Ashok Saraf

Saraf made his acting debut with the 1969 Marathi film Janaki and rose to prominence through the 1970s with films such as Pandu Havaldar (1975), for which he won the State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, and Ram Ram Gangaram (1977). His commercial peak came in the 1980s and 1990s with a string of successful comedies, most notably Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982), Dhum Dhadaka (1985) and Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988), the latter considered one of the most celebrated Marathi comedy films of all time. Alongside Laxmikant Berde, Sachin Pilgaonkar, and Mahesh Kothare, he is credited with driving the "comedy films wave" that shaped Marathi cinema for over a decade. In Hindi cinema, Saraf is best known for his comic supporting roles in films such as Karan Arjun (1995), Yes Boss (1997), and Singham (2011), and in the popular 1990s television series Hum Paanch. Among his other well-known Marathi comedies are Ek Daav Dhobi Pachhad (2009), Navra Maza Navsacha (2004), and Saade Maade Teen (2007). In his later career, he has been noted for character-driven performances in films including Me Shivaji Park (2018), Prawaas (2020), for which he received a Filmfare nomination, and Ved (2022). The Government of Maharashtra honoured him with the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2022, Maharashtra Bhushan in 2023 for his contributions to the arts. In 2025, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award.

• Name — Ashok Saraf • Born — 4 June 1947 • Birthplace — Bombay, Bombay Province, British India (present day, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) • Children — 1 • Family — Joshi–Saraf family • Awards — Full list • Honours — * V. Shantaram Award (2006) • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022) • Maharashtra Bhushan (2023) • Padma Shri (2025) • Other Names — * Mahanayak • Ashok Samrat • Mama • Occupation — * Actor • Years Active — 1969–present • Works — Full list

Ashok Saraf was born on 4 June 1947 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, into a Maharashtrian family. He spent his childhood in the Chikhalwadi area of South Mumbai and completed his schooling at DGT Vidyalaya. He was named after Hindi film actor Ashok Kumar, who was a prominent figure in Indian cinema at the time. During his school years, Saraf developed an interest in acting and participated in cultural activities and stage performances. Before entering the entertainment industry full-time, he worked in a bank while pursuing acting opportunities through theatre. As his involvement in stage productions increased, he eventually left his job to focus on an acting career. He made his acting debut with the Marathi film Janaki in 1969. In the following years, he appeared in supporting roles in Marathi films and theatre productions, gradually establishing himself within the Marathi entertainment industry.

In 1969, Saraf made his film debut with the Marathi film Janaki, where he played the role of Madan. Although the film did not make him an immediate star, it marked the beginning of his acting career in Marathi cinema. In 1971, he appeared in Donhi Gharcha Pahuna, playing a small role as a sanitary inspector. In 1973, he appeared in Aalay Tufan Darayala, playing the character Ashkya. The film helped increase his visibility within the Marathi film industry. Saraf continued performing in theatre productions and supporting film roles while gradually building his reputation as a comic performer. 1975 became a breakthrough year in his career. He appeared in Pandoba Porgi Phasali, Varat and most importantly Pandu Havaldar, directed by Dada Kondke. His portrayal of Hawaldar Sakharam in Pandu Havaldar received widespread appreciation and earned him the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. The success of the film significantly increased his popularity and established him as a promising comic actor in Marathi cinema. He starred in Tumcha Aamcha Jamala as Nagojirao and Jawal Ye Laju Nako as Gaja in 1976. Both films further strengthened his presence in Marathi comedy films and helped him gain recognition among audiences. In 1977, he appeared in Navra Majha Brahmachari, Dagaa and Ram Ram Gangaram. His role as Mhamdu Khatik in Ram Ram Gangaram received particular attention and earned him a Filmfare Special Mention. By this time, Saraf had become a familiar face in the industry. He acted in Sushila, Lakshmi, Sasurvasheen and the Hindi film Damaad in 1978, marking one of his early appearances in Hindi cinema. His growing popularity in Marathi films continued throughout the year. 1979 was one of the busiest years of his early career. He appeared in several films including Duniya Kari Salaam, Gyanabachi Mekh, Ashtavinayak, Sasurvasheen, Deed Shahane, Baeelveda, Haldi Kunku, Chimanrao Gundyabhau, Paijecha Vida and the Hindi film Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi. His performance in Baeelveda earned him his first Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor. The large number of successful releases during the year firmly established him as one of the leading actors in Marathi.

In 1980, Saraf appeared in several films including Sharan Tula Bhagwanta, Saubhagyadaan, Sawaj, Hich Khari Daulat, Sulavarchi Poli, Fatakadi and Choravar Mor. These films strengthened his position as a popular comic actor. In 1981, he acted in films such as Nagin, Mosambi Narangi, Govinda Aala Re Aala, Are Sansar Sansar, Sundara Satarkar, Gondhalat Gondhal, Devghar and Patalin. His performance in Gondhalat Gondhal earned him second Best Supporting Actor at the Maharashtra State Film Award, further increasing his popularity. In 1983, he worked in several Marathi films and remained active in theatre. By the early 1980s, he had established himself as a dependable performer in both supporting and leading comic roles. He was seen in Gupchup Gupchup as Professor Dhond. In 1984, he continued working in comedy and family-oriented films including a role of Balasaheb in Navri Mile Navryala. In 1985, a major turning point came with Mahesh Kothare's Dhum Dhadaka. The film emerged as a major commercial success and became one of the most influential Marathi comedy films of the decade. Saraf's performance received widespread appreciation and helped establish him as a leading star in Marathi cinema. Following the success of Dhum Dhadaka, Saraf continued appearing in commercially successful comedy films. His collaborations with Sachin Pilgaonkar became increasingly prominent during this period. He starred in Sachin's Gammat Jammat which became successful at the box office. His comic performances and screen chemistry with fellow actors contributed significantly to the popularity of Marathi comedy films during the decade. 1988 became one of the most important years of his career. Saraf appeared in Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, Maza Pati Karodpati and Ek Gadi Baaki Anadi. Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, directed by Sachin, became one of the most successful and celebrated Marathi comedy films of all time. His portrayal of Dhananjay Mane became one of the most iconic performances of his career. In 1989, saraf continued his successful run with films such as Balache Baap Brahmachari, Bhutacha Bhau, Navra Baiko, Kalat Nakalat, Ina Mina Dika, Eeja Beeja Teeja, Madhuchandrachi Ratra, Atmavishwas, Maalmasala and Pheka Pheki. During the same year, he also appeared in Hindi films such as Bade Ghar Ki Beti and Garibon Ka Daata. By the end of the 1980s, he had established himself as one of the biggest stars of Marathi, with several commercially successful films and a highly popular on-screen partnership with Laxmikant Berde.

During the early 2000s, Saraf continued his work in Hindi cinema, primarily portraying supporting and character roles. In 2000, he appeared in Beti No. 1 and Joru Ka Ghulam. The following year, he acted in films such as Aashiq (2001), Jodi No. 1 (2001), Inteqam (2001) and Ittefaq (2001). In 2002, he featured in Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein and Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa, continuing his presence in Bollywood family and comedy films. In 2004, Saraf portrayed Lalu in Navra Maza Navsacha, directed by Sachin. The film emerged as a major commercial success and was among the highest-grossing Marathi films of the year. His performance as Lalu received widespread appreciation and remains one of his most recognised roles of the 2000s. Following the success of Navra Maza Navsacha, Saraf appeared in several Marathi films, including Aai No. 1, Sawaal Majha Premacha, Soon Ladki Sasarchi and Deva Shappath Khoten Sangen Kharan Sangnar Nahi. The year 2007 proved to be one of the most active periods of his later career. He appeared in Sakhi, Ek Unad Divas, Saade Maade Teen, Aamhi Satpute and Ek Daav Dhobi Pachhad. Among these, Saade Maade Teen emerged as one of the highest-grossing Marathi films of the year, while Aamhi Satpute later attained cult status among audiences. In 2009, Saraf appeared in Marathi films such as Nishani Dava Angatha, Balirajacha Rajya Yeu De and Master Eke Master. During this period, he continued portraying character roles while remaining a prominent presence in Marathi. In 2010, he starred in Aika Dajiba, Tata Birla Ani Laila and Most Wanted. He played a leading role in Shubh Mangal Savadhan, marking a collaboration with director Mahesh Kothare more than two decades after their successful partnership in Dhum Dhadaka (1985). The same year, he appeared in Ideachi Kalpana, which marked the first film to feature Saraf alongside fellow veterans Sachin and Kothare in principal roles. The film attracted attention for bringing together three of the most influential figures in Marathi commercial cinema. In 2011, he expanded his presence in Hindi cinema by appearing in Rohit Shetty's action film Singham, starring Ajay Devgn. The film emerged as a major commercial success and became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year, introducing Saraf to a new generation of audiences through a supporting role.

In 2013, Saraf reunited with Sachin for Ekulti Ek, a family drama that marked another collaboration between the long-time colleagues. The following year, he appeared in Aandhali Koshimbir and Hututu. • Illustration — Saraf in 2019 In 2016, Saraf played a supporting role in Vrundavan, directed by T. L. V. Prasad. In 2017, he portrayed a police sub-inspector in the satirical comedy Shentimental, directed by Sameer Patil. In 2018, Saraf collaborated with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar for the first time in Me Shivaji Park, a drama centred on a group of elderly friends. The film received positive reviews and his performance was appreciated by critics and audiences. In 2020, he starred opposite actress Padmini Kolhapure in Prawaas, portraying a retired man embarking on a transformative journey. The film received critical acclaim and is regarded as one of the notable performances of his later career, for which he received nomination for Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. In 2022, Saraf appeared in Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut Ved, portraying his father. The film emerged as a major commercial success and became one of the highest-grossing Marathi films of all time. For his performance, he received the Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman Award for Best Supporting Actor. In 2024, he appeared in the medical drama Lifeline and reprised the role of Lalu, the ticket collector, a sequel to the 2004 film Navra Maza Navsacha. In 2025, he starred in Ashi Hi Jamva Jamvi opposite Vandana Gupte and returned to Marathi television with the series Ashok Ma.Ma, marking his comeback to the medium after several years. In 2026, he reprised his popular character Ratan in Punha Ekda Sade Made Teen, a sequel to the 2007 comedy film Saade Maade Teen.

Throughout his career, Saraf frequently collaborated with actors, directors and filmmakers who played a significant role in the commercial success of Marathi cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. His most notable on-screen partnership was with Laxmikant Berde. The duo appeared together in numerous successful Marathi films including Dhum Dhadaka (1985), Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988), Balache Baap Brahmachari (1989), Changu Mangu (1990), Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991) and Shubh Mangal Savdhan (1993). He also frequently collaborated with actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar. The two worked together in films such as Mai Baap (1982), Navri Mile Navryala (1984), Savvasher (1986), Gammat Jammat (1987), Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988), Maza Pati Karodpati (1988), Aamchyasarkhe Aamhich (1990), Eka Peksha Ek (1990), Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991), Navra Maza Navsacha (2004), Aamhi Satpute (2007), Ekulti Ek (2013) and Navra Maza Navsacha 2 (2024). Their professional association extended beyond films and was often highlighted in media discussions regarding long-standing friendships within the Marathi film industry. He also frequently collaborated with several leading actresses of Marathi cinema. Among his earliest and most notable screen pairings was actress Ranjana. The two appeared together in multiple Marathi films during the 1970s and early 1980s and were considered one of the popular on-screen pairs of the period. Their collaborations contributed to Saraf's rise as a leading actor in Marathi commercial cinema. He also worked with several other notable actors including Dada Kondke, Nilu Phule, Vikram Gokhale, Varsha Usgaonkar, Nivedita Saraf, Kishori Shahane, Alka Kubal, Savita Prabhune, Usha Naik, Ravindra Mahajani, Sharad Talwalkar and Mahesh Kothare across multiple films and stage productions. His repeated collaborations with leading Marathi actors and filmmakers contributed significantly to his long-standing presence in Marathi cinema and theatre.

Saraf married actress Nivedita Joshi Saraf, who is about 16 years younger than him, in 1990 at the Mangueshi Temple in Goa; the temple has since been regarded by the couple as their family deity. They have a son named, Aniket Saraf, who works as a chef. Saraf survived a major car accident in 2012 on the Mumbai Pune Expressway near Talegaon. In 2026, Saraf made his debut appearance at the Cannes Film Festival at the age of 78, attending alongside his wife Nivedita Saraf and other representatives of the Marathi film industry as part of a delegation promoting Marathi cinema internationally. Their appearance on the red carpet in traditional Maharashtrian attire received coverage in Indian media.

• Illustration — Saraf receiving Padma Shri in 2025 • Year — Award — Category — Film — Result — Ref. • 1975 — Maharashtra State Film Awards — Best Supporting Actor — Pandu Havaldar • 1979 — Best Actor — Baeelveda • 1981 — Best Supporting Actor — Gondhalat Gondhal • 1982 — Ek Daav Bhutacha • 1984 — Best Actor — Bahurupi • 1986 — Prem Karuya Khullam Khulla • 1988 — Best Supporting Actor — Maza Pati Karodpati • 1991 — Aayatya Gharat Gharoba • 1992 — Best Actor — Aapli Mansa • 1993 — Vazir • 1999 — Best Comedian — Sawai Hawaldar • 2000 — Maherchi Pahuni • 1977 — Filmfare Awards Marathi — Special Mention — Ram Ram Gangaram • 1982 — Best Actor — Gondhalat Gondhal • 1983 — Goshta Dhamaal Namyachi • 1996 — Suna Yeti Ghara • 2016 — Lifetime Achievement Award — Overall Contribution • 2017 — Best Actor — Shentimental • 2021 — Best Actor Critics — Prawaas • 2022 — Best Supporting Actor — Ved • 2024 — Navra Maza Navsacha 2 • 1999 — Screen Awards — Best Actor – Marathi — Sawai Hawaldar • 2004 — Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar — Best Actor in a Comic Role — Navra Maza Navsacha • 2023 — Lifetime Achievement Award — Overall Contribution • 2009 — Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? — Best Jodi — Aamhi Satpute (along with Sachin Pilgaonkar) • 2010 — Favourite Comedian — Ek Daav Dhobi Pachhad • 2011 — Ideachi Kalpana • 2008 — Bhojpuri Film Awards — Best Supporting Actor — Mai Ka Bitua • 2023 — Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman — Best Supporting Actor — Ved