Ashok Saraf

Ashok Saraf (Hindii pronunciation: �ʃoːk səɾaːf born 4 June 1947) is an Indian film and stage actor and comedian. He has appeared in many Marathi language films and stage plays in lead roles and in Hindi language films and TV serials in supporting roles. He received five Filmfare Awards, Maharashtra government award for the film ''Pandu Havaldar'', Screen Award for ''Sawai Havaldar'', Bhojpuri Film Award for ''Maika Bitua'', ten state government awards for Marathi films and Best Comedian in '' Maharashtracha Favorite Kon''.

From the early 1980s, Saraf started getting cast as the leading hero 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'', ''Dhoom Dhadaka'', ''Gammat Jammat'', '' Ashi hi Banawa Banavi'' and ''Vazir''. Saraf has also starred in television serials like ''Yeh Choti Badi Baatein'' and '' Hum Paanch'' (as Anand Mathur).

In Bollywood, he is best remembered for the comic "Munshiji" in Rakesh Roshan's 1995 action thriller ''Karan Arjun'', in '' Yes Boss'' as Shah Rukh Khan's friend and as Ajay Devgn's colleague in ''Singham'' as head constable. In the Marathi film industry, he is popularly known as "Mama" (maternal uncle).

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 has played many roles in Marathi cinema, Marathi plays, Hindi cinema, Marathi television serials and Hindi television serials. 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. The Marathi films moved in to a different term of comedy during that phase. ''Ashi Hi Banava Banavi'', ''Aayatya Gharat Gharoba'', ''Balache Baap Bramhachari'', ''Bhootacha 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

Ashok Saraf had success pairing with Laxmikant Berde, another comedian from Marathi cinema who has also acted in many Hindi films. With Saraf, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Laxmikant Berde, together they played many Marathi films and most films were super-hits. Both Laxmikant and Ashok were known to be good friends of actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar and actor-producer-director Mahesh Kothare. 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''. His performance in films against powerful comedy actors like Govinda, Johny Lever and Kader Khan was praised.

Hindi television serials

Saraf has also starred in television serials like ''Yeh Choti Badi Baatein'' and '' Hum Paanch'' (as Anand Mathur), which tasted a major success. Ashok Saraf's comedy show ''Don't Worry Ho Jayega'' which was at that time telecast on Sahara TV was very popular in the 1990s. Audiences were very excited to watch this show at that time.

Marathi play career

Saraf has played 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 recognitions

* 1977 - first Filmfare award for ''Ram Ram Gangaram''. In total, 5 Filmfare awards
* Maharashtra government 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 filmsAshok Saraf Awards

* Best Comedian in ''Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?''

Personal life

He is married to actress Nivedita Joshi-Saraf in 1990. They married at the Mangueshi Temple in Goa, where Saraf's family, of the Baniya Agarwal caste, originally from Rajasthan used to live before moving to Maharashtra. 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

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

# '' Ved'' (2022)
# '' JeevanSandhya'' (2021) as Jeevan Abhyankar
# '' Prawaas'' (2020) as Abhijat Inamdar
# ''Vrundavan'' as Girdhar Inamdar
# Aandhali Koshimbir (2014) as Bapu SadavarteAandhali Koshimbir
# ''Ekulti Ek'' (2013)
# Kunasathi Kunitari (2011) ....
# Pakda Pakdi (2011) ....
# Ideachi Kalpana (2010) ....
# ''Most Wanted (2010 film)''
# Tata Birla Ani Laila (2010)... Birla
# Aika Dajiba (2010) ....
# Master Eke Master (2009) ....
# Nishani Daava Angatha (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) .... Mamanji
# Saade Maade Teen (2008) .... Ratan
# Sakkha Bhau Pakka Vairi (2008)
# Chalu Navra Bholi Bayko (2008)
# Ek Unad Divas (2005)...Mr.Vishwas Dabholkar
# ''Sakhi'' (film) (2007)
# 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) ....
# 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).....Abheejit 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 aka Gopu Kaka
# 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
# 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
# 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)
# Dhoom Dhadaka (1985) .... Ashok Gupchup
# 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)

Marathi Natak (Drama)

Television series

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Saraf, Ashok
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