# Ankush Chaudhari

Ankush Chaudhari (Marathi pronunciation:) is an Indian film actor, screenwriter, director, producer and theatre personality known for his works in Marathi cinema. Ankush is known as one of the most successful actors in marathi cinema. He has received several awards including two Filmfare Awards Marathi. He is one of the highest-paid actors of the Marathi industry.
He won his first Filmfare Award Marathi for Critics Award Best Actor for his film Double Seat. He won his second Filmfare Award Marathi in category of Best Actor for his film Dhurala.

## Early life

Chaudhari was born on 31 January 1973, in Pune. Due to financial struggles at home, Chaudhari had to sell fruits and vegetables, but his love for acting never faded. Despite being actively involved in cultural programs, Ankush did not get a chance to pursue his passion for acting until later. He first participated in solo competitions, then excelled in dramas and eventually made a mark in theatrical productions.
In Shahir Sable's program, Chaudhari found an opportunity to showcase his dancing skills. On the stage, he danced with various artists, concluding the show with a captivating performance. During this time, Chaudhari collaborated with Bharat Jadhav, Kedar Shinde, and Sanjay Narvekar. His partnership with Kedar Shinde resulted in numerous successful one-act plays, contributing significantly to the world of Marathi cinema.

## Career

Ankush and his artist friends teamed up to make the play All the Best, which became a quick hit, bringing Ankush success in a short time. Encouraged by this, they created two more popular plays. People all over Maharashtra loved these shows, especially Housefull, which became a big hit. Ankush's plays were widely appreciated, making him a successful figure in the world of performing arts. He received applause from the audience for his roles in many plays. His play Gopala Re Gopala is one of the well-known Marathi dramas. He made his debut in the play Hasa Chakat Fu in 1999. Later, He ventured into Marathi films, showcasing his acting skills honed through his experiences in theater.
Ankush's first film in Marathi cinema was Suna Yeti Ghara. However, this film didn't gain widespread popularity. It was his role in the Hindi film Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai that brought him recognition. Ankush's name became associated with Marathi film producers when he took on a small role in this Hindi film. The 21st century proved to be crucial for him. During this time, he became the first Marathi superstar, leaving a lasting impact with films like Savarkhed Ek Gaon, Aai Shappath, Matichya Chuli, Yanda Kartavya Aahe, Sanshaykallol, Checkmate, Gaiir, and Bluffmaster!.
The film Duniyadari marked a significant milestone in Ankush's career, with his portrayal of the character "Digya". This role, depicting a charismatic young man, became a defining moment in Ankush's filmography. The film's global appeal was heightened by Ankush's dashing style, making it a major attraction for the audience. In 2015, Ankush Chaudhari portrayed the character of college student named Satya in the film Classmates directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. In August his romantic drama film Double Seat released opposite Mukta Barve and directed by Sameer Vidwans. It got positive reviews from critics and viewers. The movie became one of the highest grossers of 2015 for Marathi cinema. In October his action crime thriller Daagdi Chaawl releases opposite Pooja Sawant and directed by debutant Chandrakant Kanse. Daagdi Chaawl completed his hat-trick of blockbuster film for the year 2015. The Song "Dhaga Dhaga" become popular among music lovers by topping the music charts.
In 2018, Ankush played a significant role in the Marathi film Dhurala, which featured a stellar ensemble of Marathi artists. In this movie, Ankush portrayed a disciplined political figure. Additionally, he starred in the film Daagadi Chawl 2, depicting the life of Don Arun Gawli. The chemistry between Ankush and Pooja Sawant in this film was well-received, adding to its success.

## Personal life

In the play All the Best, actress Deepa Parab also acted alongside Ankush. They both received training for this play and pursued education together at Maharshi Dayanand College. After dating for twelve years they were married in 2007. The couple has one son.

## Off-screen work and media image

The actor invested undisclosed amount in OTT platform Letsflix Marathi. He is the brand ambassador of men's wear #Hashtag. In 2017, he formed a kabaddi team in the Pro Kabaddi League.
He was ranked second in The Times of India's Top 10 Most Hottest Men in the Marathi Film Industry in 2014. In addition to acting in films and television, Chaudhari performs on stage and hosts award ceremonies. He has also judged the Mi Honar Superstar. He endorses several brands, including Bagpiper, Rummy Circle He also fronted a campaign to supports the education and empowerment of girl child.

## Filmography

* All films are in Marathi, unless noted otherwise.

### NatAaveshamFilms

| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1995 | Suna Yeti Ghara | Surya | Acting Credit |
| 2000 | Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain | Rahul Vashisht | Hindi film |
| 2000 | Tuch Majhi Bhagya Lakshmi | Rajesh Patil | |
| 2002 | Aadhaar | Mangesh | |
| 2004 | Savarkhed Ek Gaon | Rahul Patil | |
| 2004 | Sakshatkar | Sagar | |
| 2006 | Aaila Re | Abhijeet Deshmukh | |
| 2006 | Matichya Chuli | Vishal Dandekar | |
| 2006 | Yanda Kartavya Aahe | Rahul | |
| 2006 | Aai Shappath..! | Shekhar 'Shirya' | |
| 2006 | Majha Navra Tujhi Bayko | Vijay Desai | |
| 2006 | Aga Bai Arrecha! | — | As assistant director |
| 2006 | Jatra | Unnamed | Special appearance in song "Ye Go Ye Ye Maina" |
| 2007 | Ishhya | Vaibhav Rane | |
| 2007 | Saade Maade Teen | — | As director |
| 2008 | Checkmate | Vishal Korgaonkar | |
| 2008 | Uladhaal | Vicky | |
| 2008 | Hyancha Kahi Nem Nahi | Motiram Desai "Moti" | |
| 2009 | Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy | Unnamed | Special appearance in song "Masoli" |
| 2009 | Gaiir | Inspector Abhijit Sardesai | |
| 2010 | Ringa Ringa | Vishwas | |
| 2010 | Irada Pakka | Unnamed | Cameo appearance in song "Iraada Pakka" |
| 2010 | Lalbaug Parel | Giri Dhuri/Baba | |
| 2010 | City Of Gold | Giri Dhuri/Baba | Hindi Version Of Marathi Film "Lalbaug Parel" |
| 2010 | Chitra | | |
| 2010 | Target | Anky | |
| 2011 | Shahanpan Dega Deva | Ankush | |
| 2011 | Pratibimb | Jaysing Raje | |
| 2011 | Zhakaas | Sandy/Suhas/ Subhaan/Avinash | As director also |
| 2012 | Bluffmaster | Nikki | |
| 2012 | No Entry Pudhe Dhoka Aahey | Prem | As director also |
| 2013 | Sanshay Kallol | Jai Sinha | |
| 2013 | Duniyadari | Digambar Shankar Patil | As playback singer also |
| 2013 | Ashach Eka Betavar | Aakash | |
| 2013 | Jarab | Ajay | |
| 2013 | Vanshvel | Patil | |
| 2013 | Dhating Dhingana | Rahul | |
| 2013 | Aabhas | Unnamed | Cameo appearance |
| 2014 | Vaadhdivsachya Haardik Shubhechcha | Subodh Kudmule | |
| 2014 | Bol Baby Bol | Himself | Guest appearance |
| 2014 | Por Baazar | Bhurabhai | First time in Negative role |
| 2015 | Classmates | Satya | |
| 2015 | Double Seat | Amit | |
| 2015 | Daagdi Chaawl | Suryakant Shinde | Dubbed into Hindi as Daagdi Chaawl Ek Bagawat |
| 2016 | Guru | Guru Desai | Dubbed into Hindi as Guru |
| 2016 | Half Ticket | Himself (cameo) | |
| 2017 | Ti Saddhya Kay Karte | Anuraag Deshpande | |
| 2017 | Deva | Deva | |
| 2019 | Triple Seat | Krushna | |
| 2020 | Dhurala | Navnath Ubhe | |
| 2021 | Luckdown Be Positive | Rahul | |
| 2021 | Maheshcha Badla | Mahesh | |
| 2022 | Lochya Zaala Re | Aditya Ghorpade | |
| 2022 | Daagadi Chawl 2 | Suryakant Shinde | |
| 2023 | Maharashtra Shahir | Krishnarao Sable | |
| 2023 | Autograph – Ek Japun Thevavi Ashi Lovestory | Samar | |

### Television

| Year | Show | Role |
| 1997-98 | Raja Aur Rancho | Episodic role - Inspector |
| 2000-01 | Hasa Chakatfu | Episodic role |
| 2002 | Bedhund Manachi Lahar | |
| 1999-2000 | Abhalmaya | Sunny |
| 2021 | Maharashtracha Best Dancer | Host |
| 2021-present | Mi Honar Superstar | Judge |
| 2021 | Bigg Boss Marathi 3 | Guest |

## Accolades

| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
| 2002 | Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | Best Actor | Aadhar | Nominated |
| 2004 | Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | Best Actor | Savarkhed Ek Gaon | Nominated |
| 2004 | Maharashtra State Film Awards | Best Actor | Savarkhed Ek Gaon | Nominated |
| 2006 | Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | Best Supporting Actor | Aai Shappath | Nominated |
| 2008 | Maharashtra State Film Awards | Best Actor | Checkmate | Nominated |
| 2009 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Actor | Uladhaal | Nominated |
| 2009 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Style Icon | Uladhaal | Won |
| 2010 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Style Icon | Ringa Ringa | Won |
| 2012 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Comedian | Zhakaas | Nominated |
| 2012 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Style Icon | Zhakaas | Won |
| 2013 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Supporting Actor | Duniyadari | Won |
| 2014 | MaTa Sanman | Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Duniyadari | Won |
| 2015 | Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | Best Actor | Classmates | Nominated |
| 2015 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Actor | Classmates | Won |
| 2015 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Style Icon | Classmates | Won |
| 2015 | 2nd Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actor | Double Seat | Nominated |
| 2015 | 2nd Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actor – Critics | Double Seat | Won |
| 2015 | Maharashtra State Film Awards | Best Actor | Double Seat | Nominated |
| 2016 | Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | Best Actor | Double Seat | Nominated |
| 2016 | MaTa Sanman | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Double Seat | Nominated |
| 2016 | Marathi Achievers and International Awards | Best Actor | Double Seat | Won |
| 2016 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Actor | Dagadi Chawl | Nominated |
| 2017 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Actor | Ti Saddhya Kay Karte | Nominated |
| 2017 | Lokmat Stylish Awards | Most Stylish Actor | Dagadi Chawl | Won |
| 2018 | Shahir Dada Kondke Awards | Overall Contribution in Marathi cinema | Various | Won |
| 2019 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Actor | Triple Seat | Nominated |
| 2019 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Style Icon | Triple Seat | Won |
| 2019 | Sakaal Premier Awards | Best Actor | Triple Seat | Nominated |
| 2020 | 5th Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actor | Triple Seat | Nominated |
| 2020 | Radio City Cine Awards | Best Actor | Triple Seat | Won |
| 2020 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Actor | Classmates | Nominated |
| 2020 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Style Icon | Classmates | Nominated |
| 2020 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Supporting Actor | Duniyadari | Won |
| 2021 | 6th Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actor | Dhurala | Won |
| 2022 | MaTa Sanman | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Dhurala | Won |
| 2022 | 7th Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actor | Daagadi Chawl 2 | Nominated |
| 2023 | Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Maharashtra Shahir | Nominated |
| 2023 | Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman | Best Actor in a Leading Role – Jury | Maharashtra Shahir | Won |
| 2024 | Aapla Bioscope Awards | Best Actor in a Lead Role | Maharashtra Shahir | Nominated |
| 2024 | Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? | Favourite Actor | Maharashtra Shahir | Won |
| 2024 | Maharashtra Times Sanman Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Maharashtra Shahir | Nominated |
| 2024 | Maharashtra Times Sanman Awards | Favourite Actor | Maharashtra Shahir | Won |
| 2024 | Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | Best Actor | Maharashtra Shahir | Nominated |
| 2024 | Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar | Best Influential Actor | Maharashtra Shahir | Won |
| 2024 | 8th Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actor | Maharashtra Shahir | Nominated |
| 2024 | 8th Filmfare Awards Marathi | Best Actor - Critics | Maharashtra Shahir | Won |