He rules. No confusion here.
Films, Theatre, Television & Events – people, please take a look at the sheer platforms Mr. Manjrekar has moved through in the 30+ years of his career in the Entertainment industry. He has not only sustained but has grown to a position of strength year-after-year. He is sharp and swift and loves innovation. He can never be stagnant thankfully. #Gamechanger #Respect
If you do what you love and love what you do, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Is that your motto?
Very much! In my younger days, my passion was Cricket and especially batting was my love and l was a fairly good cricketer. That I would be a better bowler was what my coach Ramakant Achrekar was confident about and he would make me bowl with the old ball day in and day out. But my passion was batting and perhaps it made me move away from the game and not pursue it to the next level.
I began working in a Bank in the Bank Guarantee department. My then girlfriend was keen that I worked in a secure job that ensured steady monthly income. But that was not what I wanted. I was keener on doing some business and could not continue in the job for more than 6 months. I literally started having nightmares because of the job. I got attracted to theater and never ever looked back. Thereafter. I loved doing that and have stuck to the field for more than 30 years now.
I got unstinting support from my family in pursuing this unpredictable field where there was no fixed income. “You need people who love you to pursue things you love.”
Things changed since 1993 when I tasted success with ‘Dhyanimani & ‘All the Best”.
I feel very strongly that one should be able to pursue and do what he or she likes. I never force my children to do what I or the society wants them to do. They are free to choose to do whatever they desire even if means stopping formal typical education. Our education system and social pressures discourage seeking different avenues of career options. Singing, dancing or learning a musical instruments were considered a hobby in my younger days. But today these are conscious career choices.
Sachin became Sachin Tendulkar only because he did what he liked. He never went to college but look at his success!
People do things due to social pressures and continue to do things which they are not passionate about. It shows in their performance.
I was lucky enough to be allowed to pursue what I wanted and what I loved.
What will be the trends to lookout for in the Marathi industry?
There is no straight answer to this question. Film making is unpredictable. It is not a set formula wherein you can decide that you will make films keeping in mind a specific audience. Formula does not work. You have to be honest with yourself when you are doing a film. The sincerity in approach, in having a good script is important. The one thing that will be essential is to be updated about technology & be in tune with the changes happening.
Cinema is about Story telling which will not change. The craft will remain the same. Technology shall change in leaps and bounds.
Who do you admire the most in the world of entertainment?
My idols are undoubtedly Satyajit Ray & Rhitwick Ghatak. I was blown away after seeing Pather Pacnhali and it left a deep impact on me. I put him on a pedestal and was hesitant to see his other film being afraid that I may not like it. Ritwick Ghatak is another person who I admired. Both are geniuses. I subconsciously follow them.
What is it that gives you a High?
Film making is a phenomenal high! It is a fantasy coming to life. The birth of a cinema is like a painting where the painter keeps on adding colors & textures to give that finished look. Film making is coming together of many crafts. The music, choreography, costumes, props and so much more! Shots weaved together to make a full fledged film. That time when one realizes that what you have created has literally gone beyond what you have expected & imagined, gives a high that is so much more than a sexual high!
If you have to change that one thing (personal / professional), What will it be?
I love my faults. That makes me, me. I am unpredictable and have learnt to accept my faults. I am happy as I am. My childhood was tough with my father being an alcoholic. In fact it amazes me that I did not hate my father in spite of that. I loved my parents like crazy. The one thing that I regret thought is not being able to have my mother with me today to enjoy my journey and success. She was my support. She suffered a lot to bring us up. She would be so happy today to see my success. I miss her immensely.
“I don’t hate my failures because failures ground you. I don’t wish to change anything. I don’t think I would have liked a perfect ME.”
Recent Comments