Ashok Saraf filmography

Saraf in 2019

Ashok Saraf (born 4 June 1947) is an actor mainly working in Marathi and Hindi cinema. He is known as the "King of Marathi Film Industry".[1]

Saraf began his career in 1969 with the Marathi film Janaki.[2] He went on to act in numerous films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Donhi Gharcha Pahuna, Jawal Ye Laju Nako, Tumcha Aamcha Jamala, Chimanrao Gundyabhau, Deed Shahane, Haldikunku, Duniya Kari Salam, and many more.[3] But he gained popularity through Dada Kondke's 1975 film Pandu Havaldar.[4][5] He continued to work in Marathi films alongside Laxmikant Berde, Sachin, and Mahesh Kothare.[6]

During that time, Marathi films entered a new era of comedy. Saraf starred in several notable Marathi films of this period, including Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, Aayatya Gharat Gharoba, Balache Baap Brahmachari, Bhutacha Bhau, and Dhum Dhadaka.[7] Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi remains a popular film to this day, and its freshness and humor continue to entertain audiences. It broke numerous records at the time of its release.[8] The duo of Saraf and Berde became one of the most successful comedy pairs of that time, and they also worked in several Hindi films together.[9]

Saraf has also acted in various Marathi plays and Hindi television serials. He later started his own production house, "Aniket Telefilms," which is managed by his wife Nivedita Saraf.

Saraf has starred in numerous Marathi films. He has also graced Hindi films and television shows with his presence. His talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including five Filmfare Awards and ten Maharashtra State Film Awards. He is the recipient of V. Shantaram Award and Maharashtra Bhushan Award.[10]

  1. ^ "मराठी सिनेसृष्टीचा बादशाह आहेत अशोक सराफ, पण बॉलिवूडला त्यांची किंमत कळलीच नाही". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi).
  2. ^ "Ashok Saraf: Interesting facts about the actor". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  3. ^ "वडिलांच्या इच्छेसाठी बँकेत केली १० वर्ष नोकरी, मराठी सिनेसृष्टीला असे मिळाले 'अशोक मामा'". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi).
  4. ^ "Flashback Marathi Movie Ashok Saraf as a Sakharam in Pandu Havaldar". Loksatta (in Marathi). 29 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Ashok Saraf got stardom from Pandu Havaldar". Loksatta (in Marathi). 31 January 2020.
  6. ^ "व्यक्तिवेध : अशोक सराफ". Loksatta (in Marathi). 1 February 2024.
  7. ^ "Meet 'comedy king' who left govt job for films, became superstar in regional films but never got lead role in Bollywood". www.dnaindia.com. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  8. ^ "33 Years of 'Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi': Iconic Marathi Comedy Still Rules People's Hearts". News18. 24 September 2021.
  9. ^ "गुणी आणि दमदार अभिनेता – अशोक सराफ – Marathiworld".
  10. ^ "Maharashtra Bhushan 2023 awarded to Ashok Saraf". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257.