# Ranjana Deshmukh

Ranjana Deshmukh (1955 – 3 March 2000) was an Indian actress known for her work in several popular Marathi films productions in 1970s & '80s. She won Filmfare Marathi for Best Actress and Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress for two times each.

## Life and career

She is the daughter of Vatsala Deshmukh. Her aunt, Sandhya was married to V. Shantaram, who introduced her to the screen in Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jaali (1975). She then starred in the lead role in Shantaram's next film, Zunj. Ranjana won the state government award for best actress twice : Are Sansar Sansar (1980) and Gupchup Gupchup (1983). Her other key films include Sushila, Gondhalat Gondhal, Mumbaicha Faujdar, Bin Kamacha Navra, Khichdi, Chaani, Zakhmi Waghin, Bhujang and Ek Daav Bhutacha.
Ranjana made hit pairs at the box office with several noted Marathi film actors including Ashok Saraf, Avinash Masurekar, Shriram Lagoo, Kuldeep Pawar, Nilu Phule, Ravindra Mahajani, Raja Gosavi and others. Ranjana Deshmukh's career came to an abrupt end in 1987 in a car accident while she was on her way to Bangalore to shoot for Jhanjhaar. Ranjana's legs were paralysed in the accident. She was engaged to Ashok Saraf earlier. After her accident she was in a play named Fakt Ekdaach.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1965 | Kela Ishara Jata Jata | Unnamed | Child actor |
| 1966 | Ladki Sahyadri Ki | Young Rani | Child actor |
| 1975 | Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jali | Gaura's daughter | Supporting role |
| 1975 | Zunj | Kamala Kolhapure | Lead debut |
| 1977 | Asla Navra Nako Ga Bai! | Shalan | |
| 1977 | Chaani | Chaani | |
| 1978 | Kalavantin | Deepa | |
| 1978 | Sushila | Sushila | |
| 1978 | Sasurvasheen | Durga Mane | |
| 1979 | Duniya Kari Salaam | Padma | |
| 1979 | Haldikunku | Vidya | |
| 1979 | Jai Mahakali | Ranjana | |
| 1980 | Bhalu | Sumitra | |
| 1980 | Sulavarchi Poli | Jenny | |
| 1981 | Nagin | Nagin | |
| 1981 | Gondhalat Gondhal | Mangala | |
| 1981 | Are Sansar Sansar | Ratna Desai | |
| 1981 | Devghar | Ranjana | |
| 1981 | Patalin | Kiri Inamdar/Parvati | |
| 1982 | Laxmichi Paule | Nandini | |
| 1982 | Bhujang | Zana/Zanai | |
| 1982 | Galli Te Dilli | Taramati | |
| 1982 | Ek Daav Bhutacha | Nakubala | |
| 1983 | Navratri | Ranjana | Bhojpuri film |
| 1983 | Kashala Udyachi Baat | Chanda | |
| 1983 | Baiko Asavi Ashi | Laxmi | |
| 1983 | Savitri | Savitri | |
| 1983 | Gupchup Gupchup | Hema/Shyama | |
| 1983 | Sasu Varchad Javai | Mogra Teli | |
| 1983 | He Daan Kunkwache | Chandra | |
| 1983 | Mardani | Anu .R. Desai | |
| 1984 | Aali Lahar Kela Kahar | Bhakti Deshmukh/Padmaja Pathak | |
| 1984 | Bin Kamacha Navra | Draupada | |
| 1984 | Sage Soyare | Sumitra | |
| 1984 | Kulswamini Ambabai | Jaya Akka | |
| 1984 | Mumbaicha Faujdar | Saku | |
| 1984 | Bahuroopi | Vassu | |
| 1984 | Zakhmi Waghin | Bhanu Bane | |
| 1985 | Khichdi | Shanti | |
| 1986 | Jhanjhaar | Gayatri | Last film |

## Death

Ranjana died of a heart attack at her residence at Parel in central Mumbai, India. She was 45. She is survived by her mother Vatsala Deshmukh, a noted character actress of her time and her aunt Sandhya, Hindi film actress and wife of V. Shantaram.
Zee Talkies paid tribute to Ranjana by showcasing her select movies on 3 March 2011. The government of Maharashtra has instituted an award in her memory.

## Accolades

| Year | Award | Category | Film |
| 1979 | Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actress | Sushila |
| 1979 | Maharashtra State Film Awards | Best Actress | Are Sansar Sansar |
| 1983 | Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actress | Savitri |
| 1983 | Maharashtra State Film Awards | Best Actress | Gupchup Gupchup |