Ashok Saraf Explained

Ashok Saraf
Signature:File:Ashok Saraf Sign.jpg
Birth Date:1947 6, df=yes
Birth Place:Bombay, Bombay Province, British India
(present day, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)
Children:1
Awards:4 Filmfare Marathi Awards
Filmfare Marathi Lifetime Achievement Award
Honours:Padma Shri (2025)
Maharashtra Bhushan (2023)
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022)
V. Shantaram Award (2006)
Other Names:Mahanayak, Ashok Samrat, Mama
Yearsactive:1969–present
Works:Full list

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 eleven Maharashtra State Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards Marathi. He is referred to as the Mahanayak, Ashok Samrat or Mama of the Marathi film industry,[1] [2] In 2016, Saraf received Filmfare Marathi Lifetime Achievement Award for his Contribution to Marathi cinema.[3] In 2023, he received the Maharashtra Bhushan, the highest civilian honour in the Indian state of Maharashtra.[4] Saraf received Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, from the Government of India in 2025.[5] [6]

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) and Navra Mazha Navsacha (2004)Singham (2011) Navra Mazha Navsacha 2 (2024)and in many Hindi television sitcoms.[7]

Early life

Saraf was born in Bombay, (present day Mumbai) on 4 June 1947.[8] [9] He grew up in the South Mumbai neighbourhood of Chikhalwadi and went to DGT Vidyalay for his education.[10] He was named "Ashok" after veteran actor Ashok Kumar.

Career

See also: Ashok Saraf filmography. Saraf has been working in the film and television industry since 1969.[11] He has acted in more than 250 Marathi films, out of which more than 100 were commercially successful.[12] He has mostly acted in comedy films. He started his career with the Marathi movie Janaki in 1969.[13] He then acted in the films like Donhi Gharacha Pahuna, Jawal Ye Laju Nako, Tumcha Aamcha Jamla, Chimanrao Gundyabhau, Deed Shahane, Haldi Kunku, 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 Banwa Banwi, Aayatya Gharat Gharoba, Balache Baap Brahmachari, Bhutacha Bhau and Dhum Dhadaka are some of the notable Marathi films in which Saraf acted.[14]

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.[15]

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.[16] He tasted major success in Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988), in the lead role of Dhananjay Mane with the two reigning superstars of Marathi cinema, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Laxmikant Berde. The movie was a runaway hit.[17] [18]

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 Ghulam and Karan Arjun.[19]

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, Anadhikrut, Mano-milan, He Ram Cardiogram, Darling Darling, Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay, Laginghai, and Vacuum Cleaner.[20]

In the media

Saraf has been described in the Indian media as one of the most versatile actor. Saraf is also known by his pet name "Mama".[21]

In 2022, on the 75th birth anniversary of Saraf, a stage show were held in Mumbai by Zee Marathi.[22] [23] During the 1980s, Saraf and Laxmikant Berde emerged as "superstars" in Marathi cinema, marking an unmatched phenomenon in the industry. The films of Saraf and Berde accounted for most of the box office gross in Marathi cinema.[24] [25] [26]

Personal life

He is married to actress Nivedita Joshi-Saraf in 1990.[27] They married at the Mangueshi Temple in Goa, where Saraf's family is originally from.[28] They have a son named Aniket Saraf who is a chef.[8] [29]

Saraf survived a major car accident in the year 2012 on the Mumbai Pune Expressway near Talegaon.[30]

Accolades

Year Award Category FilmRef.
1975Maharashtra State Film AwardsBest Supporting ActorPandu Havaldar
1977Filmfare Awards MarathiSpecial Mention Ram Ram Gangaram
1979Maharashtra State Film AwardsBest ActorBail Veda
1981Best Supporting ActorGondhalat Gondhal
1982Filmfare Awards MarathiBest Actor
Maharashtra State Film AwardsBest ActorEk Daav Bhutacha
1983Filmfare Awards MarathiGoshta Dhamaal Namyachi[31]
1985Maharashtra State Film AwardsBest ActorBahurupi[32]
1987Prem Karuya Khullam Khulla
1988Best Supporting ActorMaza Pati Karodpati
1991Aayatya Gharat Gharoba
1992Aapli Mansa
1993Vazir
1996Filmfare Awards MarathiSuna Yeti Ghara
1999Screen AwardsBest Actor – MarathiSavai Hawaldar[33]
2000Maharashtra State Film AwardsMaharashtra State Film Award for Best Comedian
2004Zee Chitra Gaurav PuraskarBest Actor in a Comic Role Navra Maza Navsacha
2006Maharashtra State Film AwardsV. Shantaram AwardVarious
2008Bhojpuri Film AwardsBest Supporting Actor Mai Ka Bitua
2010Maharashtracha Favourite Kon?Favourite ComedianEk Daav Dhobi Pachhad[34]
2016Filmfare Awards MarathiLifetime Achievement AwardOverall Contribution [35]
Sanskruti KaladarpanKala Gaurav Award [36]
2020Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema[37]
2022ABP Majha AwardsSpecial Mention [38]
Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman
Sangeet Natak Akademi AwardActing[39]
2023Zee Chitra Gaurav PuraskarLifetime Achievement Award[40]
Fakt Marathi Cine SanmanVed
Maharashtra BhushanOverall Contribution [41]
2025MaTa SanmanSpecial Award[42]

Awards and honours

Notes and References

  1. News: 9 September 2022 . Patrya Maruti Ganpati's one-of-a-kind tribute to Ashok Saraf . . live . 15 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231017225227/https://punemirror.com/pune/civic/Patrya-Maruti-Ganpatis-one-of-a-kind-tribute-to-Ashok-Saraf/cid8479352.htm . 17 October 2023 . Ashok Saraf was honoured for his lifetime achievement and thought it would be a nice idea for the procession display and his contribution to the film industry is remarkable, and the "Mahanayak" deserves to be shown love and gratitude in every way possible.
  2. News: 22 June 2022 . Kon Honar Crorepati : मराठी सिनेसृष्टीचे महानायक अशोक सराफ येणार 'कोण होणार करोडपती'च्या मंचावर . mr . . 15 October 2023 . मराठी मनोरंजनसृष्टी ज्यांना अशोक मामा म्हणून ओळखते असं अभिनयाचं ज्येष्ठ अभिनेते अशोक सराफ . Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, who is known as Ashok Mama in the Marathi entertainment industry.
  3. Web site: Ashok Saraf Films and Shows – Apple TV . 24 September 2025 . Apple TV . en-GB.
  4. Veteran actor Ashok Saraf to be conferred with Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2023 . . 30 January 2024 . 31 January 2024.
  5. News: Nivedita Saraf expresses her happiness as Ashok Saraf is conferred with Padma Shri: 'It was long overdue' - Exclusive . The Times of India . 26 January 2025.
  6. Web site: Padma Awards 2025 announced . pib.gov.in . 5 February 2025.
  7. News: त्या मुलीने मामा बनवले . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160222235918/http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/drama/ashok-saraf/articleshow/48037559.cms . 22 February 2016 . . 12 July 2015 . 14 February 2016.
  8. News: 4 June 2018 . B'day: पत्नीपेक्षा 18 वर्षांनी मोठे आहेत अशोक सराफ, या कारणामुळे गोव्यात केले होते लग्न . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230428124915/https://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/BOL-MB-IFTM-birthday-special-ashok-saraf-and-nivedita-saraf-wedding-story-5887201-PHO.html . 28 April 2023 . 12 July 2019 . . mr.
  9. News: Ashok Saraf's punctuality . The Times of India . 5 December 2023 . 0971-8257.
  10. News: Ashok Saraf: Interesting facts about the actor . The Times of India . 5 December 2023 . 0971-8257.
  11. News: 9 October 2018 . Ashok Saraf: Interesting facts about the actor . 24 September 2025 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  12. News: 9 October 2018 . Ashok Saraf: Interesting facts about the actor . 24 September 2025 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  13. News: सिंह . शशि . 4 June 2022 . Ashok saraf: ठाकुर तो गियो से हवलदार पांडु तक हर किरदार बनाया यादगार, कभी सुने हैं अशोक सराफ के ये किस्से? . hi . . live . 17 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231104142309/https://www.amarujala.com/entertainment/bollywood/ashok-saraf-birthday-know-unknown-facts-of-akshok-life-and-carrer-in-bollywood . 4 November 2023.
  14. Web site: 16 September 2014 . 'दोन्ही घरचा पाहुणा' (१९७२) या पहिल्या चित्रपटापासूनची अशोक सराफची अभिनयाची वाटचाल बहुरुपी . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160302173507/http://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan-news/marathi-actor-ashok-saraf-918137/ . 2 March 2016 . 14 February 2016 . Loksatta.
  15. Web site: 2 March 2018 . Ashok Saraf - Maharashtra Mandal Qatar . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231205234447/https://mmqatar.com/ashok-saraf/ . 5 December 2023 . 5 December 2023 . . en-US.
  16. Web site: सचिन, महेश दोघांची शैली वेगळी आहे- अशोक सराफ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160222064612/http://marathi.webdunia.com/article/marathi-film-stars/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6-%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B3%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%87-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%95-%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AB-110122000029_1.htm . 22 February 2016 . 14 February 2016 . Marathi Webdunia.
  17. Web site: गुणी आणि दमदार अभिनेता - अशोक सराफ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160222004347/http://www.marathiworld.com/kala-krida-m/ashok-saraf . 22 February 2016 . 14 February 2016 . Marathi World.
  18. Web site: 5 August 2014 . अशोक सराफ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160424085835/http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/interview/Ashok-Saraf/articleshow/39645104.cms . 24 April 2016 . 14 February 2016 . Maharashtra Times.
  19. News: 4 June 2022 . बैंक से लेकर बॉलीवुड तक, कुछ ऐसा रहा है अशोक सराफ का सफर . hi . . 17 October 2023.
  20. Web site: 12 November 2021 . Vacuum Cleaner Marathi Natak Review . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211113024033/https://www.rangabhoomi.com/reviews/vacuum-cleaner-marathi-natak-review/ . 13 November 2021 . 28 November 2021 . Rangbhoomi.com . mr.
  21. Web site: Naik . Payal Shekhar . 4 June 2022 . अशोक सराफ सगळ्यांचे मामा कसे झाले ठाऊक आहे का? वाचा त्यामागची भन्नाट स्टोरी . Hindustan Times Marathi . mr . 27 March 2024.
  22. News: Sunday होणार स्पेशल! अशोक मामांची बहुरंगी कारकीर्द दिसणार 'या' स्पेशल कार्यक्रमात . News18 लोकमत . mr . 1 July 2022 . 27 March 2024.
  23. News: Zee Marathi's Special Show to Celebrate Ashok Saraf's 50-Year Journey in Acting . News18 . 2 July 2022 . 27 March 2024.
  24. News: Sharma . Unnati . 16 December 2019 . Laxmikant Berde, Marathi superstar who was much beyond the characters he's remembered for . ThePrint . 27 March 2024.
  25. News: Das . Kusumika . 4 June 2023 . Happy Birthday Ashok Saraf: Karan Arjun To Yes Boss, Have A Look At Iconic Roles Of Marathi Superstar In Bollywood . Zoom TV . 27 March 2024.
  26. News: मराठी सिनेसृष्टीचा बादशाह आहेत अशोक सराफ, पण बॉलिवूडला त्यांची किंमत कळलीच नाही . Maharashtra Times . mr . 23 July 2023 . 27 March 2024.
  27. News: From marrying an actor twice her age to playing a lead at 54: A look at 'Agga Bai Sasubai' fame Nivedita Ashok Saraf's life . 16 November 2020 . The Times of India . 16 December 2019 . en.
  28. Web site: Ashok Saraf Birthday Special: अशोक सराफ आणि निवेदिता सराफ यांनी मुंबईत लग्न न करता गोव्यातील या मंदिरात केले होते लग्न. 4 June 2019. Lokmat. mr. 23 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191123101639/https://www.lokmat.com/marathi-cinema/ashok-saraf-birthday-special-ashok-saraf-and-nivedita-saraf-married-goa-mangeshi-temple/. 23 November 2019. live.
  29. News: Aggabai Sasubai actor Nivedita Saraf wishes son Aniket on his birthday; writes a heartfelt note . 4 September 2020 . The Times of India . 21 April 2020 . en.
  30. News: अशोक सराफ अपघातातून बचावले . 4 November 2019 . Zee News . 15 January 2012 . mr . https://web.archive.org/web/20180513143119/http://zeenews.india.com/marathi/news/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%95-%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AB-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87/29562 . 13 May 2018 . live .
  31. Web site: अभिनयसम्राट अशोक सराफ . agrowon.com . 6 November 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140606124617/http://www.agrowon.com/Agrowon/20111106/5128076081435971455.htm . 14 February 2024. 6 June 2014 .
  32. Web site: Ashok Saraf . indiarocking.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20160422184005/http://www.indiarocking.com/entertainment/ashok-saraf.php . 14 February 2024. 22 April 2016 .
  33. Web site: 8th Annual Screen Awards . Screen India . https://web.archive.org/web/20020117185520/http://www.screenindia.com/screenawards/award96.html . 14 February 2024. 17 January 2002 .
  34. News: Maharashtracha Favourite Kon? 2009 . https://archive.today/20130901232952/http://epaper.esakal.com/eSakal/20101101/5710645887082359505.htm . dead . 1 September 2013 . . mr . 1 November 2010 . 13 February 2024.
  35. News: Valecha . Rohan . Risbood . Vaibhavi V . Sonavane . Gaurav . 28 October 2017 . Jio Filmfare Awards Marathi 2017: Complete winners' list . The Times of India . 14 February 2024.
  36. Web site: Ashok Saraf conferred with Kala Gaurav Award . marathimovieworld.com . 27 April 2016 . 14 February 2024.
  37. News: Ashok Saraf to receive PIFF award . Hindustan Times . 29 November 2021 . 27 March 2024.
  38. News: अशोक सराफ, राणी बंग, रितेश देशमुख यांच्यासह नऊ जणांचा माझा सन्मान पुरस्काराने गौरव . ABP . mr . 14 August 2022 . 13 February 2024.
  39. Announcement of Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) . Sangeet Natak Akademi . New Delhi . 27 February 2024 . 17 March 2024.
  40. News: Zee Chitra Gaurav 2023: 'अशोक सराफ म्हणजे...', झी चित्रगौरव पुरस्कार सोहळ्यात मराठी कलाकार Emotional, मामांच्याही डोळ्यात पाणी Zee Chitra Gaurav 2023 comedy king veteran actor ashok saraf received jeevan gaurav puraskar . Zee News . mr . 23 March 2023 . 14 February 2024.
  41. News: Bose . Mrityunjay . 30 January 2024 . Ashok Saraf to be conferred with Maharashtra Bhushan . Deccan Herald . 14 February 2024.
  42. News: बेंद्रे . अनिश . 12 March 2025 . पाणी, इंद्रायणीचा 'मटा सन्मान'वर ठसा; वैदेही, समीर, शर्वरी सर्वोत्कृष्ट, विजेत्यांची संपूर्ण यादी . Maharashtra Times . mr . 22 March 2025.
  43. Web site: 28 May 2025 . Marathi actor Ashok Saraf honoured with Padma Shri . 28 May 2025 . Mid-day . en.
  44. News: Padma Awards 2025: Ashok Saraf, Mamata Shankar, Arijit Singh, Ajith Kumar honoured by President Droupadi Murmu .
  45. Web site: 27 May 2025 . अशोक सराफ यांचा राष्ट्रपती द्रौपदी मुर्मूंच्या हस्ते पद्मश्री पुरस्काराने गौरव, म्हणाले- "माझ्या जीवनातील विशेष क्षण..." . 28 May 2025 . Lokmat . mr.
  46. News: Ashok Saraf Receives Maharashtra Bhushan Award - Highest Civilian Honour . 28 May 2025 . Times of India.
  47. News: Ashok Saraf, Rajeev Verma, Bombay Jayashri to receive Sangeet Natak Akademi Award . 28 May 2025 . deccanherald.
  48. News: State to fete Rajnikant, Ashok Saraf . 28 May 2025 . dna india.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Ashok Saraf".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2026, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.