Latest news with #AshokSaraf
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
There's still so much left to explore as an actor: Ashok Saraf
Ashok Saraf, celebrated for his versatile roles, recently received the Padma Shri. He dedicated the award to his family and audience. Saraf reminisces about his 54-year career. He emphasizes the importance of comedy in Marathi cinema. Saraf credits his wife, Nivedita Joshi Saraf, for her unwavering support throughout his journey in the film industry. Veteran actor Ashok Saraf has brought to life many memorable characters over five decades of his illustrious career. Known for his impeccable comic timing as well as roles with emotional depth, the Hum Paanch and Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi actor was recently honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri , an honour he dedicated to his family and audience. At 78, Saraf is as excited as ever for new challenges, diverse roles, and yet-to-be explored stories. In a chat with us, he reflects on his journey in showbiz, his approach towards his characters, and more. 'Every appreciation is close to my heart' Speaking about receiving one of the highest civilian honours, Saraf shares, 'Every appreciation that I have received has been very close to my heart. What makes this one so special is that it recognises my work across films, theatre and television. My years of hard work and dedication have been acknowledged. It's a huge thing for me, and I am overwhelmed.' Turning nostalgic, he adds, 'I started off 54 years ago and I am fortunate to be working even today. Memories from my journey came rushing back while accepting the honour.' 'I don't give much importance to the length of the role' For the actor, who has played leading as well as supporting roles and cameos, it has never been about screen time or the length of a role. 'I don't give much importance to that aspect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo I see how that character contributes to the story,' he says, and elaborates, 'Take Singham for instance. It was just a couple of scenes that I had in the film. But imagine the kind of impact it had. So, it's about how well you justify the part you are given. ' The Shentimental actor adds, 'Once the camera rolls, I surrender completely to the role. However, there have been times when I have offered suggestions and made spontaneous additions whenever I felt it was important to refine my character during the shoot.' 'I could work consistently because of Nivedita' He credits the unwavering support of his wife Nivedita Joshi Saraf for his remarkable journey in showbiz. 'If she had not been by my side, I wouldn't have made it till here,' he said, adding, 'She manages both her work and home so efficiently. As a husband I feel so proud to see that. It is because of her that I have been able to work consistently all these years,' he says. 'Filmmakers must offer more comedy films ' Having acted in over 250 films in his career, Saraf is often remembered for his roles in comedy films. 'I feel the Marathi audience loves to stay happy. Our audience has a wonderful sense of humour, and the industry has produced many cult comedies in the past. Today, filmmakers are pushing the envelope in all aspects, be it with the stories they handle or even the technical finesse. But I feel they must offer the viewers more comedy films,' says Saraf, who has acted in several hit comedies like Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, Shejari Shejari, Gammat Jammat and Navra Mazha Navsacha. About his work, the actor adds, 'I feel I've only scratched the surface with the characters I have played. There is so much left for me to explore as an actor.'
India.com
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actor who used to give Rs 5 to Nana Patekar for massaging his feet, was once a TV star, his name is...
Marathi cinema has produced many great artists. One of them is Ashok Saraf. He is known as 'Mahanayak', 'Ashok Samrat' and 'Mama'. Before coming on the big screen, he used to work in the theatre. Along with giving great films in Marathi cinema, he has appeared in many Hindi films like Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Koyla, Gupt, Yes Boss, and Singham. He is a good friend of Nana Patekar. Nana Patekar has shared an anecdote related to him. Let's know. Ashok Saraf started his career before Nana Patekar. Both of them did many shows together in the theatre. When Nana Patekar was struggling, Ashok Saraf had become quite famous. Ashok Saraf supported Nana Patekar during his struggling days. In a program, Nana Patekar has told an anecdote about his friendship with Ashok Saraf. According to Times of India, Nana Patekar told that whenever Ashok Saraf used to go somewhere for a play, before that Nana Patekar used to massage his feet and head. In return, Ashok used to give him 5 rupees. Ashok Saraf earned 250 rupees from the play 'Hamidabaichi Kothi' while Nana Patekar earned 50 rupees. Both of them used to play cards in their free time. Saraf used to lose the game intentionally so that he could give some money to Nana Patekar. Nana Patekar knew about this, but due to financial constraints, he used to take the money. Ashok has not asked for money from Nana Once when Nana Patekar suddenly needed money, Ashok went to Nana Patekar's house with a blank cheque. Ashok Saraf told Nana Patekar that he has Rs 15000 in his account, you can withdraw as much as you want. Nana Patekar withdrew Rs 3000 at that time. Ashok Saraf has not asked for that money from Nana Patekar till date.
