‘WRITING IS IN MY BLOOD’
Renuka Shahane talks about penning two scripts, as well directing a Marathi film again
Renuka Shahane has enacted various roles in a number of TV shows, and Hindi as well as Marathi films over the years. But not many know that the actor is inclined towards writing and also plans on writing a book someday. “I love to write, it’s in my blood. I come from a family of journalists and writers. And even though I am little critical of myself, I will definitely write a book someday because there is a writer in me,” she says.
The actor adds that she has penned a few pieces so far and that the era of ’80s has always excited her. Shahane says, “I’ve been writing about my growing up years in the ’80s. Not many people write about that era. It’s always about today, and current topics and issues. But there were so many wonderful things that existed earlier, which people have forgotten about today. So, I am just writing a kind of a memoir and maybe something concrete will come out of it. I am just writing because I don’t want to forget those things (laughs).”
The senior actor also reveals that she has been working on two scripts that she aims to wrap up soon. Apparently, she is also interested in direction, which is part of her long term plan. “I had assisted Vijaya Mehta (director) in Lifeline (TV series; 1991), and ever since, I have wanted to go behind the camera. I’ve always been attentive and observant while learning new things. In fact, when I was shooting for Hum Aapke Hai Koun (1994), I told Soorajji (Barjatya) that I will go to FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) to learn more on film-making. He had said that I could just learn on the job by observing and that he had also not taken a professional course on filmmaking. So I took his advice. I had directed a Marathi film titled Rita in 2009 that started Pallavi Joshi and Jackie Shroff, and it did well too. Toh hindi ka pata nahi, but I will make a Marathi film for sure, because I do think in Marathi when I write,” says the Bucket List actor.
I’ve been writing about my growing up years in the ’80s. Not many people write about that era. It’s always about today, and current topics and issues. RENUKA SHAHANE, ACTOR