Ashok Saraf to be conferred with Maharashtra Bhushan award
Ashok Saraf: The Maharashtra Bhushan 2024
Dhananjay Mane ithech raahtat kaa? Every Maharashtrian laughs at this diaglogue histerically because this impromptu improvisation by actor Laxmikant Berde in the movie 'Ashi hi BanvaBanvi' reminds them their childhood. In the 80s Ashok Saraf and Laxmikant Berde worked together in several Marathi Comedy movies and most of them were box-office hits bringing the wave of Comedy films in Marathi Cinema. Both the actors started their careers from theatre, worked in Marathi and Hindi Films and Television in their careers. Their contribution to Marathi Cinema is immense. We lost Laxmikant Berde early, but every now and then when we watch 'Zapatlela' and 'Ashi hi Banvabanavi' Movies on TV, we feel that he is still alive and making us laugh. Sachin Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Kothare, Ashok Saraf and Laxmikant Berde rules Marathi Film industry for more than a decade. They got many awards for their work too. But more than that they received tremendous love and respect from their audience. I remember, whenver I used to go in theatre to watch Marathi Drama starring Ashok Saraf in early 2000s, entire audience used to stand up on their feets to clap on his entry on stage. He would receive the standing ovation by remaining in statue position for few minutes and then start his act. I was fortunate to have seen him closely during the shooting of one of the episode of television serial 'Hum Paanch' in IASC Ground (which is not Air India's property) of Santacruz East, Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the name of Ashok Saraf (76) for the highest civilian award of Maharashtra State - Maharashtra Bhushan. He will be conferred with the award on 1st May 2024 i.e on the Maharashtra Day. Every Maharashtrian is really happy for him but also feel that he should have received Padma Shri too. He certainly has more contribution than Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut etc. Ashok Saraf started his film career in 1969 with the Marathi Movie 'Janaki' but he became famous after his supporting role in the Pandu Havaldar. In his early career, he played villanious roles and character roles. He started getting leading roles in 80s and almost ruled the Marathi industry in 80s. He acted in more than 250 films in his Career (including Hindi). He acted in more than 50+ Hindi films. I personally love his role in Karan Arjun movie. He acted in more than a dozen Marathi plays I liked his Hasat Khelat (2007). He acted in various television series but his role as 'Anand Mathur' a father of five daughters in Hum Paanch series still remain memorable for my generation. Ashok Saraf is a versatile actor. My favorite Ashok Saraf films are - Chaukat Raja (1991), Dhum Dhadaka (1985), Gondhalat Gondhal (1981), Ashi hi BanvaBanvi (1988), Navra Majha Navsacha (2004) and so on.
I am really happy for Ashok Mama and all his well wishers. Thankfully, he is getting this prestigious award when he is still active. Thanks to Mahrashtra Government and the committee who chose his name for the Maharashtra Bhushan award. I'm hopeful that our 'Dhananjay Mane' will get Padma Award soon.
- Ek Marathi Manus
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