Prajakta Mali Explained

Prajakta Mali
Birth Date:8th August 1988
Birth Place:Pandharpur, Solapur, Maharashtra, India
Years Active:2010–present

Prajakta Mali (born 8 August) is an Indian actress known for her work in Marathi film and television. She was born in Pandharpur and brought up in Pune.[1] She started her career with Star Pravah's Suvasini in 2011. Later, she appeared in Zee Marathi's Julun Yeti Reshimgathi in 2013. Currently she is hosting Sony Marathi's Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra.

Early life

She studied B.A. and M.A. in Performing Arts in “Bharatnatyam” at Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune University. She was also awarded a scholarship by the Ministry of Culture for higher studies in Bharatnatyam.[2]

Career

Early work and Julun Yeti Reshimgathi (2001–2015)

Prajakta participated in dance reality shows from an early age; at the age of 14, she won the Hindi dance show, Kya Masti Kya Dhoom (2001), which aired on Star Plus. She made her acting debut with an uncredited role in Shah Rukh Khan's starred Swades in 2004. Subsequently, she appeared in a small role in Gandhi, My Father. In 2008, she made her Marathi film debut as a child actress in Sanjay Surkar's Taandala - Ek Mukhavta, she played the young version of Asawari Joshi's character. The film didn't have any dialogue for Mali. Following this, she made her television debut with Firuni Navi Janmen Mi, produced under Kothare & Kothare Vision. In 2011, she played the energetic young girl, whose world centers around her family, in the Marathi daily soap Suvasini, produced by Smita Talwalkar’s Asmita Chitra Productions.[3]

In 2013, Mali got widespread recognition for her role as Meghana Kudalkar Desai opposite Lalit Prabhakar in the Julun Yeti Reshimgathi aired on Zee Marathi. The plot revolves around how the two become inseparable and face every obstacle together to be madly in love with each other.[4] Next, she was a contestant on the fifth season of the dance reality show Eka Peksha Ek —Apsara Aali. The same year, she was seen in an important role in the critically acclaimed comedy drama Kho-Kho, directed by Kedar Shinde.[5] [6] The following year, she played the role of Bijli in the ensemble film Sangharsh.[7]

Pivotal role and critical acclaim (2017–present)

After a gap of two years, in 2017, she was seen alongside Prabhakar and Sonalee Kulkarni in Prakash Kunte's romantic drama Hampi. Mihir Bhanage of The Times of India called her performance "convincing".[8] Ulhas Shirke of Marathi Movie World wrote, "She does extremely well to invite the audience attention with her bubbly character for almost the next half an hour" and further concluded, "will surely help her to find better roles in Marathi films."[9] The film was successful at the box office. Next, she appeared as a protagonist in Zee Marathi's comedy show Naktichya Lagnala Yaycha Ha, which had many special appearances by well-known Marathi celebrities, including Subodh Bhave, Siddharth Chandekar, Prasad Oak, Gashmeer Mahajani, and Swapnil Joshi.[10] [11] [12]

In 2018, Mali portrayed the girl next door character in an ensemble comedy drama Party opposite Suvrat Joshi.[13] The film was not so well received by critics and audiences.[14] [15] The same year, she made two guest appearances in Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar and Ranangan. In the former, she enacted the role of Asha Kale in the superhit song "Gomu Sangatina" from the 1975 Marathi film Ha Khel Sawalyancha.[16]

The next year, she once again paired opposite Joshi in the black comedy film Dokyala Shot, a remake of the Tamil film Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012). The story is based on a true story that involves a young man who experiences retrograde amnesia after a cricket incident two days before his wedding. She played the Tamil girl, Subbulakshmi Iyengar, who falls in love with Marathi guy Abhijit.[17] The film was a critical and commercial success. Critics appreciated her southern role but felt it was limited.[18] [19]

She hosted Marathi television shows Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra[20] for Sony Marathi in 2018 and Mast Maharashtra Travel Show in the year 2020 for Zee Marathi.[21] [22] Mali portrayed a negative role in the critical and commercial hit Pandu (2021), directed by Viju Mane.[23] Mihir Bhanage of The Times of India described her as "a surprise package."[24] She won Maharashtracha Favourite Kon for Favourite Villain.[25] The film grossed ₹5.9 crore worldwide.[26]

In 2022, her first release was Digpal Lanjekar's directorial historical action drama Pawankhind, based on the life of Maratha warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande. She played the real-life character of Shrimant Bhavanibai Bandal.[27] The film was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming the fifth highest-grossing Marathi film of all time with earnings of ₹58 crore (US$7.3 million) worldwide.[28] [29] Her next release was the family drama Luckdown Be Positive, opposite Ankush Chaudhari. The film revolves around a married couple and the problems that arise due to lockdown. Preeti Atulkar of The Times of India ascribed Chaudhari and her chemistry as "remarkable" and wrote, "They look convincing as a couple on screen."[30] She had a guest appearance as Naina Chandrapurkar in the musical romantic Chandramukhi, where she was seen in the song "Sawaal Jawaab" alongside Amruta Khanvilkar.[31] Her last release of that year was critically acclaimed Y.[32] It was screened at the Pune International Film Festival and MAMI.[33]

The same year, she made her digital debut with the political thriller Raanbaazar, which was streamed on Planet Marathi OTT.[34] The story revolves around the two escorts, who become entangled in a dangerous web of politics, power, and conspiracy.[35] Mali portrayed the cheerful and generous prostitute from Kamathipura who works at a seedy brothel. Initially, she was reluctant to play a play sex worker, but her actor friends Prasad Oak and Amruta Khanvilkar convinced her to take the challenge.[36] For her role, she had to gain 11 kg of weight and practice eating masala gutka.[37] [38] The series was one of the most anticipated and critically acclaimed series of the year. Kayur Seta of Cinestaan wrote that "Mali goes completely against her image and gives a great performance as Ratna."[39] Shaheen Irani of Ott Play called her "powerful" and wrote, "She plays her role to perfection, and to an extent, you get drawn to understanding her fun-loving character that is also very influential."[40] It emerged as the most watched Marathi web series, with more than 10 million views.

Entrepreneur - Prajaktta Mali

In January 2023, she started her traditional jewellery brand - PrajaktaRaj. Affordable jewellery with traditional designs, has made the brand very popular in short period of time. Taramandal, Chitang are the most unique and Trending jewellery you can shop online, on the brands website.

Filmography

Films

YearFilmRoleNotesRef.
2004SwadesCollege girlHindi film; Uncredited role[41]
2007Gandhi, My FatherGulab's friendHindi film[42]
2008Taandala – Ek MukhavtaSonsalaChild artist[43]
2013Kho-KhoSuman [44]
2014 SangharshBijli[45]
2015Mahanayak Vastant TuGuest Appearance
2017HampiGirija[46]
Anaan
2018Ani... Dr. Kashinath GhanekarAsha KaleSpecial appearance in song "Gomu Sangtina"[47]
RananganSpecial appearance in song "Vinayaka Gajanana"
PartyArpita[48]
2019 Dokyala ShotSubbulakshmi Iyengar[49]
Kashi BaiHindi film; Uncredited role
2021PanduKarunatai Pathare
2022PawankhindShrimant Bhavanibai Bandal
Luckdown Be PositiveSapana[50] [51]
ChandramukhiNaina ChandrapurkarSpecial appearance in song 'Sawaal Jawaab'
YReemaScreened at PIFF and MAMI[52]
2023Teen Adkun SitaramReva[53]
TBATBA[54]

Television

Year Show Role Channel Notes
2001Kya Masti Kya DhoomContestantStar PlusWinner[55]
2010Firuni Navi Janmen MiShreayaseeFakt Marathi
2010-2011Bandh ReshmacheAdittiStar Pravah
2011-2013SuvasiniSavitriStar Pravah
2013Eka Peksha Ek - Apsara AaliContestantZee Marathi[56]
2013-2015Julun Yeti ReshimgathiMeghna DesaiZee Marathi[57]
2017Naktichya Lagnala Yayach HaNupur DeshpandeZee Marathi[58] [59]
2018-presentMaharashtrachi HasyajatraHostSony Marathi
2020Mast MaharashtraZee Marathi[60]
2021-2023Indian Idol MarathiSony Marathi

Web series

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Prajakta Mali: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday. 2021-03-04. eTimes.
  2. Web site: Prajakta Mali: Lesser known facts about the actress. eTimes. 20 September 2019. 2019-09-20.
  3. Web site: Khot . Shweta . 2011-11-16 . New Serial 'Suvasini' on Star Pravah . 2023-10-06 . en-US.
  4. News: 2020-07-27 . Re-telecast of TV shows Vahinisaheb and Julun Yeti Reshimgathi to begin today . The Times of India . 2023-10-06 . 0971-8257.
  5. News: Kho Kho Movie Review . The Times of India . 2023-10-06 . 0971-8257.
  6. Web site: Prajakta Mali excited about her debut in 'Kho Kho' - Times of India . 2013-05-10 . The Times of India . en.
  7. News: Sangharsh Movie Review . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  8. News: Hampi Movie Review . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  9. Web site: Shirke . Ullhas . 2017-11-17 . 'Hampi' shows the natural remedy for depression . 2023-10-07 . en-US.
  10. Web site: Salvi . Abhay . 2017-01-11 . Prajakta Mali is ‘Nakti’ in Zee’s Naktichya Lagnala Yaycha Ha! . 2023-10-07 . MarathiStars . en-US.
  11. Web site: 'नकटी'सोबत लग्न करायला सुबोध होणार तयार . 2023-10-07 . eSakal - Marathi Newspaper . mr-IN.
  12. News: 2017-01-16 . Prajakta Mali and Aniket Vishwasrao together? . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  13. Web site: पार्टी . 2023-10-07 . Maharashtra Times . mr.
  14. News: Party Movie Review . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  15. Web site: Chitnis . Prajakta . 2018-09-06 . Party Marathi movie Review : फूल टू धमाल पार्टी . 2023-10-07 . Lokmat . mr.
  16. News: 2018-10-26 . Subodh Bhave reveals the new song 'Gomu Sangatina' from his upcoming movie "Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar" . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  17. Web site: Salvi . Abhay . 2019-03-01 . Dokyala Shot Review: A Nonsensical Laugh Riot that Both Hits & Misses! . 2023-10-07 . MarathiStars . en-US.
  18. Web site: 2019-02-28 . Dokyala shot movie review : निव्वळ टाईमपास असलेला 'डोक्याला शॉट' . 2023-10-07 . Lokmat . mr.
  19. News: Dokyala Shot Movie Review . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  20. Web site: Prajakta Mali excited to host Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra once again - Times of India. 2021-01-28. The Times of India. en.
  21. Web site: Prajakta Mali wraps up the shoot of her travel show 'Mast Maharashtra'. Times of indiaaccess-date=2020-12-01.
  22. Web site: Masta Maharashtra: Here's Why Prajakta Mali Is The Perfect Choice To Host The Travel Show. Zee5. 4 July 2020. 2020-07-04.
  23. Web site: पांडू . 2023-10-07 . Maharashtra Times . mr.
  24. News: Pandu Movie Review : Bhau Kadam and Kushal Badrike's camaraderie is the highlight of Pandu . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  25. Web site: असं कधी वाटलं नव्हतं...नायिका नाही पण या भूमिकेसाठी प्राजक्ताला मिळाला सर्वोत्कृष्ट पुरस्कार . 2023-10-07 . Maharashtra Times . mr.
  26. Web site: 2021-12-13 . Pandu Box Office Collection All Language Day Wise Worldwide - Sacnilk . 2023-10-07 . www.sacnilk.com . en-us.
  27. News: 2022-03-01 . Exclusive! Prajakta Mali: My role in 'Pawankhind' is small but important . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  28. Web site: Kaushal . Sweta . Marathi Cinema: Planet Marathi, Everest Entertainment Lead Industry To Steady Growth . 2023-10-07 . Forbes . en.
  29. Web site: पावनखिंड . 2023-10-07 . Maharashtra Times . mr.
  30. News: Luck Down Be Positive Movie Review : The chemistry between Ankush Chaudhari and Prajakta Mali is remarkable in this rom com . The Times of India . 2023-10-07 . 0971-8257.
  31. Web site: MMW . Team . 2022-04-28 . Amruta Khanvilkar and Prajakta Mali come face to face in 'Chandramukhi' . 2023-10-07 . en-US.
  32. Web site: Kadam . Ganesh Pandurang . Y चा थरारक ट्रेलर आला! चित्रपटप्रेमींची उत्कंठा शिगेला . 2023-10-07 . Hindustan Times Marathi . mr.
  33. Web site: Pune International Film Festival . 2023-10-07 . www.piffindia.com.
  34. Web site: 2022-06-09 . 'असंच काहीसं घडलं होतं... कदाचित', 'रानबाजार'चे अखेरचे दोन भाग 'या' दिवशी होणार प्रदर्शित raanbazar web series last 2 episode will release on 10 june 2022 know the details . 2023-10-08 . Loksatta . mr.
  35. News: 2022-05-19 . 'RaanBaazaar' trailer: Tejaswini Pandit and Prajakta Mali starrer looks promising-Watch . The Times of India . 2023-10-08 . 0971-8257.
  36. Web site: खरं तर रानबाजार सीरिज मी सोडली होती, त्यानंतर अमृतानं खूप शिव्या घातल्या होत्या... काय म्हणाली प्राजक्ता माळी . 2023-10-08 . Maharashtra Times . mr.
  37. Web site: 'रत्ना'साकारण्यासाठी प्राजक्तानं केलं असं काही . 2023-10-08 . maharashtratimes.com . mr.
  38. Web site: 2022-06-15 . "मी धूम्रपान कधीच केलं नाही पण...", भूमिकेची गरज अन् प्राजक्ता माळीला करावी लागली मनाला न पटणारी गोष्ट actress prajakta mali talk about her role in raanbaazaar webseries and say no to smoking . 2023-10-08 . Loksatta . mr.
  39. Web site: Seta . Keyur . RaanBaazaar review: Abhijit Panse’s drama on dirty politics is hard-hitting . https://web.archive.org/web/20220613190148/https://www.cinestaan.com/reviews/raan-baazaar-50326 . live . 13 June 2022 . 2023-10-08 . Cinestaan.
  40. Web site: Raanbaazaar part 1 review: Tejaswini Pandit's much-awaited Marathi web series creates a beautiful chaos . 2023-10-08 . OTTPlay . en.
  41. News: 2023-03-04 . Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra host Prajakta Mali reveals she has worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Swades . The Times of India . 2023-10-06 . 0971-8257.
  42. Web site: 2021-05-27 . Facts About Prajakta Mali You Probably Didn't Know . 2023-10-06 . IWMBuzz . en-US.
  43. Web site: Watch: Prajakta Mali shares a throwback video from the sets of her first Marathi film 'Tandala - Ek Mukhavata' - Times of India . 2022-03-09 . The Times of India . en.
  44. Web site: Kho Kho (2013) Cast - Actor, Actress, Director, Producer, Music Director. https://web.archive.org/web/20211029191103/https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/kho-kho-21188/cast-crew. live. 29 October 2021. 2021-01-28. Cinestaan.
  45. Web site: 2013-11-29. मल्टीस्टारर 'संघर्ष'चा फस्ट लूक लाँच, बघा PICS. 2021-01-28. Divya Marathi. mr.
  46. Web site: 'Hampi' clocks a year: Prajakta Mali releases special teaser of song 'Marugelara' - The Times of India. 2021-01-28. The Times of India. en.
  47. Web site: 2018-10-26. डॉ. काशिनाथ घाणेकर : गोमू संगतीनं.. गाण्याची जादू पुन्हा अनुभवा!. 2021-01-28. Loksatta. mr-IN.
  48. Web site: 2018-08-27. रसिकांनाही चढणार 'मैत्रीचा हँँगओव्हर',प्राजक्ता माळीची 'पार्टी' रसिकांच्या भेटीला. 2021-01-28. Lokmat. mr-IN.
  49. Web site: Dokyala Shot: Survat Joshi and Prajakta Mali starrer is a complete laugh riot- The Times of India. 2019-02-07. The Times of India. en.
  50. Web site: 'Luck Down': Prajakta Mali Celebrates The Wrap Of Her New Project Alongside Ankush Chaudhari. 2020-11-23. spotboye. en.
  51. Web site: Ankush Chaudhari and Prajakta Mali's 'Luckdown' teaser is out! - Times of India . 2022-05-17 . The Times of India . en.
  52. Web site: 'Y': Prajakta Mali Starrer Film 'Y' Reaches Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) in 2020 After Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) in 2019. 2020-01-15. spotboye. en.
  53. Web site: Teen Adkun Sitaram: "चीनने जगाची ठासली अन् आपण.."; प्राजक्ता माळीच्या तीन अडकून सीतारामचा धमाकेदार टीझर एकदा पाहाच . 2023-09-13 . eSakal - Marathi Newspaper . mr-IN.
  54. Web site: Prajakta Mali Mother: 'फुलवंती'मधून प्राजक्ताच्या आईचीही होणार सिनेइंडस्ट्रीत एन्ट्री, उचलली ही महत्त्वाची जबाबदारी . 2024-05-15 . Maharashtra Times . mr.
  55. News: 2020-12-18 . Prajakta Mali turns nostalgic; cherishes the memories of winning Hindi reality show Kya Masti Kya Dhoom . The Times of India . 2023-10-06 . 0971-8257.
  56. Web site: 'Y': Eka Peksha Ek Apsara Aali September 17, 2013. 2013-09-18. youtube.
  57. Web site: Re-telecast of Julun Yeti Reshimgathi begins, Prajakta Mali shares about the serial - Times of India. 2021-01-28. The Times of India. en.
  58. Web site: 2017-01-18. मेघना झाली नुपूर, वाचा, 'नकटीच्या लग्नाला...'मध्ये मेन लीड साकारणा-या प्राजक्ताविषयी A to Z. 2021-01-28. Divya Marathi. mr.
  59. Web site: Trending & Viral Photos News - Film Photos, Latest Film Pictures, Lifestyle, Sports, Travel, Health, Celebrity Pictures, News Photos Gallery, फोटो गॅलरी.
  60. Web site: 'Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra' fame Prajakta Mali to host upcoming travel show 'Mast Maharashtra' - Times of India. 2021-01-28. The Times of India. en.
  61. News: 2022-05-20 . RaanBaazaar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: Senior actor Sachin Khedekar . The Times of India . 2023-05-15 . 0971-8257.