Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, a popular artist in Marathi cinema, received a unique and emotional salute just days after being conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. While returning to Mumbai from Delhi, Saraf was greeted with a surprise mid-air tribute by his niece, Captain Aditi Paranjpe, who happened to be piloting the flight.
Ashok Saraf’s niece surprises him with in-flight tribute after Padma Shri honour
Saraf had been in the capital to receive the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 27, 2025. The honour was bestowed on him for his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Marathi and Hindi films. He was accompanied by his wife and fellow actor, Nivedita Saraf.
What awaited them on the return journey was a gesture rooted in family pride. As the flight prepared for takeoff, passengers were greeted by Captain Paranjpe’s voice over the intercom. Known for occasionally delivering her announcements in Marathi, she took a personal turn this time.
“Today’s journey holds a very special place in my heart because my uncle, Ashok Saraf, is flying with us,” she said, before acknowledging his recent Padma Shri award and requesting a round of applause from fellow travellers. The cabin responded with spontaneous cheers and claps, turning a routine flight into a memorable tribute.
A video capturing the announcement and the passengers’ response was later uploaded as an Instagram reel and quickly went viral. The clip drew widespread appreciation from fans and industry peers alike. Several Marathi film personalities—including Supriya Pilgaonkar, Hemant Dhome, Kshitee Jog, Rutuja Bagwe, Sanket Pathak, and Suparna Shyam—shared their admiration for the gesture, praising the blend of personal pride and public celebration.
Also Read: Veteran actor Ashok Saraf conferred with Maharashtra Bhushan 2023 by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
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