Kashinath Ghanekar (14 August 1930 – 2 March 1986 ) was a popular stage and Film actor also a dental surgeon. He won the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor twice for films Paathlag and Deo Manus.

Early life

Ghanekar was born in the Chiplun and did his schooling and higher studies in Chiplun, Maharashtra, India.

Personal life

He married twice. He was married to Irawati M. Bhide, a gynaecologist and obstetrician. His first marriage was childfree and ended in divorce. He subsequently married a much younger Kanchan, the daughter of Marathi actress Sulochana Latkar. This marriage was harmonious, and after his death Kanchan penned a biography titled Nath Ha Maza, meaning "such was my husband".

Career

Ghanekar was the first superstar of the Marathi stage with a lot of glamour, and he was the highest paid star from the years 1960 to 1980. He appeared in Marathi films in the 1960s. In addition to Marathi stage and movies, he appeared in Hindi movies such as Abhilasha opposite Nanda and Dadi Maa where he played the role of the son of Ashok Kumar and Bina Rai. The role that made him a popular actor was that of Sambhaji in the play Raigadala Jevha Jaag Yete (When Raigad Awakens) written by the play writer, Vasant Kanetkar. The most notable character played by him was "Lalya" in the play Ashroonchi Zhali Phule. Some of the other noted plays he acted in are: Ithe Oshalala Mrutyu, Garambicha Bapu, Anandi Gopal, Shitu, Tujhe Aahe Tujpashi, Sundar Mi Honar and Madhumanjiri. The film Madhuchandra (in 1968) made Ghanekar, a noted stage actor, a major Marathi film star. One of his most popular films in Marathi is the mystery movie Ha Khel Savlyancha with Asha Kale.

Death and legacy

Ghanekar died of a heart attack during one of the tours of his plays, at his hotel room at Amravati.

Theatre

Below is a list of stage plays where Ghanekar played a significant role. Year mentioned is when the Play was first performed on a public stage.

Filmography