Latest news with #ManasiParekh
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I've always been a singer first, then an actor: Manasi Parekh on lending her voice to Maharani title track
Manasi Parekh and Shraddha Dangar The trailer of Maharani has been creating buzz, and the film is now drawing attention with its music. The makers have released the title track, a rooted composition that highlights themes of strength, identity, and womanhood. Sung by National Award-winning actor Manasi Parekh , who also plays the lead in the film, the track features additional vocals by Jahnvi Shrimankar. It is composed by Parth Bharat Thakkar, with lyrics by Humayun Makrani. Presented by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak among others, this Viral Shah-directorial is scheduled to hit theatres on August 1. The title track offers listeners a glimpse into the film's emotional landscape and cultural setting. Blending folk elements with a subtle lyrical narrative, the song aims to reflect the overall tone of the film, understated yet impactful. Reflecting on her experience, Manasi shares, 'I've always been a singer first, then an actor. Music grounds me, it's where I find both calm and chaos. When I signed Maharani, I felt a strong personal connection to the story. Singing the title track became an extension of my performance and helped me connect even more deeply with the character. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo Collaborating with Jahnvi, whose voice brings a distinct texture to the track, was a rewarding experience. I feel the song captures the spirit of the film, dignity, quiet strength, and everyday resilience. Singing for a film I also act in makes the storytelling more complete and personal for me.' The track captures the emotional journey of the two central characters in Maharani. It challenges traditional portrayals and focuses on strength, duality, and inner transformation. The music video, featuring Manasi Parekh and Shraddha Dangar, complements the track by presenting the protagonists in a stylised visual narrative that echoes their individual arcs.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Maharani' trailer: Manasi Parekh starrer explores household problems, bond between modern woman, housemaid
The trailer of Manasi Parekh, Shraddha Dangar, Ojas Rawal and Sanjay Goradia starrer 'is out now. The trailer of Manasi Parekh , Shraddha Dangar, Ojas Rawal and Sanjay Goradia starrer 'Maharani' is out now. The trailer shows modern-day household problems and the search for a perfect maid to manage household chores. It is a blend of humour and drama, and the story seems relatable. While talking about the film, actress Manasi Parekh said in a statement, "Working on this film made me realise that the bond we share with our housemaid is actually irreplaceable. 'Maharani' also reflects on women friendships, the idea of self-esteem, self love in the larger scheme of things. It is a story that goes beyond the usual, and collaborating with such great actors and a director like Viral feels surreal." She opened up about her character, saying, "My character, Manasi is just like any other independent working woman who has new situations that life throws everyday and she tries to cope with it in the best possible way." Shraddha added, "'Maharani' is an exceptionally written story, it connects with me personally at multiple levels. Rani's character showcases strength, self awareness and has many layers to it. The film is a comedy at its core, and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Padova: AudioNova cerca per un test 700 persone nate prima del 1974 AudioNova Undo On talking about the entire idea behind the film, the director Viral Shah , shared, "'Maharani' is a celebration of unsung relationships - the kind that quietly unfold in kitchens, living rooms, and in the silent understanding shared over a cup of chai. At its core, it's a light-hearted, slice-of-life comedy, but it speaks volumes about the unspoken bond between a house owner and her house help. It's a story that gently reminds us that the freedom and ease we often take for granted are possible only because someone else is holding the fort behind the scenes. It's subtle, it's heartfelt, and it's a story that needed to be told." "'Maharani' is emotional, it's entertaining, and most of all, it's real. With a brilliant cast and a story that reflects every household, we're excited to bring this heartfelt comedy to audiences across the country," said Abhishek Pathak, Producer & MD, Panorama Studios. Directed by National award winner, Viral Shah, presented by Panorama Studios 'Maharani' is a Monkey God Entertainment, Summit Studios and Eka Entertainment Production. Maharhas been produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, Pritesh Thakkar, Madhu Sharma and Viral Shah. Alongside, co-produced by Murlidhar Chhatwani, Chandresh Bhanushali, Suchin Ahluwalia and Masumeh Makhija . 'Maharani' is set to release in the theatres on August 1.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Manasi Parekh celebrates her birthday with the trailer release of her new film 'Maharani': "It is like a double celebration..."
Manasi Parekh is an actress known for her work in TV and silver screen. She has delivered several successful projects including bollywood and many in Gujarati film industry. Her upcoming film 'Maharani' is the talk of town currently. Today is extra special for Manasi Parekh and her fans as she celebrates her birthday with the release of her new film trailer 'Maharani'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) Going by the trailer, the film appears to be a social comedy that highlights the importance of a house help in a modern family. Manasi plays the role of a wife in a contemporary household, opposite Ojas Rawal . The family employs a house help named Rani, portrayed by Shraddha Dangar . Rani is shown as a clumsy yet endearing worker who often comes up with excuses for the messes she creates around the house. The plot takes a turn when Rani is fired, and the search for a new house help leads to a series of humorous, dramatic, and entertaining events. The film has been directed by National Awardee Viral Shah and written by Raam Mori and Hardik Sangani . Manasi Parekh is all excited to see the trailer launch on her birthday. Revealing more about the surprise and the trailer she stated in an interview with ETimes, 'Our film is about Women Friendships, Self Love and the irreplaceable bond of every woman with the housemaid. Maharani is a perfect reflection of every other strong independent working woman of the current generation. It was a pleasure working with all my co-stars and the amazing director. I eagerly await the film release and hope to see my audience enjoy every bit of it and take something valuable with them while they leave the theatre. I am so glad the trailer launched on my birthday. It is like a double celebration for me.' Maharani - Official Teaser
Khaleej Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
How Manasi Parekh is changing Gujarati films with bold female characters
'For a long time, Gujarati cinema catered to a loyal regional audience narrating stories and legends from the heartland. Over the last decade and more, the industry that contributed immensely to Bollywood turned its attention inward to its own wealth of talent and filmmaking - modernising it with the times and telling stories of today,' says actor, singer and producer Manasi Parekh whose film 'Kutch Express' won three National awards. Parekh was in Dubai for the premiere of her recent film 'Shubhchintak,' a revenge drama. 'Traditionally, it is always the angry young man who takes revenge when he is wronged. My film has a woman who taps into her dark side and avenges her perpetrators,' says Manasi. Often women have been portrayed in long suffering, sacrificial sub-roles with the men taking centre stage. 'As a woman producer I am particular about the way my film talks to the audience. Not just the main female character only, but each woman character in the films I create, has agency and reveals her strength. This is to not to state that men are sidelined. They are integral to the script but the envelope is pushed keeping progressive thought in mind,' she adds. Her creative partner and husband Parthiv Gohil backs her every move. 'He is a such a feminist and supports everything I do," she says. "I make the film and he sells it.' Her filmography includes 4 films - 'Gorkeri', 'Kutch Express', 'Jhamkudi' and 'Shubhchintak', with women characters central to them. 'Actors usually complain that they don't get women backed roles and so, I decided to create them,' she says. While making Kutch Express, she was asked who will watch a film with two rural women Ratna Pathak Shah and her enacting the main roles. 'But we were convinced and went ahead. It won us three awards,' she laughs. Her film 'Jhamkudi' is a horror comedy, has the evil spirit played by a woman. 'It has a feminist ideology. My kind of cinema has to make you think apart from entertaining,' she adds. Also, Manasi is keen that her daughter grows up on a diet of cinema where the woman is seen bashing up goons too and not cowering behind the man who is protecting her. The women of Gujarat have agency. 'I have had strong women in my family adept at running households and businesses, but I rarely saw that onscreen. So I am making them.' she says. Mansi's next film is a love story that tackles ageism and romance of a single mother, who falls in love with a younger man who is a photographer. 'We need to talk about stories that are around us and not just play safe,' she states. How does regional cinema hold its own space with Bollywood looming large? 'Regional cinema is rooted in its location, language and ethos. It might have a smaller audience but a well-told story, cuts through geographical and linguistic boundaries. Look at Malayalam cinema today. Hasn't it created a niche apart from Bollywood. Gujarati cinema can do it too, so can other regional cinemas. 'Also, Bollywood films cater to larger audiences and plateaus in its presentation because it has to appeal to a large number of people. Regional cinema has no such baggage.' Another criticism that gets to her is why does she make a Gujarati film in high budgets? 'People would advise me that I could add a few more lakhs and make a Hindi movie instead. But why? I want to make a Gujarati film that is technically sound and presented well. It is my story and I want to tell it well.' 'Regional cinema has a sound ground. It has jokes from dialects only people from that region might understand, though we have English subtitles. 'Shubhchintak' for instance has a leading Marathi actor, Swapnil Joshi, in the lead. He speaks excellent Gujarati and was perfect for the inspector's role in my film,' says Manasi. She is fluent in Marathi and is keen to do a Marathi film too. 'We are seeking to make good films. They might be rough at the edges and not as white washed as Bollywood, but therein lies its beauty,' she adds. Also, Manasi is keen that female actors in her film will not be there for cosmetic reasons only. 'Scripts are being written in Gujarati cinema with people like me in mind. May the breed of such scripts grow and we get to narrate such stories,' she states. Usually in mainstream films, a hero dances, sings, fights, does comedy and action. 'I have done it in my films. If a male lead can do it, so can a female.'
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I choose films where women have a voice: Manasi Parekh
Manasi Parekh Bhoomi Trivedi and Parikh in a still from the song Jogni Winning the National Award for Kutch Express made me realise that we are on the right track,' says Manasi Parekh , who will soon be seen in an interesting role in Shubhchintak . The Jhamkudi actress, who also runs a production house with her singer-husband Parthiv Gohil, was in Ahmedabad recently. She shares, 'My focus as an artiste and producer has always been to bring out unheard stories. There is never a formula that has worked for my films. But the National Award gave me belief-jo kuch bhi hum kar rahe hain, woh sahi hai. I aim to continue that.' 'Till when will we cast only men as leads?' Manasi has mostly done films with strong female characters, and she says it's a conscious choice. She shares, 'For how long will we cast only men as leads? I choose films that have women in a strong space. It may not be a lead character, but they should have a voice-not just as a 'group of women', it can be a story about one or two women.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo She adds, 'Today, writers are keeping me in mind while writing certain scripts, and they are all experimental or untapped topics. So, I feel grateful. When such films are liked, we know that the audience wants to watch such content.' 'It's great to see the rise of Gujarati cinema ' Manasi says 'it is a great time for regional cinema,' adding, 'While I keep doing Hindi projects too, I believe Gujarati cinema is on the rise and people are enjoying watching our films. It feels great and I love being a part of this phase. With no formula present, it is challenging too.' She adds, 'What happens in big industries, especially for Hindi cinema, is that there is already a path that has been created and you can follow that to get success. But in a growing regional film industry like ours, we are still figuring out our space and that is very exciting for me as an artiste and producer. I don't want to get stereotyped by playing one kind of role. I want makers to be spoilt for choice while casting me in various genres. My next film, Maharani, is the remake of a Marathi film. I believe adaptations (from one language to another) are amazing. Content is the king now, and audiences want something that clicks with them amidst the many options they have.' 'As producers, we believe in taking risks' Manasi, who has co-produced some hit Gujarati films with Parthiv, says, 'Parthiv and I are artistes, we aren't filmmakers per se. We are just taking risks and following our gut feeling while casting actors and making films, like Ratna Pathak Shah in Kutch Express , Viraj Ghelani in Jhamkudi and Swwapnil Joshi in Shubhchintak. We have explored different genres till now. We experiment with the aim to just have fun and do the kind of films that haven't been made till now.' 'Bhoomi and I wanted to collaborate for a long time' Recently, Manasi collaborated with Bhoomi Trivedi for Jogni, a dance number. She shares, 'Bhoomi and I wanted to do something like this for a long time. Parthiv had composed a song which he and Bhoomi wrote together. We realised that there are not many good garba videos available, and the ones we have are by Bollywood makers. So, we wanted to do something in Gujarati. Also, it was like a message-two contemporary female artistes can be supportive of each other and be happy about being on screen together.'
