“He came with us to Manali and shot. He was so full of life. He would just sit around even after his shot and say, ‘I will have my tea. If you need me, I am here’. They don’t make actors like him anymore,” Khan signs off.
Vikram Gokhale, who stamped authority on screen, takes his final bow
8:01 AM
Shiladitya Pandit (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 27, 2022)
Pune: Noted theatre, film and television actor Vikram Gokhale, who delivered a towering performance as the dignified and stern Hindustani classical music guru in the Bollywood superhit ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ (1999), passed away at a hospital due to multi-organ failure on Saturday. He was 77.
Among those who expressed their condolences on social media were actors Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher and Manoj Bajpayee. “Indian cinema lost (a) gem of an actor,” posted Bajpayee, who acted with him in Aiyyary (2018).
Popular in both Marathi and Hindi films, Gokhale received the National Film Award for best actor for his portrayal of a distressed old man struggling to pay his comatose wife’s medical expenses in Gajendra Ahire’s Marathi film, ‘Anumati’ (2013). And he was first-rate as the confidant of an angst-ridden stage legend in director Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Natasamrat’ (2016). Gokhale also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2011 for his contributions to the stage.
“He gave a new dimension to the acting style prevalent on the Marathi commercial stage before the 1970s,” said long-time friend and occasional collaborator Satish Alekar.
Actor and director Amol Palekar, who collaborated with him in the musical ‘Thoda Sa Roomani Ho Jayein’ (1990) said, “I particularly remember his performance in the play ‘Barrister.’ It is a landmark performance in Marathi theatre. Future generations should learn from it. However, theatre did not provide him the roles that were worth his salt. His style of acting, or rather under-acting, was so effective and good, few can achieve with dignity. Unfortunately, the film industry did not provide him his due, particularly the Marathi film industry.”
Versatility was his calling card. The actor lent grace and added depth to the characters he performed. Gokhale’s expressive eyes and commanding voice - he was also a voice coach later - were fundamental to the creation of the socially conservative guru who’s generous at heart but also bound by tradition in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. And yet, in ‘Thoda Sa Roomani…” he handled the role of a remote town’s district collector, who’s the object of an unfussy young woman’s (Anita Kanwar) secret attraction, with equal aplomb. He also acted in a bunch of TV serials: from ‘Katha Sagar’ and ‘Udaan’ in the DD monopoly days of the 1980s to ‘Virrudh’ and ‘Kuch Apne Kuch Paraye’ in recent decades.
Pune-born Gokhale acted in over 200 films and TV shows and was a worthy descendant of his pioneering ancestors starting with great grandmother Durga Kamat, considered the first actress in Indian cinema, and her daughter, Kamla Kamat, both of whom made their debut in Dadasaheb Phalke’s ‘Mohini Bhasmasur’ (1913).
Gokhale’s father, Chandrakant, was also a veteran of the stage and film, and was also a well-known philanthropist, a tradition carried on by his son. His family supports war veterans at the Queen Mary Technical Institute and works for welfare of orphans.
He also nailed his political colours to the mast, criticizing politicians for casting aspersions on Veer Savarkar.
Gokhale, who had caught everyone’s eye playing Lord Krishna in the 1977 film, ‘Yehi Hai Zindagi’, was recently seen in the Hindi comedy-action flop ‘Nikamma,’ but received critical acclaim in the 2021 Marathi film Godavari (2021).
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BOMBAY TIMES (November 27, 2022)
Veteran actor Vikram Gokhale, who was undergoing treatment at a multi-speciality hospital in Pune, passed away on Saturday afternoon. He was 77. Shirish Yadgikar, the PRO of the hospital, confirmed the news and said, “It’s with a sad heart that we announce the passing of Mr Vikram Gokhale. He passed away in the afternoon. Our condolences to the family and near ones.”
Gokhale’s family friend Rajesh Damle said, “The last rites were carried out at Pune’s Vaikunth Smashan Bhumi at 6 pm yesterday.”
The senior actor’s condition had been critical for the last few days, and he had been kept on the ventilator. On Friday, the hospital authorities shared that the actor had shown some signs of improvement, but on Saturday morning, they shared that his condition had deteriorated.
As per his family, Gokhale was suffering from multiple health issues and had multi-organ failure, post which he was put on life support.
Throughout the course of his long and successful career, Gokhale appeared in both Hindi and Marathi films. The veteran actor came from a family of actors. His father, Chandrakant Gokhale, was a renowned Marathi theatre and film performer. After working in Marathi theatre at an early age, he made his film debut with the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Parwana when he was 26. Following that he acted in several Marathi and Bollywood films, including Amitabh Bachchan’s Agneepath in 1990 and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam with Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 1999.
The powerhouse performer worked in Bollywood films like Agneepath, Khuda Gawah, Insaaf, Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Mission Mangal and Aiyaary, among others. He made his directorial debut with Aaghaat, a Marathi film that released in 2010. His body of work in the Marathi film industry includes films like Natsamrat, Lapandav, Kalat Nakalat, Vazir, Bala Gau Kashi Angar, Anumati, Mukta, Me Shivaji Park and AB Aani CD.
He was also well-known for the TV show Ya Sukhanno Ya. For his contribution to the world of theatre, he was presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2011. In 2013, his Marathi film Anumati won him the National Film Award in the Best Actor category. This year, he was seen in the Bollywood film Nikamma along with Shilpa Shetty and Abhimanyu Dassani. His Marathi film Godavari released earlier this month. He is survived by his wife, Vrushali Gokhale, and their two children.
At the time of going to press tributes were pouring in from the industry. Sonali Kulkarni said, “With Vikram kaka’s passing, the film industry has lost a true artiste who built his career on hishonest performances and passion. I was fortunate to know him and work with him. He was a source of encouragement for everyone and someone who built a name for himselfacross various platforms and languages. My prayers are with his family and near ones.”
Akshay Kumar posted, “Very sad to know of the demise of Vikram Gokhale ji. Worked with him in films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Mission Mangal, had so much to learn from him. Om Shanti (sic).”
Manoj Bajpayee said, “Indian cinema lost a gem of an actor. Had the privilege of working with him in Aiyyari and shared few great moments with him on the set! Saddened to hear about Shri Vikram Gokhale ji’s demise. My thoughts & prayers are with the family (sic).”
—Inputs by Mihir Bhanage and Shashank Sane
Please focus on the stage, not your phone, say actors after Sumeet Raghavan’s performance halt
7:33 AM
Sumeet Raghavan also spreads the #NoMobileDuringPerformance message on social media, in reaction to unruly audience members
Anup Satphale (BOMBAY TIMES; June 14, 2019)
Actor Sumeet Raghavan recently stopped a performance in Nashik midway, due to mobile phone interruptions from the audience, during the play Knock Knock Celebrity. He followed it up with a post explaining his stand with the hashtags #ZeroTolerance and #NoMobileDuringPerformance. The incident however, is not the first time an artiste has had to resort to such an extreme measure.
Actors Vikram Gokhale, Chinmay Mandlekar, and many others have had to do the same. A few months ago, Chinmay halted his play Sukhanshi Bhandto Aamhi, when a man used his phone. “More than 18 times I’ve had to stop performing and request people to stop using their phones. This is a problem of basic respect towards an artiste, which unfortunately some of people don’t have,” he says.
Some artistes feel that it is usually older people whose phones end up ringing mid-performance. Despite facing such issues, veteran dancer Shama Bhate says that she has never stopped a performance. “We can’t just stop the performance. We have to keep calm and continue as it’s our duty towards loyal audience members.” Shama’s solution to the problem is mobile lockers at auditoriums. “There are many religious places where mobiles are not allowed and people do not object. Auditoriums too, should have such facilities,” she says. Theatre-TV actor Imran Khan (left) says, “It’s so unethical. I haven’t faced a situation like that, yet, but if it ever happens, I wouldn’t stop the act, but would definitely make him or her apologize to every one after the show ends. Or, I would give a pause and stare at that person so hard that he gets up and leaves.”
On the other hand, veteran actor Vikram Gokhale (right) has gone to the extent of telling people not to come for plays if they are more interested in their phones. “I used to make announcements in Hindi, English and Marathi. But despite that, I had to stop my plays midway, several times,” he says, adding, “I suggest theatre owners or associations use jammers in halls.” Citing an example, actor Subodh Bhave says that jammers have been used in the past during one of his plays, Kala Ya Laglya Jiva. “It was based on a serious subject and had a cast of two artistes. Such things happened during some of the performances and I had to stop performing a couple of times. After that some theatres installed jammers when the play was being staged,” he says.Popular theatre personality Salim Arif says, “In the midst of an intense scene in the silence of the auditorium, a phone ring can switch you off as an actor. You can even go blank, as it disrupts the flow of your thought process. The ring cuts you off from wherever you are in your created mindspace.
Sumeet is not the first one to do something like this. “Actors like Atul Kulkarni and Harsh Chhaya have done this in my shows, too. It is extremely irritating and rude on the part of the audience, who, after repeated announcements before the show and in interval, don’t bother to check their phones and put them on silent mode. Each actor reacts differently when a phone rings. While deal with it by making a humorous comment and moving on, some get worked up and react with frustration and anger. But it is difficult to be oblivious to such sounds and continue.”
Speaking from the perspective of his audiences, director Prajakta Deshmukh says that using jammers or not allowing mobiles inside auditoriums is not a solution. “When I go as an audience member, I would feel insulted if someone asked me to deposit my mobile at the entrance. It is upto the audience to ensure they do not disturb a performance.”
Actor Priya Bapat, who recently turned producer of Marathi play Dada Ek Good News, asserts that it is the responsibility of every member of the audience to maintain decorum irrespective of age. “Even my baba doesn’t know how to switch off or switch on his mobile phone. But when I go along with my parents to watch a play, I ensure that I put their phones on silent. Similarly, youngsters among the audience can help senior citizens and seniors can ask for their help.”
Classical singer Rahul Deshpande who has performed in sangeet nataks, says that it’s ultimately in the hands of the audience and organisers can’t do much. He says, “I too have had to stop performances, but the best we can do is hope for the audiences to start respecting us.” And going by the fact that Sumeet’s recent show in Nashik last Sunday went on without any mobiles buzzing, it looks like audiences might finally be getting the point.
— With inputs from Rishabh Deb, Preeti Atulkar, Sushmitav Jha & Soumya Vajpayee
Amitabh Bachchan spontaneously added Marathi dialogues-AB Aani CD producer Akshay Bardapurkar
8:03 AM
As Big B's maiden Marathi venture with co-star Vikram Gokhale goes on floors, AB Aani CD producer Akshay Bardapurkar recounts the first day of shoot with the megastar
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 23, 2019)
Almost 25 years after he featured in a song for the Marathi film Akka (1994) that was directed by his makeup artist Deepak Sawant, Amitabh Bachchan is set to dabble in Marathi cinema again.
The megastar, who will be seen playing himself in AB Aani CD, kicked off the film's shoot at a suburban studio on Tuesday with co-star Vikram Gokhale.
While the day plan included filming a simple sequence with Big B, producer Akshay Bardapurkar says it was fascinating to see how the legend elevated it with his improvisation.
"The scene required Bachchan sir to walk into the auditorium and wave out to the crowd. But he spontaneously added a few lines in Marathi, and the effect was surreal. While we thought that he would pack up in three to four hours, he gave adequate time to each scene and was on the set for almost seven hours."
The Milind lele-directed comedy revolves around Gokhale's character Chandrakant Deshpande as he plans a birthday bash for his long-time friend and superstar Bachchan. Glad to have roped in two powerhouse performers, the producer adds, "It's surprising that Bachchan sir hasn't done any Marathi film so far. Filmmakers must have assumed that he would charge a bomb, or may have been unable to come up with a script that would suit him. When he heard our script, he gave his nod immediately. It was difficult to get his dates, but we finally managed it." The next step was to rechristen the film and play on the megastar's name. "The working title was Deshpande Chi Gosht since we weren't sure if Bachchan sir would be part of the film. But the new title is quirky and catchy."
Even though the actor has a 15-minute part in the comedy, Bardapurkar argues that it isn't a special appearance. "The story revolves around him, much like in Irrfan Khan's Billu [2009], where Shah Rukh Khan was present only in a part of the film but was integral to the story."
Amitabh Bachchan makes his Marathi film debut in Vikram Gokhale-starrer AB Ani CD
6:24 AM
Also featuring Vikram Gokhale, the Marathi film is going on the floors today in Mumbai
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 21, 2019)
After the success of Badla, Amitabh Bachchan has at least half-a-dozen films in his kitty that will keep him busy for the next two years. What makes the line-up interesting is that after nearly five decades in showbiz, the veteran actor is now all set to make his Marathi film debut with Milind Lele’s AB Aani CD. Today, the Big B starts shooting for the film with Vikram Gokhale, who plays his fellow protagonist, in Mumbai.Prod producer Akshay Bardapurkar on the quirky title and he explains, “AB is of course, Amitabh Bachchan and CD is Chandrakant Deshpande, enacted by Vikram Gokhale. Mr Bachchan plays himself, a superstar in his 70s. Vikram ji’s character’s family is planning a bash for his 75th birthday in this family comedy, which encompasses the journey of the leads who have known each other for well over six decades.”
It will be shot in a month-long, start-to-finish schedule in Pune from the first week of June. “We wrap up by mid-July and are planning to release the film in December,” Akshay adds.
Ask the producer if it was difficult to convince Bachchan to give his nod to a Marathi film and he says the problem was not the actor but his dates. “I narrated the script to him two months ago. He loved it and on Vikram Gokhale’s request, immediately accepted the film as he has not ventured into this territory before. But we have to rush to get this done now because after July, he is not free for the next six months,” Akshay informs.
Are there plans to release the film in Hindi? “At this point, it’s only going to be in Marathi. May be at a later stage, we could consider remaking it in Hindi,” he signs off.
In 1994, Bachchan made a special appearance in the Marathi film Akka. He returns to the industry in a full-fledged role after 25 years.
CINTAA sets up anti-harassment committee; Raveena Tandon, Renuka Shahane come on board
8:13 AM
CINTAA officials Amit Behl, Sushant Singh, Vikram Gokhale
MUMBAI MIRROR (October 18, 2018)
After the Producers Guild of India and the Screenwriters Association, Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) is setting up a committee to address sexual harassment complaints, which will have Raveena Tandon, Renuka Shahane and Amole Gupte as members, while a sub-committee is also in the offing with Swara Bhaskar.
On Wednesday, CINTAA president Vikram Gokhale, General Secretary Sushant Singh and Senior Joint Secretary Amit Behl revealed in a press conference that the committee will have over 50% representation by women. “We are drafting proper guidelines on sexual harassment following the Vishakha guidelines. This will define good conduct, misconduct and harassment for people in a comic book format,’ the trio informed.
Singh was one of the first celebrities to reach out to Vinta Nanda after her rape allegations against Alok Nath, promising, as a CINTAA official, to send a show-cause notice to the actor and urging her to file a complaint with the association. The body had also said that they will look thoroughly into the matter after Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment. Later, the body reportedly distanced itself from the matter, saying, “the constitution of the association does not allow us to look at cases that date back to more than three years.”
During the presser, Singh also revealed that Nana Patekar, who has been accused of sexual assault by Tanushree Dutta, is still a member of CINTAA. “So is Tanushree,” he pointed out, adding, “Their case is a legal one. Any action that can be taken is only after the investigation is over and the results are out. We can’t pronounce him guilty….”
When asked about the body’s role in sexual assault cases against its members, Gokhale stated, “As a union, the most we can do is revoke their membership. The fraternity has to take a call on whether they want to ban proven offenders. We do not have the right to take away work from anyone. It is illegal. The producers must make sure to take strict action against the offenders.”
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Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 18, 2018)
Following the deluge of sexual harassment complaints that are tumbling out in Bollywood, members of Cine And TV Artistes’ Association [CINTAA] have formed an internal committee that will address grievances. Raveena Tandon, Renuka Shahane and director Amole Gupte will be part of the committee that will work in close association with lawyers who specialise in PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment).
“We will offer counselling sessions to survivors, whose identities will be kept under wraps. We will also have open mic sessions where artistes can share their harassment stories,” said Sushant Singh, general secretary of CINTAA. Tandon said, “We are receiving several suggestions that will help in creating a safer workplace for women.” Vikram Gokhale, president, CINTAA, added, “We can only revoke their membership. The fraternity can decide whether they want to ban proven offenders from the industry.”
Directors, producers join ranks behind Padmavati; to hold shutdown at Film City on November 16
8:07 AM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 14, 2017)
A day after Sanjay Leela Bhansali agreed to screen Padmavati for a special committee to assuage certain right-wing outfits’ fears regarding the “distortion of history”, there is a new twist to the tale. Having fought a lone battle so far, he has found support within the industry.
Five bodies from the film industry — Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) along with Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA), Western India Cinematographers Association (WICA), Screenwriters Association (SWA) and Association of Cine and Television Art Directors & Costume Designers along with Allied Union Mazdoor — have announced a shutdown on November 16 at Film City in Goregaon as a mark of protest against the curbing of creative freedom. All shoots at the suburban studio will be halted for 15 minutes from 4 pm. The members will also hold a rally to show their solidarity for Bhansali.
At the press conference held in the city yesterday, members of the said organisations also made an appeal to information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani and home minister Rajnath Singh to ensure a smooth release of the Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor-starrer.
IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit said, “It is shocking that a filmmaker like Bhansali is heckled and abused. We have come together for freedom of expression for filmmakers. It’s high time the government took necessary action.”
Reacting to how certain outfits including the Rajput Karni Sena have sought a ban on the film, director Sudhir Mishra said, “The CBFC should have the final say. No one has seen the film, so how can they come to a conclusion?”
Actor Vikram Gokhale said the uproar by right-wing outfits is “a mockery of democracy”. “Why do we need to take permission from a fringe group or a political party? The audience can form their own judgment.”
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