Natasamragini

From struggling to launch herself to giving opportunities to new talents. Presenting you the life story of Medha Manjrekar the Natasamragini of Marathi film industry.

In frame: Medha Manjrekar; Source: superstarbio.com

Medha Manjrekar’s Kaveri Ganpat Belwalkar starring opposite the legendary Nana Patekar made her a household name. Natasamrat written by the timeless author, Kusumagraj was a perfect Shakespearean tragedy, portraying the despair of parents, beating even the likes of Baghban was brought to screen by Mahesh Manjrekar, which became the highest-grossing Marathi film of the time. Kaveri’s role reflected the realism of life and the plight of a helpless wife. The role truly made her a Natsamrangini of the Indian screen.

Medha Manjrekar was born on 28th April 1967 in Mumbai and got her education from Paranjpe Vidyalaya. Right from the beginning, she was very much into acting. Her love for cinema and dance was always appreciated by her parents. After her graduation, she specialised in SPA and skincare routine to gain financial independence. As for a girl without contacts to get into the film industry was not so easy. The struggle was real.

But her unwavering love for cinema and her hard work paid rich dividends and she got her first breakthrough with the Marathi film Aai in 1995. From there on there was no turning back for her. She has featured in numerous films and proved herself as a versatile actor.

It is said that whichever film she does becomes a smash hit, but rather than being superstitious let's give credit to her judgement of picking good scripts. Her films like De Dhakka, Kaksparsh, Natsamrat are not only critically acclaimed but were also big-time blockbusters changing the very face of Marathi cinema.

Even with all the limelight, she has managed to keep her personal life under the covers. Medha is married to the famed director Sanjay Manjrekar with whom she has a daughter Saiee Manjrekar who was launched recently by Salman Khan in his film Dabangg 3. She also has a daughter Gauri Ingawle from her 1st marriage and two step kids Satya and Ashwami Manjrekar.

The couple featured for the first time together on screen with the film Bandh Nylon Che.

The power couple has managed to keep their personal and professional life separate. Medha’s landing the role of Kaveri was quite controversial. Even though the film was directed by her husband, she landed the role purely on a merit basis and some fortune. Reema Lagoo was finalised for the role earlier but her sudden withdrawal granted the role to Medha. She made gold of the given opportunity and made a worthy co-star for Nana.

Today Medha has started venturing into Hindi cinema, while also producing her own films. From struggling to launch her own self to launching others - Medha has scaled it all.