Exclusive: Subodh Bhave and Vaidehi Parshurami Discuss Their Musical Journey in Sangeet Manapmaan

Exclusive: Subodh Bhave and Vaidehi Parshurami Discuss Their Musical Journey in Sangeet Manapmaan
Marathi cinema is set to witness a spectacular musical revival with Sangeet Manapmaan. Directed by Subodh Bhave, the visionary behind Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, the film draws inspiration from the legendary Marathi play while adding a grand cinematic flair. Packed with soul-stirring music and a compelling narrative, it celebrates the transformative magic of melodies that go beyond mere songs, shaping emotions and lives.

Joining Subodh Bhave is Vaidehi Parshurami, whose portrayal of Bhamini adds depth to this vibrant tale. With its unique blend of cultural pride and pure entertainment, Sangeet Manapmaan promises to be a cinematic celebration Marathi audiences won’t want to miss!

Fans of Bhave have eagerly awaited his next directorial masterpiece ever since Katyar Kaljat Ghusli. Explaining what drew him to this story, Bhave shared, “The story resonated with me. Stories always provoke inspiration. For a Marathi film, we decided to explore the musical genre, but I didn’t want to do another story about music artists. Music is not just for artists—it’s a part of everyone’s life.”

For Bhave, a musical is more than just songs—it’s about using music as the lifeblood of the narrative. Drawing inspiration from legendary Bollywood filmmakers, he said, “In Hindi films, you’ll find the essence of Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, or Manmohan Desai in their work. They created pure commercial cinema that was for the audience—something we still remember fondly. That’s the sentiment I wanted for this story. Sometimes films are not made to educate, but to entertain, and that’s what I’ve done here.”

Adapting a beloved play into a cinematic experience comes with its challenges. Bhave explained the transition with a clever metaphor: “Theatre and cinema are different mediums. From a bus stand, you can only board a bus; from an airport, you catch a plane. Just because I like the bus stand doesn’t mean I’ll board a plane there. Each has its strengths and limitations.” With this clarity, Bhave ensured that Sangeet Manapmaan retained its core while expanding onto the cinematic canvas with its unique flair.

For Vaidehi Parshurami, portraying the iconic Bhamini brought its own experiences. With humility, she admitted that she doesn’t follow any formal acting method. “For me, a story unfolds, and I’m just the character the audience will see,” she said. “My role is to bring this character to life in the most honest way possible. I don’t know about Method acting, but my process is simple: understand my character and the director’s vision.”

She credited Bhave’s guidance as director for making her journey smoother. “Having such a great director makes it easier. The way Subodh dada explains everything, you understand the role instinctively.”

Vaidehi has worked with Bhave before as an actor, but seeing him take charge as a director was a refreshing experience for her. “I already knew him as an actor and as a person,” she shared. “But as a director, he has such clarity and respect for everyone on set. It’s not just about authority—it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued. That’s what makes him such a great leader.”

Subodh, ever humble, quipped, “The difference is, I just said ‘action’ as a director.”

Laughing, Vaidehi continued, “This film felt like a celebration. The positivity, creativity, and inspiration he brought to the set were infectious.”

When asked about the lessons from Sangeet Manapmaan, Subodh emphasized the importance of separating personal life from the characters he portrays. “I don’t agree that you should take your character home,” he shared. “But unknowingly, good qualities from a character can stick with you. That’s the beauty of embodying these roles.”

Vaidehi added, “Sometimes, you don’t even realize what inspires you until much later. Certain aspects of your character or experience just stay with you.”

Having worked in both Marathi and Bollywood films, Vaidehi reflected on the blurred boundaries between regional and mainstream cinema. “Entertainment isn’t restricted to language,” she observed. “It’s universal and connects with audiences regardless of the medium.”

For both actors, Sangeet Manapmaan is more than a film—it’s a bridge connecting generations to Marathi heritage.

“The new audience should watch and have a good cinematic experience,” Bhave stated simply.

Vaidehi agreed, “There’s no specific message, but art is met with enthusiasm, and this movie has something for everyone.”

Starring Subodh Bhave and Vaidehi Parshurami, Sangeet Manapmaan promises to be a visual and musical treat. Directed by Bhave, this much-awaited film hits theatres on January 10. Get ready to experience the magic of music and Marathi culture like never before!