Meenacshi
Martins has become a household name
with roles in films like ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’, ‘O Maria’,
‘Enemy?’, ‘A Rainy Day’ and more recently, ‘Hanv Tu Tu
Hanv’. Her strength is the soul and depth she brings to her
characters; that is what connects her to the audience. Besides being
a humble actor, she is also a psychiatrist and a part of many state
committees.
Reminiscing
about her early childhood, Meenacshi says, “I was born and raised
in Paithan, Salvador do Mundo. I did my early schooling in a
Marathi-medium, government primary school which was set up in a
corridor of someone’s house. We took our own jute bags to sit on.
All classes from 1st to 4th were taught in the same place. At that
time, Marathi dramas were performed in my village during summer
vacations with great fanfare. I participated as a child actor with my
neighbours and later went on to play the lead role at the age of 9.”
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Born
to a family of doctors, it was not easy to take up acting as a
profession. Meenacshi studied medicine at Goa Medical College and
went to Bombay as the director of a rehabilitation and drug
de-addiction centre run by the Forum Against Drugs. She first
encountered fame with the TV serial, ‘Zabaan Sambalke’, a
rib-tickling ‘90s comedy.
“My
parents, both medical health professionals, were not happy at all
about my interest in acting. In fact, I was forced to go for
counselling to get that foolish idea of wanting to be an actor, out
of my head. In Mumbai, I met National School of Drama (NSD) and Film
and Television Institute of India (FTII) alumni. I attended auditions
with them and was selected to play the protagonist in a feature film
called ‘Gowri’, that was screened at IFFI in the Panorama Section
in 1994. On account of my family responsibilities, I chose to act in
serials, so that I could be closer to home. The struggle was to
maintain a balance with the schooling of my sons. That is when I
decided to stay home to look after my twins, Ameya and Ashwin, their
schooling and their welfare. Before I knew it, 14 years had gone by
while I enjoyed their childhood. Those were precious years too,”
says Meenacshi, who is the Chairperson of Sexual Harassment of Women
at Workplace for North Goa and serves on few other committees as
well.
Meenacshi
made her big screen comeback in 2010 in ‘O Maria’, and since
then, has starred in 12 films, including two National Award films.
What are the key elements she takes into consideration before
selecting the script? “The story is of paramount importance.
Secondly, I study the part offered to me. I prefer to play earthy,
strong individuals with several layers of character. The production
house and the director make a huge difference to the way the film
develops and are therefore of great significance in my choosing a
project.”
Speaking
about the Konkani film industry and its evolution, Meenacshi says,
“The craft has naturally evolved over the years, due to
digitalisation of films. The fact that the cost factor of film making
has been reduced considerably has helped. The new generation of
filmmakers are taking films to a whole new level. IFFI has been in
Goa since 2004 and has inspired and motivated many aspiring youth to
delve in the process of filmmaking.”
Being
an actor, Meenacshi goes beyond her acting and promotes the films
through social media. She is often seen bonding with the cast and
crew of the film and motivating young actors. “Our film Industry in
Goa is very small. We need to have close ties with our fraternity.
All of us, though having varied backgrounds, have certain things in
common: our dedication to the craft and our sacrifice to be where we
are today. If a film is successful it is because every single
individual in the cast and the crew has given it their best. The
contribution made by all in the team is what makes the film what it
is. Social media must be put to the best use possible. I have had
very cordial relationships with the cast and crew of all the projects
I have done over the years. That is the actual wealth.”
The
Konkani audience is also moving out of their homes and making their
way to cinemas across Goa to show their support. “I feel Konkani
cinema needs further patronage from Goans across the length and
breadth of the state, as well as the Konkani-speaking diaspora
overseas. In Goa, we need the ability to take our films to the rural
areas as the people from the interiors find it difficult to come to
cities to see films. The ones taking the trouble to travel and spend
money to watch Konkani cinema on the large screen are truly gracious.
That is the spirit of a true Goan,” says Meenacshi.
On
a parting note, Meenacshi explains what she expects from budding
actors: “Work hard with dedication to your craft and stay focused.
Hone your skills at every given opportunity, as only that can take
you far in this rapidly progressing medium of film making. Learn,
learn and learn. There is no end to learning.”
