Ashok Saraf (Hindi pronunciation: [əʃoːk əɾaːf]; 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.
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 Aytya Gharat Gharoba .
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.
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Mama |
| Profession(s) | Actor, Comedian |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters– 178 cm in meters– 1.78 m in feet inches– 5’ 10” |
| Weight (approx.) | in kilograms– 80 kg in pounds– 176 lbs |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Career | |
| Debut | Marathi Film: Janaki (1969) Bollywood Film: Damaad (1978) |
| Awards, Honours, Achievements | • Filmfare Award for Ram Ram Gangaram (1977) • Maharashtra Government award for the movie Pandu Havaldar • Screen Award for the movie Sawai Havaldar • Bhojpuri Film Award for Maika Bitua • Best Comedian in Maharashtracha Favorite KonNote: Along with the above-mentioned awards, Saraf has also won 4 Filmfare Awards and 10 Maharashtra Government Awards for his performance in the Marathi Films. |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 4 June 1947 |
| Age 2023 | 76 Years as of 2023 |
| Birthplace | Nagpur, Central Provinces and Berar, British India (now in Maharashtra) |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Belgaum, Maharashtra, India |
| School | DGT Vidyalaya, Mumbai |
| Educational Qualification | Not known |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Listening to Music |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriends | Ranjana Deshmukh (Marathi Actress) |
| Family | |
| Wife/Spouse | Nivedita Joshi Saraf (Actress) |
| Children | Son– Aniket Saraf (Pastry Chef) Daughter– None |
| Parents | Names not known |
| Favourite Things | |
| Favourite Directors | Shantaram Bapu, Rajabhau Paranjpe |
Some Lesser Known Facts About Ashok Saraf
- Saraf spent his early childhood at Chikhalwadi in South Mumbai.
- Ashok Saraf started doing Marathi plays when he was 18 years old.
- The first Marathi commercial play that he did was “Yayati Aani Devyani.”
- Saraf was dating the Marathi actress, Ranjana Deshmukh, and their affair got disclosed when the actress died in an accident.
- Some of his popular Marathi Films include “Ashi Hi Banava Banavi,” “Aayatya Gharat Gharoba,” and “Dhum Dhadaka.”
- During the 1980s and 90s, Saraf and Laxmikant Berde were considered as the Marathi comedy superstars.
- Ashok has played some important roles in Bollywood films like “Singham,” “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya,” “Gupt,” “Koyla,” “Yes Boss,” and “Karan Arjun.”
- His roles in the television serials “Yeh Choti Badi Baatein” and “Hum Paanch” became very popular.
- Ashok is often referred to as the Samrat Ashoka of the Marathi Cinema.
- He is 18 years older to his wife, Nivedita Joshi Saraf.
- Saraf has actively participated in Marathi theatre. Some of his popular Marathi plays include “Hamidabaichi Kothi,” “Anidhikrut,” “Manomilan,” “He Ram Cardiogram,” “Darling Darling,” “Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay,” “Laginghai,” and “Vacuum Cleaner.”
- There were death rumours about Ashok in the year 2017. However, his wife, Nivedita Joshi Saraf, rubbished all the rumours and told that he was in good health.
- The actor once travelled in the second class of the train to Kolhapur for the shooting of his film “Mahalakshmi Express;” as the actors at that time used to receive very fewer fees. While travelling, two policemen recognised him and made fun of him on his economic condition. Ashok got so humiliated by this act that he completed his entire journey by hiding his face under the blanket.
- Ashok has done more than 250 Marathi films until 2019.
- Ashok has survived two major accidents; one where his neck was badly injured and the other when he was travelling for a press conference for his movie, ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla.’