Ashok Saraf

Ashok Saraf (born 4 June 1947) is an Indian actor and comedian, known for his work in Marathi and Hindi films along with theatre in both languages. Saraf has received several awards including four Filmfare Marathi Awards. He is referred to as the Mahanayak, Ashok Samrat or Mama of the Marathi film industry.
From the early 1980s, Saraf started getting leading roles in Marathi films. The combination of Ashok Saraf, Laxmikant Berde, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Mahesh Kothare created the "comedy films wave" in Marathi cinema from 1985 that lasted for more than a decade. His successful Marathi films as the lead hero include Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982), Dhum Dhadaka (1985), Gammat Jammat (1987), Bhutacha Bhau (1989), Balache Baap Brahmachari (1989), Ashi hi Banawa Banavi (1988) and Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991).
In Bollywood he worked in many movies such as Karan Arjun (1995), Yes Boss (1997), Joru Ka Ghulam (2000), Singham (2011) etc and in two Hindi television Sitcoms including Don't Worry Ho Jayega.
Early life
Saraf was born in Bombay, (present day Mumbai) on 4 June 1947. He grew up in the South Mumbai neighbourhood of Chikhalwadi and went to DGT Vidyalay for his education. He was named "Ashok" after veteran actor Ashok Kumar. He spent his childhood at Chikhalwadi in South Mumbai. He completed his schooling at DGT Vidyalay Mumbai.
Career
Saraf has been working in the film and television industry since the year 1969. He has acted in more than 250 Marathi films, out of which more than 100 were commercially successful. He has mostly acted in comedy films. He started his career with the Marathi movie Janaki in 1969. He then acted in the films like Donhi Gharacha Pahuna, Jawal Ye Laju Nako, Tumacha Amacha Jamala, Chimanrao Gundyabhau, Deed Shahane, Haldikunku, Duniya Kari Salam and more during the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to work in Marathi films with Laxmikant Berde, Sachin and Mahesh Kothare. Ashi Hi Banava Banavi, Aayatya Gharat Gharoba, Balache Baap Bramhachari, Bhutacha Bhau and Dhum Dhadaka are some of the notable Marathi films in which Saraf acted.
Saraf has also acted in various Marathi plays and Hindi serials. He then developed his own production house "Aniket Telefilms", which is handled by his wife Nivedita Saraf.
Marathi film career
Saraf had success pairing with Laxmikant Berde, another comedian from Marathi cinema who has also acted in many Hindi films. With Saraf, Berde and Sachin Pilgaonkar acted in many Marathi films. He tasted major success in Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988), in the lead role with the two reigning superstars of Marathi cinema, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Laxmikant Berde. The movie was a runaway hit.
Hindi film career
Saraf played important roles in Bollywood. Some of the roles which are remembered are from the films Singham, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Gupt, Koyla, Yes Boss, Joru Ka Gulaam and Karan Arjun.
Hindi television serials
Saraf has also starred in successful television serials like Yeh Choti Badi Baatein and Hum Paanch (as Anand Mathur). He had a comedy show Don't Worry Ho Jayega, telecast on Sahara TV in the 1990s.
Marathi play career
Saraf has played a number of roles in Marathi plays in his career. Some of the important plays are Hamidabaichi Kothi, Anidhikrut, Manomilan, He Ram Cardiogram, Darling Darling, Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay, Laginghai, and Vacuum Cleaner.
Awards and recognition
Filmfare Award Marathi Best Actor in
1977 – Ram Ram Gangaram
1982 – Gondhalat Gondhal
1983 – Goshta Dhamaal Namyachi
1996 – Suna Yeti Ghara
Maharashtra State Film Award for the movie Pandu Havaldar
Screen award for the movie Sawai Havaldar
Bhojpuri Film Award for Maika Bitua
10 State government awards for Marathi films
Best Comedian in Maharashtracha Favourite Kon?
Lifetime Achievement Award at the 3rd Filmfare Awards Marathi.
Personal life
He is married to actress Nivedita Joshi-Saraf in 1990. They married at the Mangueshi Temple in Goa, where Saraf's family is originally from. They have a son named Aniket Saraf who is a chef.
Saraf survived a major car accident in the year 2012 on the Mumbai Pune Expressway near Talegaon.
Filmography
Marathi
Ved (2022) as Satya's Father
JeevanSandhya (2021) as Jeevan Abhyankar
Prawaas (2020) as Abhijat Inamdar
Me Shivaji Park (2018) as Digambar Sawant
Vrundavan as Girdhar Inamdar
Aandhali Koshimbir (2014) as Bapu Sadavarte
Ekulti Ek (2013)
Kunasathi Kunitari (2011) ....
Pakda Pakdi (2011) ....
Ideachi Kalpana (2010) .... Advocate Manohar Barshinge
Most Wanted (2010 film)
Tata Birla Ani Laila (2010)... Birla
Aika Dajiba (2010) ....
Master Eke Master (2009) ....
Nishani Dava Anghatha (2009) ....
Hastil Tyache Daat Distil (2009) ....
Balirajache Rajya Yeu De (2009) ....
Gosht Lagnanantarchi (2009) ....
Ek Daav Dhobi Pachhad (2008)
Adala Badali (2008) .... Chandu
Aaba Zindabad (2008)
Baba Lagin (2008)
Anolkhi Hey Ghar Maze (2008) .... Mr. Deshmukh
Amhi Satpute (2008) .... Anna
Saade Maade Teen (2008) .... Ratan
Sakkha Bhau Pakka Vairi (2008)
Chalu Navra Bholi Bayko (2008)
Ek Unad Divas (2005)...Mr.Vishwas Dabholkar
Sakhi (2008)
Mi Nahi Ho Tyatla (2007)
Karayla Gelo Ek (2007)
Lapun Chapun (2007)
Pahili Sher Dusri Savvasher Navara Pavsher (2006)
Devaa Shapath Khota Saangen Khara Saangnaar Naahi (2006)
Shubhmangal Savadhan (2006)
Kalubaichya Navane Changbhal (2006)
Akhand Saubhagywati (2006)
Soon Laadki Saasarachi (2005)
Saval Majhya Premacha (2005)
Aai No. 1 (2005)
Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum (2004) ....
Navra Maza Navsacha (2004) .... Bus Conductor Lalu
Sanshay Kallol (2004) ....
Fukat Chambu Baburao (2004)
Saglikade Bombabomb (2003)
Bhajiwali Sakhu Havaldar Bhiku (2000)
Bhakti Heech Khari Shakti (2000)
Saubhagyadan (2000) ....
Bhasma (1999) .... Masanjogi
Kunku (1997)
Bal Bramhachari (1996) .... Pyare Mohan
Gehra Raaz (1996)
Maaya Mamata (1996)
Topi Var Topi (1995)
Dhamal Jodi (1995)
Painjan (1995)
Sukhi Sansarachi 12 Sutre (1995)
Vazir (1994)
Sasar Maaher (1994)
Ghayaal (1993)
Aaplee Maanse (1993)
Lapandav (1993).....Abhijeet Samarth
Wajva Re Wajva (1993).... Uttam Tople
Tu Sukhakarta (1993)
Premankur (1993)
Wat Pahate Punvechi (1993)
Shubh Mangal Savdhan (1992)
Aikaav Te Nawalach (1992)
Than Than Gopala (1992)
Dhar Pakad (1992)
Zhunj Tujhi Majhi (1992)
Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991) ... Gopinath Kirtikar
Aflatoon (1991) .... Bajarang Rav
Chaukat Raja (1991) Gana
Godi Gulabi (1991)
Jasa Baap Tashi Poore (1991) .... Raja
Mumbai Te Mauritius (1991) .... Prem Ladku a.k.a. Bombay to Mauritius (International: English title)
Anapekshit (1991) .... Uttam Rao Pawar
Balidaan (1991)
Thamb Thamb Jau Nako Lamb (1990)
Ina Mina Dika (1990) .... Mina
Shejari Shejari (1990) .... Keshav Kulkarni
Aamchya Sarkhe Aamhich (1990) ... Bhupal / Nirbhay Inamdar (dual role)
Dhamal Bablya Ganpyachi (1990)
Tuzhi Mazhi Jamli Jodi (1990) a.k.a. We Are Life Partners
Ghanchakkar (1990)
Ejaa Beeja Teeja (1990)
Eka Peksha Ek (1989) ... Inspector Sarjerao Shinde
Pheka Pheki (1989) ... Rajan Pradhan
Baapre Baap (1990)
Tiyya (1990)
Dharla Tar Chavatay (1989) ... Raja Patil
Savla Maroti (1989)
Atmavishwas (1989) ... Vijay Zende
Balache Baap Brahmachari (1989) .... Vilas
Bhutacha Bhau (1989)
Maalmasala (1989)
Ek Gadi Baaki Anadi (1989)
Kalat Nakalat (1989)
Nawara Bayako (1989)
Madhu Chandrachi Ratra (1989)
Aaghat (1989)
Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988) ... Dhananjay Mane
Aurat Teri Yehi Kahani (1988) .... Bhagwan Singh
Changu Mangu (1988) .... Changu / Ayappa (dual role)
Maza Pati Karodpati (1988) ... Dinkar Luktuke
Saglikade Bombabomb (1988)
Disata Tas Nasata (1988)
Mamla Poricha (1988)
Pandharichi Vari (1988)
Shiv Shakti (1988)
Anandi Anand (1987)
Chhakke Panje (1987) .... Ashok
Gammat Jammat (1987) .... Phalgun Vadke
Prem Karuya Khullam Khulla (1987) .... Bajarang
Premasathi Vattel Te (1987)
Gadbad Ghotala (1986) .... Hemant 'Hemu' Dhole a.k.a. Everything in Chaos
Tuzya Vachun Karmena (1986)
Khara Varasdar (1986)
Dhum Dhadaka (1985) .... Ashok Gupchup / Yadhunath Javalkar
Gaon Tasa Changla Pan Veshila Tangla (1985)
Khichadi (1985)
Sagge Soyare (1985)
Ek Daav Bhutacha (1984) .... Mavala Bhut khandoji farjand
Sasu varchadh Jawai (1984)
BinKamacha Navara (1984)..... Tukaram/Tukya
Gosht Dhamal Namyachi (1984).... Namdev/Namya
Hech Mazha Maher (1984)..... Kammana
Navri Mile Navryala (1984) .... Balasaheb Inamdar
Bahuroopi (1984)....Bahurupi
Chawhata (1984)
Kulswamini Ambabai (1984)
Zakhmi Waghin (1984)
Gulchaadi (1984)
Jugalbandi (1984)
Savvasher (1984)
Thakas Mahathak (1984)
Baiko Asavi Ashi (1983)
Gupchup Gupchup (1983) .... Prof. Dhond
Raghu Maina (1983)
Kashala Udyachi Baat (1983)
Galli Te Dilli (1982)
Don Baika Fajiti Aika (1982)
Maibaap (1982)
Savitrichi Sun (1982)
Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982)
Aapalech Daat Aapalech Oth (1982)
Bhannat Bhanu (1982)
Daivat (1982)
Gondhalat Gondhal (1981) .... Madan
Sundara Satarkar (1981)
Are Sansar Sansar (1981)
Govinda Aala Re Aala (1981)
Mosmabi Narangi (1981)
Choravar Mor (1980)
Phatakadi (1980)
Sulavarchi Poli (1980)
Hich Khari Daulat (1980)
Sawaj (1980)
Saubhagwan (1980)
Sharan Tula Bhagwanta (1980)
Paijecha Vida (1979)
Chimanrao Gundyabhau (1979)
Haldikunku (1979)
Bailaveda (1979)
Deed Shahane (1979)
Sasurvashin (1978)
Gyanabachi Mekh (1979)
Sushila (1978)
Ram Ram Gangaram (1977).....Mhamdu Khatik
Navara Maja Bramhmachari (1977)
Jawal Ye Laju Nako (1976)
Tumacha Amacha Jamala (1976)
Pandu Hawaldar (1975)
Varat (1975)
Pandoba Poragi Phasali (1975)
Aalay Tufan Darayala (1973)
Donhi Gharcha Pahuna (1971)
Janaki (1969)
Hindi
Singham (Hindi) (2011) as Head Constable Savalkar
Familywala (Hindi) (2010) (Stuck/On Hold)
Qatal E Aam (2005)
Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa (2002) as Mr. Patel
Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein (2002) as Govind
Ittefaq (2001) as Shambhu Shikari
Inteqam (2001) as Murli (Watchman)
Jodi No.1 (2001) as Ashok Rai
Aashiq (2001) as Constable
Afsana Dilwalon Ka (2001) as Pyarebhai
Joru Ka Ghulam (2000) .... P.K. Girpade
Beti No. 1 (2000) .... Ram Bhatnagar
Khoobsurat (1999) .... Mahesh Chaudhary (Gambler)
Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998) as Tadkalal
Bandhan (1998) .... Chillu
Koi Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1997)
Yes Boss (1997) as Johnny
Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997) as Havaldar Pandu
Judge Mujrim (1997) as PA Natwar
Koyla (1997) as Vedji
Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai (1996) .... Dr. Avinash
Army (1996 film)... Pascal
Guddu (1995) as Baliya
Aazmayish (1995) as Roshanlal
Jamla Ho Jamla (1995)
Karan Arjun (1995) as Munshiji
Karan (1994 film)
Nazar Ke Samne (1994) as Mamu
Sangdil Sanam (1994) as Bhalchander a.k.a. Sangdil Sanam: The Heartless Lover (USA: DVD box title)
Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1994) as Dhaniram
Dil Hai Betaab (1993) as Vikram's employee
Prem Deewane (1992) .... Shomu
Sarphira (1992)
Meera Ka Mohan (1992)
Jagruti (1992) as Sevalal
I Love You (1992)
Naseebwaala (1992) as Gangaram Lalwani
Benaam Badsha (1991) as Vinay Chandra Rathod a.k.a. VCR
Yaara Dildara (1991)
Chor Pe Mor (1990)
Mahal (1989)
Bade Ghar Ki Beti (1989) .... Kasturi
Garibon Ka Daata (1989)
Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1988) as Lallu Ram
Pratighaat (1987) as Crooked Lawyer a.k.a. The Revenge
Muddat (1986) as Narayan a.k.a. Ages
Maa Beti (1986)
Ghar Dwaar (1985) as Bahadur
Phulwari (1984 film) as Rickshaw driver
Abodh (1984) as Hanuman (Shankar's friend)
Nagin (1981)
Duniya Kari Salam (1979) as Shivanand
Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi (1979) as Advocate Venkat Vyas
Damaad (1978)
Marathi Natak (Drama)
Television series
References
External links
1947 births
Living people
Male actors in Marathi cinema
Male actors in Hindi cinema
Indian male television actors
Indian male comedians
Male actors in Marathi theatre
Marathi actors
Male actors from Mumbai
Indian male stage actors