In my father’s footsteps

If Bollywood is going through a phase where second generation stars are now calling the shots, the Marathi film industry also seems to be going through a similar phase. Many star sons and daughters are following their parent’s footsteps and trying to carve a place for themselves in the glam world.

After completing a degree in business management, Girija Oak, daughter of actor Girish Oak, opted for an acting career. Girija who has worked in movies like Taare Zameen Par, Manini, Goshta Choti Dongraevadi and Gulmohar, is presently busy with the film Adgule Madgule and a Hindi film Shor. “My father had made it quite clear to me that he will not recommend me to anybody and I have to look for work myself. He consciously didn’t help me as he wanted me to grow on my own,” says Girija.

On the flip side the disadvantage of being a star son or daughter is that there is always pressure of the audience’s expectations. “Every time, people judge my work as Girish Oak’s daughter and not as Girija Oak. I started with ads and Hindi film Taare Zameen Par. Even after going through the rigorous rounds of auditions and screen tests when those who didn’t get a role accuse me that I got a certain role because I am Girish Oak’s daughter, it really hurts.”

Gashmir Mahajani, son of the noted actor Ravindra Mahajani, played the lead in his debut Hindi film Muskara Ke Dekh Jara. Gashmir says his choice of career has nothing to do with the fact that his father is a well-known actor. “Ironically, the year I was born, my father did his last film Mumbaicha Faujdar and shifted to Pune. That’s the reason I have never ever visited a set. Since I was good in my studies, he wanted me to do a professional course but I was adamant on getting into films,” says Gashmir.

The Marathi film industry has its share of ‘launch pad’ stories too. Actor-director Mahesh Kothare’s son Adinath Kothare is making his debut in Ved Lagi Jeeva, produced and directed by his father.

Adinath has earlier assisted Mahesh on film sets. “I always wanted to make a career in either acting or direction. As a child, I had won a state award for acting in a Marathi film called Majha Chakula. But acting can be addictive,” says Adinath.

Many times it helps to have a successful actor as a parent, especially at the initial stages of the career. “It helps to a certain extent. But the rest depends upon your own merit,” says Adinath.

Noted actor Kuldeep Pawar’s son Samruddha has completed a diploma in hotel management and is working in JW Marriot, Mumbai. He has played the lead in a Marathi film called Gotavala.

However, these youngsters are not solely depending on acting and are planning to explore other things. Samruddha says, “As of now I am focusing on hotel management and will do films as and when I get an offer,” says Samruddha.

“I won’t be acting for the rest of my life. I want to learn various aspects of film-making. I want to make use of my MBA degree in bio-technology and film marketing. I am just 22 years old and there is so much to do,” she says.

However, Gashmir vouches that he will act till his last breath. “I have dedicated my life to acting. So, I will keep acting till I can,” he says.