Goa Entertainment Syndicates, a motion-based production house in Goa, released its second devotional video song, ‘Bhagvati Maaye,’ on the auspicious occasion of the Shree Devi Bhagwati Jatrotsav on February 23 at the Bhagwati temple in Ponda. The song, written and produced by Mahanand Gajanan Satarkar, a filmmaker and television producer from Goa, is known for his significant contributions to the Goan film and television industry.
Despite facing a disability since the age of 12, Mahanand has overcome the most difficult challenges in his life and earned a special place of honour in the hearts of many. Mahanand’s films have captivated the people of Goa with their brilliance, bringing fame and honour to his village. One of his notable achievements is the Konkani short film ‘CLEFT,’ which was selected for the recent International Purple Feast and screened at the ‘We Care International Short Film Festival’.
As the administrator and founder at Goa Entertainment Syndicates, the versatile Mahanand engages in making short films and documentaries, editing, and scriptwriting. His short films include – Dukkh, Phudaar, Gharte, Guidance, Physiotherapy, Superhero, Peace & War, High-Resolution Image, Naklat, Once Upon a Time in Goa, Jatra, Cleft, Wrecked Hearthstone, Kavalyachi Shala/Shanni Mast, Valleri... A Prescription, Khos... Khinnachi, Mukhavato... A Disguise, Aakur, Accessible Voting for Everyone, etc. His first video song, ‘Hae Kapileshwar,’ released in 2021, was well-received by the audience.
Having produced over 20 short films focusing on various social issues and imparting messages to make society a better place to live in, Mahanand shares, “I am proud of the messages that my short film stories have been able to convey, and I look forward to making a positive impact in the world through my work.”
Mahanand takes credit for producing the first Konkani TV series ‘Rahasya... Inside Goa’ for a regional TV channel that telecasted 12 episodes. His second Konkani television series was ‘Bhayy... Fear Returns’ (16 episodes), where he served as the producer, director, writer, and editor. With name and fame, accolades followed. Mahanand’s film ‘Physiotherapy’ was honoured by director Satish Kapoor at the ‘We Care Film Festival’ in Panaji. He was also honoured at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2023 for his exceptional contribution to the short film segment.
A peek into Mahanand’s past reveals that he underwent a non-traumatic spinal cord injury 19 years ago, on February 22, 2005, which left him immovable for life. However, though initially bedridden with only books to give him company, Mahanand soon turned his focus to creative writing. “I am thankful to my late uncle Sadanand Satarkar who inspired me to read books,” says Mahanand, who developed his imaginative power through reading and soon took to writing.
He believes that he may not accurately gauge the way the world perceives him. However, he is grateful to hear from those who have met him that they are glad to have crossed paths with him. Such kind words mean a lot to Mahanand. Today, as a visionary and a creative genius, Mahanand has carved a niche for himself in the Goan film and entertainment scenario.
He vividly remembers his entry into the world of cinema, “My school friend Grahesh Raikar from Almeida High School used to visit me often. We both used to chat a lot. It was through our chats that an idea hit us, and we managed to shoot a short video in HQ Handy cam in 2012. The response we received was overwhelming...A friend, Abhishek Naik, and I founded Goa Entertainment Syndicates, and in 2014, we made our first short film ‘Dukkh,’ in which Abhishek acted.”
Once, when he was hospitalised and had to submit a film on biodiversity, he edited it while in the hospital bed. “Sister Mishelle allowed me to do the editing during the night, and I submitted the film ‘Aankur’ in the morning. It won first prize in the regional film festival,” recalls Mahanand.
Abhishek Naik is his partner in production, the director of his movies, and more like an elder brother to him. Sagar Naik is his mentor, supporter, and co-producer. Mahanand’s lifeline support system includes his mother Vijaya Satarkar, uncle Khushali Satarkar, and sister Gataswi. “I appreciate my mom’s kind words, and I’m grateful for her support,” shares Mahanand.
“I do not have dreams; rather, I have specific aims that I work towards. I always wish for God to grant me the strength to achieve my aims. I am grateful for the constant support and encouragement I receive from my family, friends, well-wishers, and motivators.”
