The news about her sad demise due to Covid 19 reached us last week. At the age of 79 this passionate actress of Hindi and Marathi films and TV serials, was shooting in Satara for a Marathi serial and was infected with dangerous corona virus, along with 27 others on the sets of this serial. It was her bad luck that she succumbed to this ailment while undergoing treatment. It was perhaps the first case that an artiste became a victim of this deadly virus, after the reopening of shootings of films and tv serials. It was more sad to hear that her dead body could not be brought to Mumbai and her last rites were performed by her co star in the serial- popular Marathi veteran actress Alka Kubal Athalye and her husband Samir Athalye, as per her last wish.
Ashalata Wabgaonkar
The sudden passing away of this renowned actress has been a big loss to this entertainment industry, as she was still active with her acting assignments for more than 50 years, having performed prominent roles in more than 100 Hindi and Marathi films, several TV serials and Marathi plays.
Meeting this versatile actress personally was a coincidence. After completing my Journalism course sometime in late 80s I was doing a special certificate course ‘TV Serial Appreciation Course’ conducted by Indian Photographic Society, Dadar. The classes used to be held on Sundays in two sessions, with lunch served by the organiser- Mr. Kamat. It was very useful course to understand the details about making of a TV serial and understanding all the departments like pre and post production work, besides actual shooting schedule. Moreover, those days, the main attraction of entertainment on national and local doordarshan were serials on different subjects. Field visits were arranged to know more details. Mr. Kokate then a popular person known for his ‘Fad Fad English’ speaking classes, was also attending this course with me, besides my friend Vinay. And there were big names in the form of visiting faculty like Director Satish Rajmachikar, artistes Lalan Sarang, Dilip Prabhavalkar and others, connected with technical work.
After attending one shooting schedule, Mr. Kokate asked Mr. Kamat the course coordinator as to why not expose the participants to perform in front of the camera. Mr. Kamat liked the idea of allowing us to actually get the feel of facing the camera. And with our permission, recommended our names with photos to some directors known to him, with ongoing projects. In just next few days, I received a call at my residence. This was Baba Sawant renowned Cinematographer turned director, who was then making a Marathi TV serial ‘Satyavati’ based on Police investigation and in which Tanvi Azmi played the Police Officer, with Mahesh Manjrekar as her associate. In short there were big names connected with this serial and every episode presented a new story.
Mr. Sawant asked me my location, as he wanted to know whether I would be available for a late night shift . When he heard that I was living in Juhu, he was happy and asked me to report at 9th Road bungalow which was famous for shootings. He asked me to come in a black shirt and jeans. Sporting beard those days, I walked in that late in the evening riding my Vespa. On reaching the venue I met Mr Sawant, who asked me to open my top shirt button and called for a thick golden chain and asked me to wear. Then came the make up man who applied light make up on my face. I was provided with my dialogues for the scene, which was explained to me. I was to play a Muslim tailor Hussain who reports the plan pf his mentor during police inquiry. But, this was not the actual scene. I was to face the err of my mentor in this scene, who happened to be a burkha clad woman, who was none other than renowned actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar . When she was ready, I was told to rehearse the scene with her in a room where she was resting. After exchanging pleasantries, we rehearsed our dialogues and all went well, though it was my first experience in front of a big artiste like her. There was still time for the shot, so I requested her to give a short interview for a Marathi magazine ‘Saptahik Sakal’ where I used to contribute as a freelance Journalist. She was surprised to know that I was into this writing work and for the next few minutes she talked about her acting career which had begun from Marathi stage. We also discussed about her variety of roles in Hindi films.
When the call came for the shot, the director who was himself a cinematographer explained our positions and with lights on he took the rehearsal. In the actual scene she lifted the Niqab and began with a fiery dialogue and I had to answer back. It was a difficult situation for me. But, her uncovering the face and giving a sharp look through her eyes, made me look nervous and I could not reply in a forceful voice as expected. But, the clever director changed our positions. He also tried making me face direct camera and imagine as if I was speaking to her. But, that too was not 100% to his satisfaction. Finally in the third attempt, he made Ashalataji face the camera and made me stand exactly behind her right shoulder as I was taller. In this situation I was not required to face her angry looks and therefore uttered my dialogues forcefully, with better expressions. This shot was approved and I had a sigh of relief. I apologised to the director and the actress who in fact were more than happy with my brief appearance.
The purpose of being part of this shooting did help me a lot, to understand the work of director to think differently and instantly to save the time of other unit members. And hence thought of sharing this memorable moment which also is a tribute to this finest actress who is no more with us now .
By: Ulhas Shirke