Moving ahead

Upendra Limaye desperately wants to forget the ‘Jogwa’ success and explore much more in future...



Me speaking with Upendra Limaye at the backstage of Raja Paranjape Film Festival.



When he won the National award for his flabbergasting performance in Marathi movie ‘Jogwa’ two years back, Upendra Limaye became first Marathi actor to be honoured with the distinction in the awards’ history. Today, busy in his exciting new projects, Upendra wants to come out of the Jogwa impact and move forward.

“I believe, winning National Award is a milestone of my career. But, you don’t stop at the milestone. With the cherished memories of ‘Jogwa’, I want to explore many innovative projects ahead,” said Upendra, while speaking to The Hitavada on the backdrop of the Raja Paranjape Film Festival.
Upendra who has acted in numerous experimental plays, Marathi parallel films, television serials, Hindi mainstream movies like Page 3, and a few South Indian films, is nowadays busy in post production work of his forthcoming movie ‘Rela Re.’ Based on ‘Ghotul’ tradition of ancient tribal races in Vidarbha, this movie may be another off beat success like ‘Jogwa’ due to its content.

“Its not like that I prefer the movies with serious social message, but since the beginning, I always prefer different types of roles,” he said adding, “We are doing a period film for the first time. I was in Bhandara district for shooting of ‘Rela Re’. Vidarbha is full of exciting locations.”

A very insightful and well-versed artist, Upendra said in his outstanding, deep baritone voice that media makes over-hype of achievements these days. “As media and publicity are readily available these days, youngsters get early promotion. But, in the long run, only sincere effort gets recognition.”

When asked about his comeback to his own domain- Theatre, Upendra said, his 1990 classic ‘Kon Mhanto Takka Dila’ is coming back on stage on January 14. “Fortunately, I have maintained myself quite well till date. So, I can play the role of young man that was very well appreciated during the ninetess,” he said smiling.