Ashok Saraf is an Indian actor and comedian. Known for his work in Marathi films and theatre along with Hindi film productions, he has received several awards including four Filmfare Marathi Awards.

From the early 1980s, Saraf started getting cast as the leading hero 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, Dhoom Dhadaka, Gammat Jammat, Ashi hi Banawa Banavi and Vazir. Saraf has also starred in television serials like Yeh Choti Badi Baatein and Hum Paanch (as Anand Mathur).

In Bollywood, he is best remembered for the comic "Munshiji" in Rakesh Roshan's 1995 action thriller Karan Arjun, in Yes Boss as Shah Rukh Khan's friend and as Ajay Devgn's colleague in Singham as head constable. In the Marathi film industry, he is popularly known as "Mama" (maternal uncle).

Early life

Saraf was born in Bombay, (present day Mumbai) on 4 June 1947. He grew up in the South Mumbai neighbourhood of Chikhalwadi and went to DGT Vidyalay for his education. He was named "Ashok" after veteran actor Ashok Kumar. He spent his childhood at Chikhalwadi in South Mumbai. He completed his schooling at DGT Vidyalay Mumbai

Career

Saraf has been working in the film and television industry since the year 1969. He has acted in more than 250 Marathi films, out of which more than 100 were commercially successful. He has mostly acted in comedy films. He has played many roles in Marathi cinema, Marathi plays, Hindi cinema, Marathi television serials and Hindi television serials. He started his career with the Marathi movie Janaki in 1969. He then acted in the films like Donhi Gharacha Pahuna, Jawal Ye Laju Nako, Tumacha Amacha Jamala, Chimanrao Gundyabhau, Deed Shahane, Haldikunku, Duniya Kari Salam and more during the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to work in Marathi films with Laxmikant Berde, Sachin and Mahesh Kothare. The Marathi films moved into a different term of comedy during that phase. Ashi Hi Banava Banavi, Aayatya Gharat Gharoba, Balache Baap Bramhachari, Bhootacha Bhau and Dhum Dhadaka are some of the notable Marathi films in which Saraf acted.

Saraf has also acted in various Marathi plays and Hindi serials. He then developed his own production house "Aniket Telefilms", which is handled by his wife Nivedita Saraf.

Marathi film career
Ashok Saraf had success pairing with Laxmikant Berde, another comedian from Marathi cinema who has also acted in many Hindi films. With Saraf, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Laxmikant Berde, together they played in many Marathi films and most films were super-hits.[11] Both Laxmikant and Ashok were known to be good friends of actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar and actor-producer-director Mahesh Kothare. He tasted major success in Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988), in the lead role with the two reigning superstars of Marathi cinema, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Laxmikant Berde. The movie was a runaway hit.

Hindi film career
Saraf played important roles in Bollywood. Some of the roles which are remembered are from the films Singham, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Gupt, Koyla, Yes Boss, Joru Ka Gulaam and Karan Arjun. His performance in films against powerful comedy actors like Govinda, Johny Lever and Kader Khan was praised.

Hindi television serials
Saraf has also starred in television serials like Yeh Choti Badi Baatein and Hum Paanch (as Anand Mathur), which tasted major success. Ashok Saraf's comedy show Don't Worry Ho Jayega which was at that time telecast on Sahara TV was very popular in the 1990s. The audiences were very excited to watch this show at that time.

Marathi play career
Saraf has played a number of roles in Marathi plays in his career. Some of the important plays are Hamidabaichi Kothi, Anidhikrut, Manomilan, He Ram Cardiogram, Darling Darling, Sarkha Chatit Dukhtay, Laginghai, and Vacuum Cleaner

Awards and recognition

1977 - first Filmfare Award Marathi for Ram Ram Gangaram in category of special performance.
Filmfare Award Marathi Best Actor in
1982 - Gondhalat Gondhal
1983 - Goshta Dhamaal Namyachi
1996 - Suna Yeti Ghara.

Maharashtra government award for the movie Pandu Havaldar
Screen award for the movie Sawai Havaldar
Bhojpuri film award for Maika Bitua
10 State government awards for Marathi films
Best Comedian in Maharashtracha Favorite Kon?

Personal life

He is married to actress Nivedita Joshi-Saraf in 1990. They married at the Mangueshi Temple in Goa, where Saraf's family is originally from. They have a son named Aniket Saraf who is a chef.

Saraf survived a major car accident in the year 2012 on the Mumbai Pune Expressway near Talegaon.

Filmography

Marathi

Ved (2022) as Satya's Father
JeevanSandhya (2021) as Jeevan Abhyankar
Prawaas (2020) as Abhijat Inamdar
Me Shivaji Park (2018) as Digambar Sawant
Vrundavan as Girdhar Inamdar
Aandhali Koshimbir (2014) as Bapu Sadavarte
Ekulti Ek (2013)
Kunasathi Kunitari (2011) ....
Pakda Pakdi (2011) ....
Ideachi Kalpana (2010) .... Advocate Manohar Barshinge
Most Wanted (2010 film)
Tata Birla Ani Laila (2010)... Birla
Aika Dajiba (2010) ....
Master Eke Master (2009) ....
Nishani Daava Angatha (2009) ....
Hastil Tyache Daat Distil (2009) ....
Balirajache Rajya Yeu De (2009) ....
Gosht Lagnanantarchi (2009) ....
Ek Daav Dhobi Pachhad (2008)
Adala Badali (2008) .... Chandu
Aaba Zindabad (2008)
Baba Lagin (2008)
Anolkhi Hey Ghar Maze (2008) .... Mr. Deshmukh
Amhi Satpute (2008) .... Anna
Saade Maade Teen (2008) .... Ratan
Sakkha Bhau Pakka Vairi (2008)
Chalu Navra Bholi Bayko (2008)
Ek Unad Divas (2005)...Mr.Vishwas Dabholkar
Sakhi (film) (2007)
Mi Nahi Ho Tyatla (2007)
Karayla Gelo Ek (2007)
Lapun Chapun (2007)
Pahili Sher Dusri Savvasher Navara Pavsher (2006)
Devaa Shapath Khota Saangen Khara Saangnaar Naahi (2006)
Shubhmangal Savadhan (2006)
Kalubaichya Navane Changbhal (2006)
Akhand Saubhagywati (2006)
Soon Laadki Saasarachi (2005)
Saval Majhya Premacha (2005)
Aai No. 1 (2005)
Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum (2004) ....
Navra Maza Navsacha (2004) .... Bus Conductor Lalu
Sanshay Kallol (2004) ....
Fukat Chambu Baburao (2004)
Saglikade Bombabomb (2003)
Bhajiwali Sakhu Havaldar Bhiku (2000)
Bhakti Heech Khari Shakti (2000)
Saubhagyadan (2000) ....
Bhasma (1999) .... Masanjogi
Kunku (1997)
Bal Bramhachari (1996) .... Pyare Mohan
Gehra Raaz (1996)
Maaya Mamata (1996)
Topi Var Topi (1995)
Dhamal Jodi (1995)
Painjan (1995)
Sukhi Sansarachi 12 Sutre (1995)
Vazir (1994)
Sasar Maaher (1994)
Ghayaal (1993)
Aaplee Maanse (1993)
Lapandav (1993).....Abhijeet Samarth
Wajva Re Wajva (1993).... Uttam Tople
Tu Sukhakarta (1993)
Premankur (1993)
Wat Pahate Punvechi (1993)
Shubh Mangal Savdhan (1992)
Aikaav Te Nawalach (1992)
Than Than Gopala (1992)
Dhar Pakad (1992)
Zhunj Tujhi Majhi (1992)
Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991) ... Gopinath Kirtikar
Aflatoon (1991) .... Bajarang Rav
Chaukat Raja (1991) Gana
Godi Gulabi (1991)
Jasa Baap Tashi Poore (1991) .... Raja
Mumbai Te Mauritius (1991) .... Prem Ladku a.k.a. Bombay to Mauritius (International: English title)
Anapekshit (1991) .... Uttam Rao Pawar
Balidaan (1991)
Thamb Thamb Jau Nako Lamb (1990)
Ina Mina Dika (1990) .... Mina
Shejari Shejari (1990) .... Keshav Kulkarni
Aamchya Sarkhe Aamhich (1990) ... Bhupal / Nirbhay Inamdar (dual role)
Dhamal Bablya Ganpyachi (1990)
Tuzhi Mazhi Jamli Jodi (1990) a.k.a. We Are Life Partners
Ghanchakkar (1990)
Ejaa Beeja Teeja (1990)
Eka Peksha Ek (1989) ... Inspector Sarjerao Shinde
Pheka Pheki (1989) ... Rajan Pradhan
Baapre Baap (1990)
Tiyya (1990)
Dharla Tar Chavatay (1989) ... Raja Patil
Savla Maroti (1989)
Atmavishwas (1989) ... Vijay Zende
Balache Baap Brahmachari (1989) .... Vilas
Bhutacha Bhau (1989)
Maalmasala (1989)
Ek Gadi Baaki Anadi (1989)
Kalat Nakalat (1989)
Nawara Bayako (1989)
Madhu Chandrachi Ratra (1989)
Aaghat (1989)
Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988) ... Dhananjay Mane
Aurat Teri Yehi Kahani (1988) .... Bhagwan Singh
Changu Mangu (1988) .... Changu / Ayappa (dual role)
Maza Pati Karodpati (1988) ... Dinkar Luktuke
Saglikade Bombabomb (1988)
Disata Tas Nasata (1988)
Mamla Poricha (1988)
Pandharichi Vari (1988)
Shiv Shakti (1988)
Anandi Anand (1987)
Chhakke Panje (1987) .... Ashok
Gammat Jammat (1987) .... Phalgun Vadke
Prem Karuya Khullam Khulla (1987) .... Bajarang
Premasathi Vattel Te (1987)
Gadbad Ghotala (1986) .... Hemant 'Hemu' Dhole a.k.a. Everything in Chaos
Tuzya Vachun Karmena (1986)
Khara Varasdar (1986)
Dhum Dhadaka (1985) .... Ashok Gupchup / Yadhunath Javalkar
Gaon Tasa Changla Pan Veshila Tangla (1985)
Khichadi (1985)
Sagge Soyare (1985)
Ek Daav Bhutacha (1984) .... Mavala Bhut khandoji farjand
Sasu varchadh Jawai (1984)
BinKamacha Navara (1984)..... Tukaram/Tukya
Gosht Dhamal Namyachi (1984).... Namdev/Namya
Hech Mazha Maher (1984)..... Kammana
Navri Mile Navryala (1984) .... Balasaheb Inamdar
Bahuroopi (1984)....Bahurupi
Chawhata (1984)
Kulswamini Ambabai (1984)
Zakhmi Waghin (1984)
Gulchaadi (1984)
Jugalbandi (1984)
Savvasher (1984)
Thakas Mahathak (1984)
Baiko Asavi Ashi (1983)
Gupchup Gupchup (1983) .... Prof. Dhond
Raghu Maina (1983)
Kashala Udyachi Baat (1983)
Galli Te Dilli (1982)
Don Baika Fajiti Aika (1982)
Maibaap (1982)
Savitrichi Sun (1982)
Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982)
Aapalech Daat Aapalech Oth (1982)
Bhannat Bhanu (1982)
Daivat (1982)
Gondhalat Gondhal (1981) .... Madan
Sundara Satarkar (1981)
Are Sansar Sansar (1981)
Govinda Aala Re Aala (1981)
Mosmabi Narangi (1981)
Choravar Mor (1980)
Phatakadi (1980)
Sulavarchi Poli (1980)
Hich Khari Daulat (1980)
Sawaj (1980)
Saubhagwan (1980)
Sharan Tula Bhagwanta (1980)
Paijecha Vida (1979)
Chimanrao Gundyabhau (1979)
Haldikunku (1979)
Bailaveda (1979)
Deed Shahane (1979)
Sasurvashin (1978)
Gyanabachi Mekh (1979)
Sushila (1978)
Ram Ram Gangaram (1977).....Mhamdu Khatik
Navara Maja Bramhmachari (1977)
Jawal Ye Laju Nako (1976)
Tumacha Amacha Jamala (1976)
Pandu Hawaldar (1975)
Varat (1975)
Pandoba Poragi Phasali (1975)
Aalay Tufan Darayala (1973)
Donhi Gharcha Pahuna (1971)
Janaki (1969)

Hindi

Singham (Hindi) (2011) as Head Constable Savalkar
Familywala (Hindi) (2010) (Stuck/On Hold)
Qatal E Aam (2005)
Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa (2002) as Mr. Patel
Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein (2002) as Govind
Ittefaq (2001) as Shambhu Shikari
Inteqam (2001) as Murli (Watchman)
Jodi No.1 (2001) as Ashok Rai
Aashiq (2001) as Constable
Afsana Dilwalon Ka (2001) as Pyarebhai
Joru Ka Ghulam (2000) .... P.K. Girpade
Beti No. 1 (2000) .... Ram Bhatnagar
Khoobsurat (1999) .... Mahesh Chaudhary (Gambler)
Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998) as Tadkalal
Bandhan (1998) .... Chillu
Koi Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1997)
Yes Boss (1997) as Johnny
Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997) as Havaldar Pandu
Judge Mujrim (1997) as PA Natwar
Koyla (1997) as Vedji
Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai (1996) .... Dr. Avinash
Army (1996 film)... Pascal
Guddu (1995) as Baliya
Aazmayish (1995) as Roshanlal
Jamla Ho Jamla (1995)
Karan Arjun (1995) as Munshiji
Karan (1994 film)
Nazar Ke Samne (1994) as Mamu
Sangdil Sanam (1994) as Bhalchander a.k.a. Sangdil Sanam: The Heartless Lover (USA: DVD box title)
Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1994) as Dhaniram
Dil Hai Betaab (1993) as Vikram's employee
Prem Deewane (1992) .... Shomu
Sarphira (1992)
Meera Ka Mohan (1992)
Jagruti (1992) as Sevalal
I Love You (1992)
Naseebwaala (1992) as Gangaram Lalwani
Benaam Badsha (1991) as Vinay Chandra Rathod a.k.a. VCR
Yaara Dildara (1991)
Chor Pe Mor (1990)
Mahal (1989)
Bade Ghar Ki Beti (1989) .... Kasturi
Garibon Ka Daata (1989)
Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1988) as Lallu Ram
Pratighaat (1987) as Crooked Lawyer a.k.a. The Revenge
Muddat (1986) as Narayan a.k.a. Ages
Maa Beti (1986)[26]
Ghar Dwaar (1985) as Bahadur
Phulwari (1984 film) as Rickshaw driver
Abodh (1984) as Hanuman (Shankar's friend)
Nagin (1981)
Duniya Kari Salam (1979) as Shivanand
Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi (1979) as Advocate Venkat Vyas
Damaad (1978)

Marathi Natak (Drama)

Lagin Ghaai
Bandu Aani Batate Pohe – Hasavnyasaathi Janama Apula
Sarkh Chatit Dukhtay (2010)
Prema Tuza Rang Kasa
Manomilan
Andhikrut
Zala Ekdach
Vacuum Cleaner
Sangeet Sanshay Kallol
Hasat Khelat (2007)
Sangeet Sanshay kallol
Ek Unaad Diwas

Television series

Nana O Nana (2011)
Aa Bail Mujhe Maar
Zopi Gelela Jaga Zala (1986)
Don't Worry Ho Jayega as Sanjay Bhandari
Yeh Choti Badi Baatein
Hum Paanch (1995) & (2005) as Anand Mathur
Chutki Bajake as Ishwar Devgan
Raju Raja Rajasaab
Tan Tana Tan
Professor Pyarelal