Advanced search

His passion for cinema immediately draws your attention, making you realize that Ashutosh Gowariker would not have been anywhere except behind the camera, however tempting the choice. An actor who took to film direction after almost a decade in front of the camera, Ashutosh has acted in Hindi films, Marathi films, television serials and commercials and although the transition from acting to direction was difficult, it was destined.

His diverse exposure as an actor whetted his appetite to helm a project, taking on the directorial reign for the first time with Pehla Nasha (First Love), a murder mystery in 1993. Though the film did not do very well at the box office, it helped Ashutosh find firm ground as a director. He followed this up with Baazi (The Game), a thriller, in 1995, which enjoyed average success, but led Ashutosh on a journey in search of a better script.

With Lagaan, which released in 2001, Ashutosh veered away from most norms in the making of a mainstream commercial Hindi film - a period drama, set in rural India; it's language a dialect; most of its characters were dressed in loincloths; it included a British cast; it was a musical, and a sports film put together! It was produced by Aamir Khan who also starred in it. Lagaan was nominated at the Academy Awards in the Best Film in a Foreign Language category for 2001 and earned plaudits worldwide for its meticulous execution and evocative performances.

His fourth feature film, Swades, was written, produced and directed by him, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The film released worldwide in 2004 to critical acclaim and attained huge success at the international box office.

February 2008 saw the release of his most ambitious magnum opus Jodhaa Akbar, an epic romance. This brought together two of the most respected actors, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film won the Best Foreign Film in the International Film Festival of Sao Paulo in Brazil, South America and the Grand Prix Best Film and Best Actor in the International Film Festival Golden Minbar in Kazan, Russia, as well as sweeping all of the Indian Film Awards.

His next film saw him take on a new genre with What's Your Raashee?, being Ashutosh's first romantic comedy, based on the Gujarati novel Kimball Ravenswood by Madhu Rye. The film featured Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra.

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is a period thriller starring Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, based on the book 'DO and DIE: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34' by Manini Chatterjee.

His last release, Mohenjo Daro, set in the Indus Valley Civilization stars Hrithik Roshan and debutant Pooja Hegde along with a stellar supporting cast including Kabir Bedi and Arunoday Singh.

Ashutosh has now engaged in the filming of his newest magnum opus Panipat, which is slated to release on December 6th, 2019. Based on the legendary third battle of Panipat, which took place on 14th January 1761 between the Marathas and King of Afghanistan, Panipat promises to be his grandest outing yet.

Vijayendra Ghatge is a renowned actor. In 1988 BR Chopra's Mahabharata, he was offered the role of Bhishma but he was interested in playing the role of Karna. The makers also tried him for playing Krishna but he insisted on playing Karna in the show but didn't get the role. Hence he backed out from the show and bagged more and more films. Vijayendra Ghatge is known for Devdas (2002), Satte Pe Satta (1982) and Kasme Vaade (1978).

A film career spanning from the 1940s to the 1980s, Nanda was born on January 8, 1939, to a show-business Marathi family in Bombay, India. Her father was actor Master Vinayak, and her mother was Sushila. Nanda was the third of seven brothers and sisters. When she was just 5 years old, her father wanted to cast her in his film "Mandir" (1948). She didn't want to do it, but her mother cajoled her into it. She played a boy in the film, a role that could have been easily played by her brothers. But Nanda always believed that the reason her parents cast her in the film was because she was their favorite child. It was during the filming of "Mandir" that her father suddenly died. The film was eventually completed by Dinkar Patil. Nanda went onto become a child star, where she was credited as Baby Nanda, in films like "Jaggu" (1952). Her income supported her large family.

When Nanda was a teenager, Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre asked her to attend a wedding in a sari. When he saw her, he felt she was ready to graduate from child roles to sister roles. He cast her in "Toofan Aur Diya" (1956), and she was no longer called Baby Nanda but just Nanda. The film's success led to more sister roles, gaining recognition with the release of "Bhabhi" (1957) for which she received her first Filmfare nomination as Best Supporting Actress. Nanda played the title role in "Chhoti Bahen" (1959), and it became a major hit. She was declared a star and earned a reputation as a talented actress who can do tragedienne roles. She won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress award for "Aanchal" (1960), a major accomplishment, considering that she was still a teenager. She impressed Dev Anand when she played his sister in "Kala Bazaar" and also his heroine Waheeda Rehman who became her close friend for the next 55 years. Anand promised her that he would graduate her to be his heroine in his next film "Hum Dono" (1961), and when the film became a hit, she was offered more heroine roles. She was considered a generous and kindhearted actress, agreeing to act with an then-unknown Shashi Kapoor in "Char Diwari" (1961). Even though, the film flopped, she signed onto do seven more films, for which Kapoor always remained grateful to her, calling her his favorite leading lady. Their biggest hit was "Jab Jab Phool Khile" (1965), where Nanda played a glamorous, Westernized woman in love with a native Kashmiri played by Kapoor. The film totally changed her career from a tragedienne to a trendy fashionable star. She also had another big hit that same year, the murder mystery "Gumnaam" (1965), which put her in the top league of heroines. She continued in heroine roles for the next nine years, again drastically changing her image from a good girl to an adulteress/murderess in "Ittefaq" (1969), which earned her a Filmfare nomination as Best Actress. She started winding down her career in the 1970's, with her memorable cameo in "Shor" (1972). She ended her career as a heroine with "Naya Nasha" (1974), playing a drug addict, a daring role that other actresses would have been afraid to play. Then, she vanished from the screen for several years and reappeared in 3 movies in 1982: 'Mazdoor', 'Ahista Ahista', and 'Prem Rog', the latter two earned her back-to-back Filmfare Nominations as Best Supporting Actress. In all 3 movies she coincidentally played the mother of actress Padmini Kolhapure. Then, she permanently retired from films.

Very shy and introvert, Nanda kept to herself, staying close to family and friends. A middle-aged Nanda finally agreed to marry film-maker Manmohan Desai, an engagement took place in 1992, but before the wedding could take place, Manmohan died when he fell from a building. That death, along with her mother and brother's deaths, made her shun the spotlight even more.

She did stay in touch with her friends, Waheeda Rehman, Sadhana Shivdasani, Asha Parekh, Shammi, Helen, and Saira Banu almost to her dying day. She died of a sudden heart attack on March 25, 2014. The film industry had a public funeral, grieving the loss of their beloved star, an award-winning actress who was respected for her talent, versatility, and longevity of her career. Her family and friends grieved that they lost a sweet, wonderful woman.

Suryakant was born in 1925 in Kolhapur. He was an actor and director, known for Irsha (1978), Purana Purush (1978) and Kar Bhala (1956). He died in 1999 in Pune.

Chandrakant was born on 13 August 1913 in Kolhapur. He was an actor, known for Chhatrapati Shivaji (1952), Thoratanchi Kamla (1941) and Manaacha Mujra (1969). He died in 2001.

Sagarika Ghatge is an accomplished Indian actress, model, and former national-level hockey player. Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, she comes from a royal lineage as a descendant of the Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur. She grew up with a passion for sports and the arts, excelling in hockey during her school years. Sagarika attended Mayo College Girls' School in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and later completed her higher education in Mumbai. Her athletic background significantly influenced her career and the roles she chose in the entertainment industry.

Sagarika gained national fame with her acting debut in the 2007 Bollywood film Chak De! India, where she portrayed Preeti Sabarwal, a hockey player striving to excel in a male-dominated world. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning her widespread recognition and praise for her performance.

Following the success of Chak De! India, Sagarika appeared in several Hindi films, including Fox (2009) and Miley Naa Miley Hum (2011), and explored regional cinema through Marathi and Punjabi films such as Premachi Goshta (2013) and Dildariyaan (2015). In addition to her acting career, she participated in the sixth season of the reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2015, where she showcased her adventurous spirit and emerged as a finalist.

Sagarika married renowned Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan in 2017, and their relationship is celebrated for its mutual respect and support. Together, they continue to inspire fans with their dedication to their respective fields.

Off-screen, Sagarika is actively involved in social causes, advocating for women's empowerment and the promotion of sports in India. Her multifaceted career and commitment to societal growth have made her a role model for aspiring actors and athletes alike. Sagarika Ghatge remains a prominent figure in Indian cinema, remembered for her versatility, grace, and dedication.

Hemal Ingle was born on 2 March 1996 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. She is an actress, known for 1962: The War in the Hills (2021), Umbrella (2023) and Ashi Hi Aashiqui (2019).

Ramesh Deo was born on 30-01-1926 in Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra, India. He is an Indian Film Actor, Film Director, Television Actor, Television Director & Television Producer. His debut came in the form of a cameo in the 1951 Marathi film Paatlaachi Por. Ramesh Deo started his film career in the Marathi movie Andhala Magto Ek Dola (1956), directed by Raja Paranjape. He started off as a villain. His first Hindi film was Rajshree Production's Aarti (1962). In his long career, he has provided able support to stars like Amitabh Bachchan (Anand), Rajesh Khanna (Aap Ki Kasam), Shatrughan Sinha (Mere Apne) and many more.

In January 2013, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF). he worked in Nivdung, a Marathi serial in the year 2006.

Shri. Shantaram Rajaram Wankudre was born in Kolhapur Maharashtra and is also known as Annasaheb. He was a prolific Indian filmmaker. Starting in silent films, he blossomed into a multi-talented director, producer, writer, and actor in Hindi and Marathi cinema. Rajkamal Kalamandir was a noted film production company and studio in Mumbai. It was established by V.Shantaram in 1942 after he left Prabhat Films. Known for impactful works like "Do Aankhen Barah Haath" and"Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje.He had won National awards and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The Government also issued a postal stamp in his honor. Gov. of Maharashtra Chhatrapati V. Shantaram Jeevangaurav Puraskar(Lifetime Achievement Award)Today, his legacy lives on through the V. Shantaram Award and foundation. He was the president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association ( IMPPA ) from 1940 -43 to 44.

Vidula Chougule was born on 8 June 2003 in Kolhapur, Maharastra, India. She is an actress, known for Sussat, Boyz 3 (2022) and Jeev Zala Yedapisa (2019).

Bhalji Pendharkar was born on 3 May 1898 in Kolhapur, Bombay Presidency, British India. He was a director and writer, known for Thoratanchi Kamla (1941), Chhatrapati Shivaji (1952) and Netaji Palkar (1939). He died on 28 November 1994 in India.

Hrishikesh Joshi was born in Kolhapur and currently lives in Mumbai. He has acted in numerous Hindi and Marathi movies, television serials and theatre, and has received admiration from many noted professionals. He has been a part of award-winning films like Harishchandrachi Factory, Yellow, Aajcha Divas Majha, Deool, Vishnupant Damle : The Unsung Hero Of Talkies, etc. Joshi completed his post-graduation from The National School of Drama, in 1997. He has acted in more than 50 plays in Hindi, Marathi and Sanskrit. He even represented India at the Sri Lankan Theatre Festival held in Colombo and Candy, where he performed Abhigyan Shakuntalam in Sanskrit. He has also won the Best Actor Award from the Maharashtra State Government for the Commercial Play State Competition thrice. In 1999-2000, he won the award for the play Shobhayatra. In 2006-2007, he won the award for Love Story and in 2007-2008, he received the award for Ye Bhau Doka Nako Khau.

Bhanu Athaiya was born on 28 April 1929 in Kolhapur, Kolhapur State, British India. She was a costume designer and set decorator, known for Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001), Gandhi (1982) and Lekin... (1990). She was married to Satyendra Athaiya. She died on 15 October 2020 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Padma Chavan was born on 7 July 1944 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress, known for Baghavat (1982), Suhag Sindoor (1961) and Naram Garam (1981). She died on 12 September 1996 in Pune.

Asha Patil was born in 1936 in Rukadi, Kolhapur, British India. She was an actress, known for Manaacha Mujra (1969), Shivrayachi Soon Tararani (1993) and De Danadan (1987). She died on 18 January 2016 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

Sachin Suresh Gurav was born on 24 February 1981 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. He is known for Hotel Mumbai (2018), The Tashkent Files (2019) and Radhe (2021).

Ramesh Bhatkar (3 August 1949 - 4 February 2019) was a Marathi film, stage and TV actor. Of the various roles that Bhatkar portrayed, he was best known for his roles in the TV series Commander and Hello Inspector. He worked for more than 30 years as an actor in the mainstream commercial movie industries of the Marathi and Hindi languages. He died on 4 February 2019 at the age of 70 in Mumbai due to cancer.

Vijay Tendulkar was born on 6 January 1928 in Kolhapur, Bombay Presidency, British India. He was a writer and actor, known for Aakrosh (1980), Manthan (1976) and Ardh Satya (1983). He was married to Nirmala Tendulkar. He died on 19 May 2008 in Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Suresh Wadkar was born on 7 August 1955 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. He is a music artist and actor, known for Darr (1993), Fighter (2024) and Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985).

Aanand Kale is an Indian Film actor and Producer. As an actor he's most famous for his roles in Marathi Television Serials such as Char Diwas Sasuche (as Ashok Deshmukh, on E Tv record Break 3600 Episodes ), as Kondaji Baba Farzand In Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji on Zee Marathi, As Vishwajeet (Drunken Uncle) in Mazi Tuzi Reshimgath On Zee Marathi & as Vajrabhushan Chandorkar in Sant Gajanan Shegaviche on Sun Marathi. More than 7000 episodes of various serials like Crime Petrol, Sawadhan India and many More... He has also acted in Hindi Movie P Se PM Tak Directed By Kundan Shaha and English Movie Remember Amnesia Directed by Dr Ravi Godase. & Telugu Film Ohh My Ghost directed by Yuvan. Other than this various Marathi Films as a lead roll like Ghe Bharar, Aaba Zindabad, Maherchi Pahuni, Jay Maharashtra, Bahini Bahini, Zak Marli Bayko Keli, Ranaragini, Jay Mohata Devi. He started his career from stage ( Marathi Theater).

Baburao Painter was born on 3 June 1890 in Kolhapur, Bombay Presidency, British India. He was a director and actor, known for Sinhagad (1923), Sairandhri (1920) and Pratibha (1937). He died on 16 January 1954 in Kolhapur, State of Bombay, India.

Shweta Kamat, a versatile Indian actress, was born on May 12th in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Shweta began her acting career with stage performances.she graces both the big and small screens with her talent. Known for her Mesmerizing roles in Marathi cinema and television, such as Marathi Cinema "Unn Sawali" and television shows like "Moramba" for star Pravah, Appi aamchi collector for Zee Marathi and "Mulagi Pasant Aahe" for Sun TV Marathi. Shweta's journey from ID graphics designing to acting embodies her versatility and dedication. With each performance, she mesmerizes audiences, leaving an enduring mark on the Indian entertainment landscape, a true testament to her passion and artistry. Shweta Kamat is currently starring as Meera in Zee Marathi's popular show "Paaru" & winning audience's hearts with her acting performance.

Baburao Pendharkar was born in 1896 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor and director, known for Devata (1939), Vishwamitra (1952) and Seeta Kalyanam (1933). He died in 1967.

Anant Mane was born in 1914 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, British India [now India]. He was a director and writer, known for Gan Gaulan (1969), Don Baika Phajeeti Aika (1982) and Kalavantin (1978). He died in 1995.

Vinayak Karnataki was born on 19 January 1906 in Kolhapur, Bombay Presidency, British India. He was an actor and director, known for Brahmachari (1938), Nigah-e-Nafrat (1935) and Vilasi Ishwar (1935). He was married to Meenaxi. He died on 19 August 1947 in Bombay, State of Bombay, India.