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 cinemaÂ
Ashok Saraf was born on June 4, 1947, in Mumbai and grew up in the Chikhalwadi area. He 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 understood the nuances of acting in theatres. Also, he worked in plays like Hamidabaichi Kothi, Anadhikrut, Mano-Milan, He Ram Cardiogram, Darling Darling, Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay, etc.
