At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring to our community some of the finest stories from the entrepreneurship world. As part of this endeavour, we invited a passionate entrepreneur – Mandar Bhanage for an exclusive interview with us. Mandar is an Actor, Producer, Film Director, Entrepreneur, Lighting Designer, Trainer and Mentor. He is the Founder of MB Theatre and MB Films. Let’s learn more about his inspiring journey, his background and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Mandar:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as an entrepreneur, please;
I finished my schooling from a well-known boarding school Sanjeewan Vidyalaya situated at the hill station of Panchgani.
Since my childhood, I had a flare for acting and I was a die-hard fan of Amitabh Bachchan. I have grown up watching different Marathi, Hindi plays and cinema”
My uncle and aunt were good actors and I used to observe them in the process of creating and performing plays which always fascinated me.
In my school, we were told stories about William Shakespeare’s plays, where I came across his world-famous play ‘Hamlet’. Read the whole English play though I initially struggled to understand the Shakespearean language. The overall play fascinated me so much that I made the decision of playing Hamlet by myself and recreate the theatrical production someday. I kept this dream and goal alive until I finally succeeded in making it at the age of about 48.
Yes, till then I researched Shakespeare’s work, other different dramas in various languages, Marathi theatre and more. I knew that playing Hamlet was not going to be easy and it required a better understanding of Shakespeare’s work and maturity to adopt the character. Before I could produce the play I wanted to experience myself as an actor, director and learn the process into drama productions. So I participated in dramas as an actor.
And only when I realised my confidence in me about carrying the play Hamlet in every way, be it acting, direction, lighting and the whole production process I made up my mind to start with the project. As I wanted to take it to the Marathi audience, Marathi being my mother tongue, I had to search for the Marathi translation of the play.
No other work fascinated me until I came across a word-to-word translation done by Shri Parshuram Deshpande. I found it exceptional and a true tribute to Shakespeare as it did not distract from the major themes in Hamlet. I met the author in Pune and pitched my production concept and value to Mr Deshpande. Looking at my homework and enthusiasm he approved me to create the play.
Finally, the production under my banner of MB Theatre was on and was acknowledged in many major Marathi drama festivals and by the audience. With my childhood ambition, persistent attitude and the support of my parents and family, especially my wife Kavita who truly believes in me, I could successfully bring the play to the audience.”
Also, this is the first ever play in India to have been crowdfunded successfully. Thanks to my supporters and well-wishers. Since then there was no looking back. I was established as an actor, producer and director. The experience and confidence allowed me to produce award-winning short films too which further helped me to establish my own film production company MB Films.
I think and endorse that keeping an ambition, goal setting and focusing on following your dreams without getting distracted by any impediments is the real mantra to achieve your goals. One has to remain deeply persistent, hungry to acquire what you want. And I am happy it took me to make my production company a brand.
‘M.B.THEATRE & MB Films’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please.
M and B are my initials and hence the name of my ventures. I always wanted it to resonate with my dream and brand. I clubbed my passion with my own name to create something meaningful and sustainable. It has been promising so far with plays and award-winning short films.
MB films has planned to do 2 full-length feature films, one in Marathi and another in the Hindi language which is again written by myself and also be directed. My passion is to work in both mediums of Theatre and Cinema. Hence, I wish to work parallel in both mediums.
I have also written a book on Lighting the stage (using image projections), which is available for online reading.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Well, it has always been doing what you love the most. Something that is so close to your heart and you live it every moment.
I think that has helped me immensely because I am immersed into films, acting, and creating. So the strategy that has helped me is ‘doing what you love’.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
> Stay honest and true to yourself and others.
> Respect your work and those involved with it.
> Dream and set goals no matter how small or big.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Listen to your heart. Do what you want to do. Keep goals, dream big, overcome challenges, take calculated risks, come out of your comfort zone, be consistent, stick to your goals, have patience and see your dreams come true. However, remember that dreaming is useless; unless accompanied by action.
As a human being be a good listener, remain empathetic, humble and helpful. Acquire communication skills and attain a perfect balance between human worth and skill worth. Never give up.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
