To start with interviewing Madhura Joshi , we first need to admit the actress is 10 times sweeter in person than her bright sugarcane like smile! Madhura seems to be really genuine and a friendly person. She easily adds herself in any kind of environment, this all reflects her values and beliefs. Initially the interview started as a formal question answer session which was planned but later the interview turned in a brief talk and we found that Madhura is so herself in every bit she does !She is very clear regarding her career and life. Along with being an awesome actor, Madhura is also a wonderful singer.
She played versatile roles during dramas in theatre. We enjoyed watching her before in “saare tujyachsathi’’ and now we are drooling over her role in ongoing serial “Shrimant Garachi Suun”.
Team Paradox and her fans were excited to know about her life, journey and her ongoing career. We could barely find a source to do so. So, team Paradox reached Madhura Joshi-Divekar and asked some questions that we actually wanted to know and her fans were waiting for!
Q1. Acting has forever been your passion ya “WAQT NE KIYA KOI HASEEN SITAM”?
Madhura Joshi: Acting was always my passion, when I was schooling in jr.kg I participated in drama. I was awarded by the best actor award for that drama and my acting journey started. My father was so supportive and my aai (Mom) did many directions and acting while she was in college. So I think acting and singing is something in my genes.
Basically, I belong from a family that has musical background, so I was always zoned by the artistic environment. While I was in 8th grade, I participated in school drama and I received silver medal of “Rajya Natya” for best actor. In 10th grade I was nominated for “Balashri Puraskar”. Hence, I received scholarship of Balashri for acting and singing. While I was in 8th grade, I lost my father and at that time acting and drama helped me a lot, due to these artforms I came out of the trauma of losing my loved one. Art surely heals.
Q2. What kind of roles you enjoy playing onscreen and which kind of roles you find challenging?
Madhura Joshi: I played various role during theaters. Once I played a challenging role in drama, my role was of “vairagyaa” ,that was the lead male role for the drama. Switching character and playing role is quite challenging but I enjoyed that thing. On the TV front in serials I got to play characters that are kinda of aggressive types but now in ongoing serial I am playing very sweet and innocent character so that’s a new experience for me though. I love playing Bubbli type of character.
Q3. Who are your personal favorites in the industry (male or female actors)?
Madhura Joshi: In this industry, I am blessed that I got the opportunity to work with “Aishwarya tai”. She helped me a lot. I belong to a family with lot of singers,so my voice is very thin, she helped me to bring the base in voice. I learned different things from her.She is moreover my guru on set. There are many fantastic people in industry and I can’t name one but I like Amruta Khanvilkar, because her aura is something different. I get very positive vibes from her personality.
Q4. What are your views regarding the character Disha you played in last serial saare tujyachsathi?
MJ: I think many things were challenging for me. It was my first time in industry to work on sets. So, moving from theatre to TV was beautiful journey. It was challenging though but I loved that process. Disha’s character was kind of bubbli. I loved playing Disha during saare tujyachsathi. Hope so in future I will get something like this or more.
Q5. If given a character from Bollywood to play onscreen which character will you love to play and why?
MJ: There are many characters in Bollywood but, I like character of bubbli from bunty and bubbli. Bubbli character is more like my original self. I genuinely loved the character of Kangana from movie Queen. Whenever I am alone or with people I try to play any of character which strikes my mind. So in industry Shehanaz Gill, apparently seen in big boss. I loved to play her character along with the dialogue in Punjabi accent.
Q6. Tell us one experience when you were struggling in initial days.
MJ: There are many things which helped me a lot. I used to learn things from people around me and from my team. Even a small thing teaches us many lessons. Just a example of spot dada on set, they work really hard and they even don’t complain about things. Their level of dedication towards their work motivates me a lot. I think acting, direction, music are on side and dedication of crew member is on another side. I learned dedication, patience and many small things from them.
Q7. How is it working with Yashoman Apte, Rupal Nand and Gautamee Deshpande?
MJ: Yashoman and Rupal, they both are awesome. In ongoing serial Yashoman is my brother, so there is actual kind of bond between us too. We enjoy, we eat and sometime we fight too. Rupal is very supportive and friendly, moreover she treats me like her younger sister. Actually, whenever she sees me, she feels like her younger sister is around. Working with her is fun. Gautamee and me were so close to each other, during shooting we were always together. We use to have fun together and sometimes we both used to sing and turned sets melodious!
Q8. Do you re watch yourself on tv? What are your first thoughts when you see yourself?
MJ: Yes, I do watch my serial. But during my first serial I use to rewatch the episodes a lot. Because I used to learn many things by rewatching it, it helped me to improve. Seeing first time on tv was an awesome experience. It was like dream come true, that was awesome feeling. I can’t even express that feeling in words. I watch episodes because I am curious about editing, direction and a keen editor too.
Q9. Along with being a good actor, Madhura you are also wonderful singer, so singing skills helped you?
MJ: Just, in this ongoing serial before few days ago in a scene I was asked to sing fee lines of a song, I sang few lines of that song as the scene demanded and surprisingly after that everyone on the unit were singing that song. I felt so happy by seeing this. I got appreciated too for that song. And in last serial I use to sing along with Gautamee Despande. So, we were called as chotta Carvan and mothaa Carvan.
Q10. A small message to your fans.
For more interviews:
Meera Joshi: An all rounder personality
Meera Joshi is an all rounder personality, from working as an assistant choreographer in dance reality shows such as ‘street dance’, being a contestant in ‘Dance India Dance- season 4’ and holding 3 world records and 3 Indian records along with being a dubbing artist and an influencer. She had won all of our hearts. Let us see what Meera has to say.
Meera Joshi’s instagram:
https://instagram.com/meerajoshi_?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Q1). Can you tell us about your journey as a dancer and a choreographer….
Meera Joshi: So my journey as a dancer and a choreographer started with participating in the ‘local mandals’ and that’s when my mom realized that I like dancing, and then I joined dance classes. My father was a bank manager, and he used to transfer every three years. So, in Ratnagiri I learned Kathak for two years, Bharatanatyam for seven years in Satara, and in Pune I learned Latin American dance styles. By then I started participating in inter-college competitions and I won prizes. That’s when I realized that dancing is not just my hobby, maybe I want to pursue it as a profession. Then I joined many dance groups in Pune and became a side dancer and danced behind Marathi celebrities.
After that I started giving auditions for dance reality shows as well and finally got selected for my first ever show in 2010 “Street Dance”. It was a group dance competition and so I was a part of a group. I used to go from Pune to Mumbai. In 2011, I got into another dance reality show. By the time I graduated in German language, I stood third in University. That was the time to decide whether to go for post graduation or go to Mumbai.
My family was a little skeptical about this profession because living in Mumbai- a completely different city and getting a job with this profession was a little difficult. So my family wanted me to go for post graduation and then join some IT company or become a translator. But with the help of my mother I went to Mumbai, and that was the first time my mom let me travel alone. I was going to Infinity (there are a lot of rehearsal halls) for the rehearsals and I asked the auto guy what the fare would be and it was a shock for me hearing the price. But some lady overheard me and asked to share the fare and that was my first ever ride in Mumbai. And overall it was really welcoming.
The real Job
Then I freshened up. And that was my first day of work, in 2012 as an assistant choreographer for “Dance India Dance- little Champs” where Faisal Khan was the winner and I was assisting Prince Gupta, that was a team of Faisal Khan. After that eventually I got recognition and I assisted many choreographers such as Jalak Dikh Jaa… and simultaneously I was improving my dance styles such as hip hop and contemporary dance etc because it is difficult for a classical dancer to catch up. And finally in 2013, in “Dance India Dance, season 4” I was a participant.
But then a few rounds later I realized that something was wrong with my back and the channel people took x-ray and things. And they found out that something was wrong with my spine and they suggested that we should stop here due to the medical emergency but I insisted on being a participant as it was my dream. And Mithunda insisted for me that if I was that willing, then let me continue as a contestant.
But I knew somewhere that my back won’t be able to support and after top 14 I got eliminated. And then I started helping people by assisting them with choreography. I assisted Sumit Shahil, Puni Verma for Bajirao Mastani then again Shimla Mirchi film and for Poster boys etc… And after almost 13 reality shows I realized that I can do something more. And I decided to do something on camera which had less dancing and eventually started auditioning for acting.
Q2). You have been an all rounder, a dancer, choreographer, an actress, dubbing artist and an influencer… Do you think your fans might have much higher expectations from you?
Meera Joshi: “I think people will keep expecting till you die” whether in a professional life or personal, people will expect something or the other and that’s a natural human behavior… and if you’re a stage performer, people will keep on expecting more and more the next time.. And there’s nothing wrong with that. That is something which motivates you to grow. And do better than before, going to an upper level. And that’s why I’m here today, I expected something from myself. My parents, my well wishers, everyone around me expected me to grow. And that’s what led me to give auditions, become a side dancer to the main dancer and even start acting. “Expectations are the key to growth.”
Q3). What do you love to do the most amongst all the professions that you do?
Meera Joshi: Well i really cannot pinpoint any one profession among these, i like dancing cause that’s where I started and as a choreographer if I am not able to do any dance steps or if I don’t fit in the dance or the song. I have this vision which I portray through others by teaching them and reaching to the audience. The vision that I have, I love to share it with others. So, I love to choreograph as well.
Even in acting, I got to explore many characters and that is what I love the most. Dubbing is also the same, that’s when I got to know that my voice is also a charm in itself. While influencing was also fun, back then not many Marathi influencers were there in the industry. I did some projects for clothing brands and beauty products and I remember not shopping for almost 2 years. And I loved the perk of free shopping plus earning out of them. So I enjoyed every profession that I perceived.
Q4). While shooting for Bajirao Mastani, you got an inspiration to start your career in acting… is that true? What inspired you to do so?
Meera Joshi: Before Bajirao Mastani, I was already pursuing several professions and as an assistant choreographer I thought till when will I just keep assisting. And getting a good movie where I can be the lead choreographer would have been a lot difficult plus it would have taken me years and years… As movies were the only option where we could choreograph or showcase our skills back then.
So I had to choose a profession which will give me recognition by face. And acting was it. That’s what I realized on the set of Bajirao Mastani. And then with zero experience in theater or acting I started giving auditions for acting. I had no mentor or a guide who can provide me with acting guidance or who can help me get a role in a movie. That’s where I had to struggle and even now after 13 years in the industry, So, I guess that will go on till the end.
For one and a half year I wasn’t able to crack any auditions and I still remember my first audition where I had to give an introduction and I asked them “what does that mean?” So yes it was my learning period and initially I did crowd roles such as praying in the temple while the hero and heroine are the main focus. And then I’m glad, my parents were really supportive, especially my mom was very supportive of everything that I did. Even financially but again I had this to earn money myself. So yes I did projects as well.
Q5). You are such a beautiful lady, is there any secret to your beauty?
Meera Joshi: Thank you so much. I think every soul is beautiful in their own way but of course that is off camera. I have been called ugly many times and been rejected for that. It’s like maybe you’re pretty and cute but you’re not a heroine material. Even for the skin color, they said, “you’re not fair enough so you don’t fit into our projects.” Thank you again, but I don’t think there’s any secret to it. I guess being positive and being around positive people, living a healthy life can be called the secret.
Q6). You have 3 world records and 3 Indian records in dancing… How do you feel about this achievement?
The first world record:
Meera Joshi: The world record things actually just happened, it wasn’t planned. I love trekking and traveling. So, I got in touch with this man named Anand Bansode- he is the Everest man of India. He climbed Everest. He asked me if I want to join them to climb “Kokan Kada” and hoist the longest flag on 26th of January and make the world record. And I said okay I’d love to do that.
The second world record:
And then the second time in Lockdown, everybody was trying to be active on social media. That’s when five Marathi actresses decided to dance Antaksari, a kind of thing which included recording dance pieces. So I got to dance to a song that starts with ‘ka’. And I danced to “Kanta Laga”. So others did the basic dance steps as they were not dancers but actresses. So I decided to dance outside the house as it wasn’t able to shoot inside. And my mom helped me with it, literally climbing on top of the car to shoot me. Then I edited the video as I had a little basic knowledge about it. But the other actresses pointed out that my video was not shot inside the house despite the theme being ‘lockdown’ and they pushed me off the project which made me a little sad.
Then I thought of posting it on my social media anyway and it blew off. So I started creating dance reel content and at that time people didn’t shoot these kinds of videos. And then I was traveling to Kachchh, Gujarat and I told a passenger to shoot a video on ‘chaiyya chaiyya’ of me. There I shot a one minute video. And people loved it. So, I thought I should do everything together, traveling, dancing, shooting etc… So I clubbed everything together.
The third world record:
And then I was traveling to Chopta…we started at 3am in the morning and reached there at 7 for sunrise and we shot a video and I checked if anybody had shot a video here because it was the world’s highest Shiva temple. And nobody had performed surprisingly. So I contacted Anand Bansode and asked him if we can do anything about the world record. And then I sent it for approval and within fifteen days I got approved and I was the first actress to perform at the world’s highest Shiva temple. This news went viral and people actually loved it.
After that I went to Hemkund, which is the world’s largest Gurudwara. So I almost trekked for 16-17 hours and then I performed there and again sent it for approval and it worked out again. So yes that’s how the 3 world records happened.
Q7). What are your upcoming plans and goals?
Meera Joshi: Well my plan right now is to earn more money by working hard and my goal is to buy a nice house of my own and on my own in Mumbai. Like I’ve been living in Mumbai for 13 years and paying rent. And in my family everybody has their own house, it’s only me who doesn’t have anything on her name yet. So that’s my dream right now.
Q8). How was your experience working on Amazon for “Crimes Aaj Kal”… Do you plan to work again in the future?
Meera Joshi: My first web series was Myra, it was in lockdown and we shot it on a sample flat in Nagpur. My second web series was “Indori Ishq” in which I played the role of Alia. And people loved it. Basically, I got a call from the casting director and he told me he wants my audition for a character and they sent me the script. So there were two characters, one was Alia, a 21 year old college passout student and the other was a prostitute. So I thought obviously, the second role would be for me as I was 29 back then. But the director told me he wants me to audition for Alia. And I was glad because I thought people still consider me as a young actress. And my co-actor was Ritik Shauri and he was 20. He was almost 10 years younger than me.
I was really conscious about how I would look because being a 30 year old and acting to be a partner of a 20 year old was a different thing. So matching up to him was a difficult thing but then people loved my character. And then I got selected for “Crimes Aaj Kal”, I was auditioned three times. And they asked me if I was an athlete and then I said I am a classical dancer. But then I wasn’t able to match three other guys who were really tall and athletic. And my director was like you said you were an athlete what happened but eventually we shot the scene…
Q9). Considering how busy your schedule might be, how do you find time for yourself?
Meera Joshi: I don’t think it’s a difficult task for you to find time for yourself if you love yourself. Because if you love yourself, you’ll find time for yourself anyhow. And in my profession we don’t have a routine so I get time for myself when I don’t have any work. I watch films, go for a walk, eat well.. And I love street food and I keep myself happy with that. I love to spend time with myself, I’ll always find “me time” even if I have a busy schedule. So finding time for myself is not a big task.
Q10). Out of all characters, which one is your favorite and why?
Meera Joshi: Every character that I played was different. So I don’t think I have any favorite character. In Marathi films, people viewed me as an evilish, villianish and glamorous personality while in Hindi films I was viewed as the soft ‘sanskari’ girl. People viewed me really differently, there was this contrast and it really confused me. Which also helped me portray many different characters though. In Marathi serial, I have played a Witch and then I’ve also played an evil daughter in law. And then in ‘Chandana’ a short film I played a poor girl living in a village, fighting for the right to basic education. That was something really heart touching.
“Indori Ishq” for that, i played a character of a 21 year old college passout student. Being a 30 year old I had to act as a partner of a 20 year old actor was a difficult and a different task. And for ‘Crimes Aaj Kal’ I played a cop, so again it was really different. And in Myra I got to be a heroine. So yeah, “There’s a lot and many colors to explore.”
Q11). What are the three things that you would like to change about yourself?
Meera Joshi: I think I can be more ignorant about a few things and take everything a little less seriously because not everything needs to be answered. Let’s say somebody passing a comment should be ignored. And it’s not necessary to pay attention to everything that happens around you. I guess that will make me happies. Sometimes I really tend to give too much attention to trollers and that makes me a little dejected. Being ignorant becomes a necessity sometimes and I am trying to do that.
Second thing, I think I should be a little more patient. Not that I’m too impatient but the More patient I am the more things will come to me.
Lastly, this is a funny thing but if God could change my dusky skin tone, and make me a little fair then maybe… maybe I could get more work. In a funnier way though. Now I’ve got acceptance about myself, my skin tone, my body and I think I’m very comfortable in my skin. I love myself.
Q12). If you are given a chance to visit any fictional world, what would you choose and why?
Meera Joshi: To be precise, Harry Potter. Back then when I was in school Harry Potter was the ultimate crush. And Hogwarts is something I would love to visit if it is possible and I am given a chance to.
Q13). Your fans might be eagerly waiting for you to say something to them… So anything?..
Meera Joshi: For upcoming projects, there’s a new movie “Orange Lily” that is going to be released and I’m playing the title role and a few upcoming item songs are to be released. Keep loving me and keep giving me your love and support… Every artist needs that. Be careful of what you have to say to anybody because it might hurt them and rethink it. They might end up making different decisions which they would not if things were a bit different. So yes, keep loving everyone because everybody is working as hard as you are. Life is beautiful, live peacefully.
It has been a 13 years long professional journey in Mumbai and I’m grateful to my parents because of them I was able to pursue my hobby as a profession. Especially my mom, without her I wouldn’t be able to be what I am today. Also grateful to everyone who loved and supported me, without them growing wouldn’t have been possible. It inspires me to do better projects. So thank you very much. Please keep loving me.
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www.theparadoxnews.com
LAVNIKING Ashish Patil. B.Sc (computer science) from Birla College Kalyan. Specialized in Bollywood, classical, Semi-classical, Folk, and contemporary dance in Marathi and Hindi industry for 19 years now. Recently was a Finalist of a Dance show. High Fever Dance ka Naya-never on TV.
An energetic, awe-inspiring, and imposing grand Classical – Semi-Classical Dancer and Celebrity Performer who breathed dance from his childhood and his passion took him to India Satellite First Dance Competition Boogie Woggie attained applauds by winning the competition. Passion turned into Fascination and in his teens, he shot to fame by winning the most acclaimed award for his splendid Classical Choreography in 2010 Eka Peksha Ek. A habit of delivering fresh moves to feature innovations in his dance forms and finally that one platform which he had dreamt day and night shot recognized him as one of the Best Classical Semi-Classical Dancers. And as a performer and an outstanding choreographer in Eka Peksha Ek – Season 2. And as the judge in Dholkichya Talavar.
1)Can you tell us how you started on this journey?
Ashish Patil : I have done my B.Sc IT from Brila College, Kalyan. And yes! I am an IT student and have been dancing since I was four. When I was young my mother used to see me moving around the house and as the saying goes mother always knows what her child is capable of? So it was my mother who first figured out that I can be a dancer.
The mother is always the first teacher and in my case, my mother is the one who taught me dancing. I am not a trained dancer and have not taken any formal training initially. Also, there was this show on Doordarshan “Chitrahar”, we used to watch it and my mother would point out the expressions of the contestants and tell me that that’s how I have to express myself when I dance. So yes that is how my dance journey began.
2) What impact did dance have on your life?
Ashish Patil : As a child one certainly needs a platform to express and develop oneself and dance has always been that platform for me. Since I was young I was always fascinated by Indian dancing and loved the feminine kind of dance. Because of that, I was called names in school and college time. But dance was something that me feel like the happiest man in the world. I used to forget myself and go into a zone. I believe that when I dance I reach to the almighty and feel near him somehow. And at times I cry after my performances. So dance gave me a platform through which I can express and find myself.
3) Is there someone from the industry that had an influence on you?
Ashish Patil: Since a young age, I was very much influenced by Madhuri Dixit. And during that time Madhuri numbers were very famous on “Chitrahar.” And yes I used to see her and fall in love with her dance. I used to tell myself that I would dance someday on television. I have always loved her song “Chane ke khet me”, it’s very expressive and that is one dance that influenced me as a young kid. Also of course Juhi Chawla and Sri Devi have influenced me a lot but Madhuri Dixit if I must say is my first love for dance.
4)Your journey is filled with hardships. How did you overcome the challenges?
Ashish Patil: Yes, the journey was difficult. Though we live in a society where men and women are equal still a guy wears a kurta and is teased and asked why are you dressed like a girl? SO ever since I was young it was difficult to walk in public because people used to call me names when I passed by. So the journey of being a dancer, contestant, performer, and now a judge on a reality show was not easy as I had waited for nineteen years. I have struggled for nineteen years in this industry. I have worked hard and learned so much for so many people, good and bad.
And also what to do and what not to do. I feel that if you want to become a dancer the first and most important skill required is to believe in yourself that you can do it. And I always believed in myself. I am passionate about my work and dedicated to my talent and am always focused on the goal. So to achieve anything in life I have four steps: Patience, Dedication, Passion, and Staying true to yourself.
5)What inspired you to pursue Indian classical dancing?
Ashish Patil: I have always loved the sound of ghungroo. My sister used to learn Bharatanatyam but could pursue it as it was not taken positively by our family. But the sound of ghungroo, the costume, I used to love the colors. And so this is how I started discovering that this is Bharatanatyam, this is Kathak, Lavni, and so on. Our Indian culture is filled with so many colors and I am obsessed with it, especially the bright colors. So I guess the colors and sound of ghunhroo brought me toward Indian dancing.
https://instagram.com/ashishpatil_the_lavniking?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ==
6)Who has played a major role in your life?
Ashish Patil: As I mentioned earlier my first and foremost supporter has always been my mother and she has always believed in me. She used to lie to me when I went to the competitions as my father never liked me dancing. As I used to do Indian dancing, his friends used to always question him – how will he earn? Who will marry him? Stuff like that. But my mother has always supported me in whatever I did. She loved watching me on stage because I was the happiest when I performed. Also, she is my critic and my number one fan.
7)How do you manage the negativity that surrounds an artist?
Ashish Patil: Yes, it is challenging, especially being a male classical dancer. In India, we worship all the gods and goddesses but most of them don’t know the story about them. And I always feel that the god of dance “The Natraj” He himself is a Shivsakti which is a rare combination. So my mother encouraged me saying I am blessed with this combination so make the best out of it. Initially, I was bothered about what people thought but they were not going to save me when I met with an accident or they were not going to pay my bills.
So now all I care about is what my parents and loved ones say. I have gone through many ups and downs on my own and faced them alone. I feel that every problem has a solution. And if the problem doesn’t have a solution why worry? So just do the best with what you can and I just do that.
8)What are your thoughts on the life of an artist in the entertainment industry?
Ashish Patil:The industry looks very glamorous for an outsider. People are like he works in the entertainment industry and what a life he lives. But the most difficult life is that of an artist. People who work in a company have their timings fixed but when an artist has to work day and night because that’s what we are paid for. Many times there are night shoots or shoots in hot sun. It is very difficult for an artist to maintain the same energy throughout the song. Because the song is of just 3 minutes but the shoot goes on for das. So I think an artist’s life in the film or any industry is challenging but it is up to you how you manage it.
9)What kind of people do you like to work with?
Ashish Patil: Initially, I walked on this journey alone. But as time passed by people joined and now I have my own team. And I believe in trying to give love and appreciation to people which I did not get at the start of my journey. So I always work with those people who are focused and dedicated in what they do. And I love working with such people. A team is important because when you work with a team your project hits harder. Because there are a lot of creative minds. Yes, I call them team and not assistant because they are like my family members who are by my side. Also, I feel that when you are working as a team you need to be a good leader. And not a boss.
10)What advice would you like to give to someone who is suffering on their journey?
Ashish Patil:When you work the best way toward your goal, not initially but somewhere at some point you will be successful. And once you reach there by default you get fame. These days fame is easy due to social media. But I feel that it is just a moment of fame like an elevator that works on its own speed, we cannot control it. But when you are climbing the stairs and you fall you can get up. You can control yourself because you are walking on your own.
I believe that one needs to fight their own battle. It is like when you climb the stairs you can feel each step. Same way when you take the hard route you can sense the feel who stood by you and can feel a sense of respect for them. I always believe in the line – Give respect take respect. Last but not the least – “Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaho; to puri kainaat usse tumse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai”
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