MARATHI/ And the AWARD goes to…

4. Is the number of trophies Vitti Dandu has won in different categories

Best Director : Lakshman Utekar ( Tapaal )

Lakshman Utekar

A cinematographer in Hindi films (Tevar, Boss, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, English Vinglish, Blue, Khanna & Iyer), Lakshman Utekar made his directorial debut in Marathi films with Tapaal, that received critical acclaim not only in India but also at festival circuits, winning several awards for the sterling performances and its unique story. Tapaal had its world premiere at the 18th Busan International Film Festival 2013, South Korea. It was selected in Indian Panorama Section at the 44th International Film festival 2013 and many other festivals. It was also screened at 3rd Eye Asian Film Festival and Pune Film Festival last year.

1. Is the number of Award that Lakshman Utekar has won

Best Actor (Male) : Dilip Prabhavalkar ( Vitti Dandu)

Dilip Prabhavalkar

A versatile actor of Hindi and Marathi films, television and theatre, Dilip Prabhavalkar gained immense popularity for his title role in the comedy series Chimanrao in the late seventies. After that, there was no looking back for the actor who played Mahatma Gandhi in the 2006 film, Lage Raho Munna Bhai. He even reprised the role of Gandhi in the Telugu language remake, Shankar Dada Zindabad. Besides Vitti Dandu, his recent Marathi releases are Zapatlela 2, Poshter Boyz and Narbachi Wadi.

1. Is the number of Award that Dilip Prabhavalkar has won

Best Actor (Male) : Nandu Madhav ( Tapaal)

Nandu Madhav

Nandu Madhav struck gold with his performance in the Marathi film Harishchandrachi Factory, in which he reprised the role of Dadasaheb Phalke, the pioneer of Indian cinema. He bagged the Screen award for his brilliant performance in the film which also won several national and international awards and was showcased at various festivals. It was also India’s official entry to the Academy Awards in the foreign language category. His other popular Marathi films are Shala and Sarkarnama. Some of his Hindi films are Daayra and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rahta Hain. He is also a known name in the theatre circuit.

2. Is the number of golden ladies that Nandu Madhav has taken home

Best Actor (Female) : Usha Naik ( Ek Hazaarchi Note)

Usha Naik

After a long hiatus of 12 years, veteran film actor Usha Naik took centrestage once again with the film Ek Hazaarchi Note for reprising the role of an old woman. Her last film over a decade ago was Owalini in 2002. Having begun her career in seventies, she played the female lead in several films. Some of her popular films are Akleche Kande, Ashi Gyaneshwari, Don Baika Phajeeti Aika, Duniya Kari Salaam, Kalavantin, Maphicha Sakshidar, Samna, etc.

1. Is the number of Award that Usha Naik has won

Best Child Artiste : Nishant Bhavsar ( Vitti Dandu)

Nishant Bhavsar

Nishant Bhavsar is a 12-year old, studying in the seventh standard in Pune. The young actor has featured in films like Chintoo (2012) and Chintoo 2: Khajinyachi Chittarkatha (2013). His last film Vitti Dandu has bagged him the coveted trophy.

1. Is the number of Award that Nishant Bhavsar has won

Special Jury Award for Cinematography : Shailesh Awasthi ( Vitti Dandu)

Shailesh Awasthi

It is a moment to celebrate for the Marathi film industry which firmly believes that an honour from Screen is an achievement of a lifetime. And when a special award is given to technician, it becomes even more special. Shailesh Awasthi, a non-Maharashtrian was spotted by Mahesh Manjrekar when he was working on television. He has been a cinematographer for most of Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi films in the last few years and bagging the Special Jury award for his work in Vitti Dandu, he feels, will now open avenues for him.

1. Is the number of Award that Shailesh Awasthi has won

Compiled by Farida Khanzada, Geety Sahgal, Namita Nivas, Priyanka Bhadani and Siddhi Pathak