The Padma Awards were recently awarded to esteemed figures from different fields, and one of the most popular names that stood out in the winner list was of renowned actor, Ashok Saraf. The veteran actor, popularly referred to as ‘Mama’ in the Marathi film industry, has worked in more than 250 Marathi films and created a unique identity for himself in the films, television and theatre world. What started as a career working in a bank eventually brought him the Padma Shri Award in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Ashok Saraf’s humble beginnings and exceptional career in Marathi cinema
Ashok Saraf was born on June 4, 1947, in Mumbai and grew up in the Chikhalwadi area. was named after the actor, Ashok Kumar and worked as a bank employee for nearly a decade. The actor began his acting career in the 1960s and starred in his first Marathi film, Janaki, In 1969, which marked the beginning of a long journey. Such an iconic career requires a peculiar understanding of acting, and Ashok was not indifferent. He understood the nuances of acting in theatres and worked in plays like Hamidabaichi Kothi, Anadhikrut, Mano-Milan, He Ram Cardiogram, Darling Darling, Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay, etc.
From the initial days in films, he began to give hits especially in the comedy genre. Some of his hits include Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, Aayatya Gharat Gharoba, Balache Baap Brahmachari, Bhutacha Bhau and Dhum Dhadaka, among others. Apart from being one of the few actors to deliver more than 100 commercially successful films in Marathi cinema, Ashok Saraf also played a key role over the years in shaping the industry. Especially his successful collaborations, flawless chemistry and comic films with Laxmikant Berde and Sachin Pilgaonkar used to rule in the ’80s and ’90s.
Ashok Saraf’s contribution wasn’t just limited to Marathi cinema as he even made his way to the Hindi TV and film industry. From working with Shah Rukh Khan in his initial years in Bollywood to being a part of Ajay Devgn’s most iconic film, the veteran actor has worked a long journey in Hindi cinema. He has worked in popular Hindi films with SRK and Salman like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Yes Boss and Karan Arjun as ‘Munshiji’. At the same time, Ashok worked in Gupt, Koyla and Ajay Devgn’s Singham where he left a major impact with his brief role.
Despite gaining popularity with films, it was Television that made Ashok Saraf a household name. He was part of Hindi TV shows like Yeh Choti Badi Baatein, Don’t Worry Ho Jayega and Hum Paanch, where he played the role of ‘Aman Mathur’, a father with five unique daughters which has gone down in history as one of the most loved TV shows.
Ashok Saraf tied the knot with Nivedita Joshi and won Padma Shri 2025
Ashok Saraf had to always work hard to achieve success in life and love was not different. He first got engaged to an actress. Ranjana Deshmukh, but they parted ways. Later, he found love with fellow actress Nivedita Joshi. The actor met her while working on a play, and romance bloomed on the set of Dhum Dhadaka.
But again, their path had its challenges. The duo’s family had issues over their cultural background, 18-year-age gap and even profession. But they overcame the hurdles and got married in 1990. Ashok embraced fatherhood with the birth of his son, Aniket and named his production house after him. Ashok, who recently got awarded with the Padma Shri, paid off a long due for his contribution to the cinema. Reflecting his grounded nature, the actor gave a simple message at his win and penned:
“The Padma Shri honour is a special moment in my life. I thank the Maharashtra Government. Thank you to my family, colleagues, and audience — this wouldn’t have been possible without your love. Let your love and blessings remain the same forever.”
We congratulate Ashok Saraf for getting honoured with the prestigious award, Padma Shri 2025?
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