Gregory D`Almeida - A Mangalorean Producer in Marathi Filmdom
By Rons Bantwal - Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (MB)
Mumbai, Jul 23: It is heartening to see talented Mangalorean artistes shine in various other languages and regions. There are many Kannadiga actors who opt for a career in Malayalam, Telugu or Tamil rather than Kannada, and some others shining in Kannada field also feature in other industries.
Here is a Kannadiga, hailing from the Konkani-speaking community of Mangalore, Gregory D`Almeida, who is already a popular film-maker in Marathi.
His first movie 'Hasree' was not only a big hit but it also bagged five prestigious state government awards, which included best producer, best director, supporting actors and child actor.
The success of his first movie encouraged Gregory to produce another Marathi movie "Ovalithe Bavuraya", which is all set to heat up the Marathi screen. Its premiere show was held on Friday, July 20, 2007 in Goregaon Film City's Adlab's Dolby Studio.
The movie was shot in just 20 days, and it will be screened in August first week around Maharashtra. A well-known name of Bollywood, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, appears in a positive role. On the other hand, Mohan Joshi will feature in a villain's role. Smita Talwarkar, Priya Berde and other prominent actors have starred in this movie. Gregory's daughter Smita D'Almeida also has a role in this movie.
"If I get an opportunity, I would like to produce a movie each in Konkani and Tulu also. My mother tongue is Konkani and I surely want to do something for my mother tongue," said D'Almeida, while speaking to daijiworld correspondent after the premiere show.
D'Almeida, hailing from Moodubelle, Udupi, is the son of Mathew and Celestine D'Almeida. His wife Leena D`Almeida has directed this movie. He lives with his wife, two sons and two daughters in Vakola, Mumbai.
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