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...............................................................................................Interwiew
Padmini Kolhapure: Actress turned
producer
 After
proving her talent in front of the camera as an actress in films
like Prem Rog and Woh Saat Din, Padmini
Kolhapure is now working from behind the camera, as a producer of
films. As an actress, Padmini has worked under superhit banners
like RK Films and starred alongside actors like Rishi Kapoor and
Anil Kapoor. Padmini was discovered by none other than the great
showman, Raj Kapoor. " I enjoyed working in the industry,
with all my directors, producers and co-stars. They always pampered
and encouraged me in every possible way. I really do not know where
I would have been, if not here. I am really grateful to all those
people who helped me over the years," says Padmini.
 Padmini
succeeded in winning the hearts of millions with her wonderful performances.
Everyone could relate to her method of acting. Her long association
with the industry inspired her to set up her own production company,
Padmini Tele Media Ltd. She has successfully completed one of
her projects.
 "
We produced a film called 'Panch', which is a very important
venture in my career in production. In this film we have introduced
Tejaswini, my younger sister, and a few new talents. The
film is directed by Anurag Kashyap, the writer of Satya.
The film is complete and almost ready to hit the theatres",
Padmini reveals. Speaking about her sister, she said,
"Tejaswini has given her best to this film. We were always
there to guide her during the making, as she is very raw at this
point of time, and needs proper guidance. I am sure that the audience
will appreciate her performance."
Talking about her family, she said, " I am grateful to
God for blessing me with such a wonderful family , who have always
supported me in whatever I did. "Padmini's sister Shivani
is married to actor Shakti Kapoor. When asked about her husband
Pradeep (Tutu) Sharma, who is a producer, she added, " My
husband and I are buddies. He always stood behind me, and gave me
the space to grow. He plays a major role in the success of my career.
We are planning a few new ventures."
Beside acting and producing, Padmini runs her acting schools in
Delhi, Mumbai and London. The school at London was started first,
followed by those at Delhi and Mumbai. The faculty members of these
teaching schools are experienced people in the field of art and
culture. Padmini also keeps visiting all the schools in order to
guide her students. According to her, " I have started this
chain of schools so that budding talents get an outlet . We groom
them in all fields of art, so that they can handle anything that
comes their way. People like Nimit, who worked in 'Panch',
Shairi Joshi , Aniket and a few more are doing well for themselves
on the small as well as the big screen, and I am really proud of
them."
" I am also starting my own dot com company. The work is
almost done and within two to three weeks it will be launched. It
is called 'startalaash.com, a site where you can look out
for new talents for the film industry. Since I am in this field
for years now, I am fully aware of what the industry requires. And
I hope to bring the best talent in front of the audience,"
adds the determined entrepreneur.
In spite of her busy work schedule, Padmini manages to take time
out for things spiritual and also for social work. She is a member
of Mahikari, a spiritual organisation, where the main idea
is to pacify the unstable mind. She also works for different social
organisations. She thoroughly enjoys this work and hopes to carry
on in future years.
Text & pics by : Uma
Kadam
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