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Milind Gunaji
Milind Gunaji
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Milind Gunaji (born 23 July 1961) is an Indian actor, model, television presenter, writer and author, most known for his roles in Marathi and Hindi cinema.[1][2] He made his first film appearance in 1993's Papeeha and has since performed in over 250 films and acted as the host of the Zee Marathi channel travel show Bhatkanti.[3] Gunaji has served as the Government of Maharashtra's brand ambassador for forests and wildlife. Currently, he is the brand ambassador for Hill Station Mahabaleshwar.

Key Information

Career

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Gunaji was born on 23 July 1961 in Bombay (present-day Mumbai), Maharashtra. Gunaji initially began acting in the 1993 film Papeeha and first gained widespread notice in the 1996's Fareb in the role of Inspector Indrajeet Saxena.[4] The role earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Performance in a Negative Role.

In 2009, he was named the brand ambassador for the Novel Institute Group's NIBR College of Hotel Management.[5][6] Milind did Everest , which aired on StarPlus November 2014. He has also made a brief appearance in South Indian cinema, playing important roles in two movies Aalavandhan (Tamil) and Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (Telugu).

Gunaji has held many solo photo exhibitions as a photographer, including in Balgandharva Pune, Kalidas Hall in Nashik, Prabodhankar Thackeray Hall in Vile Parle among others.[7]

He has served as a travel writer, brand ambassador of Intiamatkat Tours and writes a weekly column in the Lokprabha supplement of the Marathi daily Loksatta. As an author, Gunaji has penned 12 books. In 1998, he published his first book, Majhi Mulukhgiri, a compilation of his Lokprabha columns.[8][9] Gunaji has modeled, stating that it "satisfies my ego and gives good monetary returns."[10]

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Language Notes
1993 Droh Kaal Shiv Hindi
Papeeha Kabir Sagar
1995 Daughters of This Century Goluk
1996 Fareb Inspector Indrajeet Saxena
1997 Koi Kisise Kum Nahin Ajay
Salma Pe Dil Aa Gaya Dilawar Khan
Do Rahain Rajjappa
Virasat Bali Thakur
1998 Sarkarnama Kumar Deshmukh Marathi
Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa Saroj Pal Hindi
Zor Iqbal Khan
1999 Zulmi Nihal
Trishakti Commando Bajrang
Godmother Veeram
2000 Jodidar Manohar Deshmukh Marathi
Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain Milind Hindi
2001 Aalavandhan Col. Santosh Kumar Tamil
Abhay Col. Santosh Kumar Hindi
2002 Ansh: The Deadly Part Babu Bakshi
Devdas Kali
Mulaqaat Akhtar Khan
2003 LOC Kargil Major Rajesh Adhau
2004 Aan: Men at Work Ajit Pradhan
Dev Mangal Rao
Asambhav Ansari
2005 Dhamkee[11] Guru Sawant
Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story Mahabat Khan
Balu - Telugu Cameo appearance
Sarivar Sari Piyush Marathi
Fareb Advocate Milind Mehta Hindi
2006 Manthan: Ek Amrut Pyala Avinash Deshpande Marathi
Jigyaasa Subhash Desai Hindi
Phir Hera Pheri Nanjibhai
Come December Dr. Suresh Shah
Betrayed By Passion[12] Thomas Varghese English
2008 Black & White Hamid Hindi
Humne Jeena Seekh Liya Professor Akil Karin
2009 Mudrank: The Stamp Politician Pote
Yeh Mera India Ashfaq
The Hero - Abhimanyu SP Arjun Singh
Lagli Paij Magician Abraham Marathi
2010 Ek Shodh[13] Detective Hindi
To the London Calling Rajvansh
Khatta Meeta Suhas Vichare
2011 Karthik Karthik's Father Kannada
Singularity Shiv English
Om Allah Saibaba Hindi
2012 Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum Chakravarthy Telugu
Sambha[10] - Hindi Cameo appearance
2013 Lek Ladki Minar's Father Marathi
Rab Ton Sohna Ishq - Punjabi
Psycho Meera's Father Hindi
Kamasutra: The Revenge The Mighty King
2014 Than Than Gopal Mr. Sawant Marathi
Rege Samar Khan
M3 - Midsummer Midnight Mumbai Police Commissioner Hindi
2015 Karbonn - Cameo appearance
Saankal Apoorva Singh Bhati
Mudrank: The Stamp - Special appearance
2016 Kaul Manacha Dr. Ratnakar Narlikar Marathi
Prem Kahani - Ek Lapleli Goshta Sonal's Father
2017 Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Mandi: Ek Prem Katha Thakur Bijendra Singh
The Ghazi Attack RAW Agent Girish Kumar Hindi
Telugu
Babuji Ek Ticket Bambai - Hindi
Gautamiputra Satakarni Kanji Telugu
Oxygen Chandra Prakash
Okkadu Migiladu Education Minister
2018 Race 3 Ranchod Singh Hindi
2019 The Warrior Queen of Jhansi Gangadhar Rao English
Panipat Dattaji Rao Scindia Hindi
Liitle Gandhi Anurag Gandhi
2022 Goshta Eka Paithanichi Inamdar Marathi
Rashtra Ranjeet
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 Thakur Vijender Singh Rathore Hindi
HIT: The First Case Inspector Ibrahim
2023 The Rise of Sudarshan Chakra Sardar [14]
2024 Saajish The Conspiracy Fanne Khan
Political War Abdulla
The UP Files Shadab
Nennekkaduna Religious Leader Telugu
2025 Saako 363 Deewana Bhandari Hindi
Love Karu Ya Shadi Col. Ajit Singh
TBA The Battle of Bhima Koregaon TBA

Television

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Works

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  • Majhi Mulukhagiri (1998)
  • Bhatkanti (2001)
  • Chala Mazya Govyala (2003)
  • Offbeat Tracks in Maharashtra (2003)
  • Chanderi Bhatkanti (2005)
  • Gudha Ramya Maharashtra (2007)
  • Mystical Magical Maharashtra (2009)
  • A Travel Guide Offbeat Tracks in Maharashtra (2009)
  • Anwat (2011)
  • Meri Avismarniya Yatra (2011)
  • Gad Killyanchi Bhatkanti (2011)
  • Hawai Mulukhgiri (2013)

Awards and nominations

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Milind Gunaji (born 23 July 1961) is an Indian mechanical engineer, , , , model, and photographer, best known for his versatile roles in and , as well as his prolific contributions to and shows highlighting Maharashtra's heritage. With a career spanning over three decades, he has appeared in more than 250 films across , Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and industries, often portraying complex antagonistic characters, while also authoring twelve books that promote and cultural exploration. Gunaji's multifaceted pursuits extend to hosting acclaimed travel programs and serving as a for Maharashtra's and forests, blending his passions for , writing, and . Gunaji initially aspired to a career in sports before pursuing and transitioning into modeling and . He made his debut in Sai Paranjpye's Papeeha (1993), followed by breakthrough performances as the intense Inspector Indrajeet Saxena in Fareb (1996) and supporting roles in Priyadarshan's Virasat (1997) and more recent releases including (2022), the web series Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022), and the upcoming Konkani Miranda House (2025). Throughout his career, he has embraced selective projects to maintain quality, featuring in diverse works such as the Telugu Balu ABCDEFG (2005) and the Tamil Alaavandhan (2001). His portrayals often draw on his commanding screen presence, earning him recognition in both mainstream and regional cinema. In addition to acting, Gunaji has made significant impacts through television and literature, leveraging his love for travel and photography. He hosted the popular Marathi travel series Bhatkanti, which explored over 350 forts and natural sites in , and has produced documentaries on the state's jungles. As an author, his debut Majhi Mulukhgiri (1998) compiled his travel columns from Lokprabha, followed by titles like Offbeat Tracks in Maharashtra (2008) and Mystical, Magical (2010), which detail off-the-beaten-path destinations, temples, sanctuaries, and historical sites. For these efforts, he received a state award and was appointed for 's forest and wildlife department in 2008. Gunaji continues to balance his professional endeavors with personal interests in poetry and cultural ambassadorship, advocating for .

Early life and education

Birth and family

Milind Gunaji was born on 23 July 1961 in , , . He was raised in .

Academic background

Milind Gunaji received his early in , where he developed an interest in literature as a reader of Marathi classics from his school days. He pursued higher education in , completing his degree. During his student years, Gunaji was actively involved in extracurricular sports, excelling as a state-level cricketer and badminton player.

Career

Film acting

Milind Gunaji transitioned from a successful modeling career, notably as the face of Digjam suiting, to with his debut in the 1993 Hindi film Papeeha, directed by , where he played a forest officer opposite Winnie Paranjape. This role marked his entry into cinema as a model-turned-actor, leveraging his poised screen presence in a narrative blending romance and environmental themes. His breakthrough came in 1996 with the thriller Fareb, where he portrayed the , a corrupt and obsessive officer, earning a Award nomination for Best Performance in a Negative Role. This performance established Gunaji's reputation for nuanced portrayals of negative or shaded characters, often infusing them with intensity and moral ambiguity that resonated with audiences. Over the subsequent decades, Gunaji expanded his filmography to over 250 projects across multiple languages, including , Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, , Punjabi, and English, spanning from the to the 2020s. His early career in the focused primarily on , building on his initial roles to secure supporting parts in mainstream productions. By the , he shifted toward Marathi films, dominating that regional industry with lead and character roles that highlighted his versatility in dramatic narratives. The and 2020s saw further diversification into multilingual cinema, allowing him to collaborate across Indian film industries while maintaining a presence in Bollywood. Among his notable performances, Gunaji played the lecherous Kalibabu in the 2002 Hindi epic , directed by , adding a layer of familial tension to the central romance. In the 2018 action thriller , he essayed the villainous Ranchod Singh, contributing to the film's high-stakes ensemble dynamic. More recently, he appeared in the 2024 political dramas The UP Files, portraying a key figure in Uttar Pradesh's governance intrigue, and Political War, tackling themes of electoral corruption. He featured in the 2025 Hindi comedy-drama Love Karu Yaa Shaadi and Saako 363, exploring modern relationship dilemmas and environmental themes, respectively. Throughout his career, Gunaji has navigated challenges such as transitioning from modeling's visual demands to acting's emotional depth, often crediting his early ad campaigns for honing his on-camera charisma. He has also addressed typecasting in antagonist roles, noting that his intense features suited villains like those in Fareb and Devdas, but recent OTT projects have allowed him to explore more varied characters, revitalizing opportunities for complex negative portrayals on screen.

Television and hosting

Milind Gunaji's extensive film career laid the groundwork for his transition into television, where he demonstrated versatility in both and presenting roles. His television debut came in 1995 with a role in the serial , marking his entry into episodic storytelling. Over the years, he took on notable parts in several popular serials, including a in Sony's CID in 1998, supporting roles in Colors' Kulvadhu and in 2011, and the lead role of ACP Pratap Yashwantrao Teje in Life OK's Hum Ne Li Hai... Shapath from 2012 to 2013. His portrayal of Arun Abhyankar in Star Plus's in 2014 further showcased his ability to embody authoritative figures in dramatic narratives. Gunaji's hosting career began in the early 2000s with the launch of Bhatkanti on , a travel show that explores destinations across and , blending his on-screen charisma with informative narration. The series, which has run for over two decades with numerous episodes, highlights historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage, often featuring Gunaji as the rugged adventurer guiding viewers through offbeat locales. He also hosted Discover Maharashtra, another program that complements Bhatkanti by delving deeper into the state's diverse attractions, further establishing his reputation as a knowledgeable presenter. Through these hosting ventures, Gunaji's work has significantly enhanced his popularity among Marathi audiences, who appreciate his authentic passion for and detailed insights into regional . His hosting style evolved to integrate personal interests such as , with episodes often capturing scenic visuals that reflect his artistic eye, while tying into broader themes of as the government's brand ambassador for forests. This approach not only educated viewers but also promoted , resonating with audiences interested in and . In addition to scripted roles and main hosting duties, Gunaji has made guest appearances on various platforms, including promotional spots for initiatives and reality show segments that align with his expertise, such as discussions on and heritage. As of 2023, Bhatkanti continues to engage viewers through classic episodes and occasional specials on digital platforms, maintaining its enduring appeal without new full seasons announced by 2025.

Other pursuits

Writing and books

Milind Gunaji entered the field of writing in the late 1990s, debuting with Majhi Mulukhgiri in 1998, a Marathi travelogue that compiled his columns from the Lokprabha. Over the years, he has authored a total of 12 books, focusing on travel narratives drawn from his explorations. Notable titles include the English-language guide Offbeat Tracks in Maharashtra published in 2003, the Marathi work Anvat, and Goodh-Ramya Maharashtra in its updated edition. Gunaji's literary output centers on uncovering Maharashtra's hidden gems, advocating for offbeat tourism routes, and highlighting the state's through personal anecdotes from his journeys. His books often detail lesser-visited sites such as forts, temples, hill stations, sanctuaries, and waterfalls, encouraging readers to experience the region's natural and historical diversity beyond mainstream attractions. These works have been published primarily through regional presses like Rajhans Prakashan, reflecting their focus on Marathi and local English audiences. Gunaji's acting career, which involved frequent travels across Maharashtra's interiors for shoots and promotions, provided firsthand inspiration and material for his writing, blending professional obligations with his passion for exploration. He has published updated editions linked to his long-running travel show Bhatkanti, such as the titular book (as of 2017) that captures on-location experiences from the program. Many of his books feature illustrations from his own , enhancing the visual appeal of the travel descriptions.

Photography and modeling

Milind Gunaji began his professional career in modeling in the late , following his degree and a sports injury that shifted his focus from athletics. He underwent a portfolio shoot with renowned photographer and was promptly signed for a Digjam suiting campaign, marking his entry into print advertisements and brand endorsements that eventually led to his film debut in the . Gunaji transitioned into as a passionate pursuit, capturing images of , wildlife, and travel during his extensive explorations across and beyond. His work behind the camera gained recognition through a solo exhibition in in 2007, where he showcased his photographic skills alongside his acting persona. In 2016, he shared personal photographs from a recent tour of at a fine arts exhibition in , highlighting his role as an amateur photographer and travel enthusiast. Key projects include photo essays featured in his travel guide Offbeat Tracks in Maharashtra (2010), where his visuals depict the state's rugged terrains, sanctuaries like Nannaj Bird Sanctuary and , forests, waterfalls, and , unraveling the region's natural splendor. He has contributed to documentaries and a channel-produced on 's jungles, emphasizing conservation themes. These efforts integrate seamlessly with his travel writing, providing visual narratives to complement textual explorations. Gunaji's photography has intersected with promotional roles, including his appointment as for Maharashtra's forests and by the state forest ministry in 2007, promoting conservation awareness. He also serves as ambassador for the hill station of , leveraging his images to highlight its scenic beauty. In 2009, he was named for the Novel Institute Group's NIBR College of Hotel Management, drawing on his travel and cultural expertise. By the mid-2010s, Gunaji continued evolving his practice through personal collections from Maharashtra's forests and shared travel imagery, maintaining an active presence in visual storytelling up to recent years.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Milind Gunaji married Gunaji in 1990, having met her on the sets of the Marathi television serial Kalpantar. , a Marathi actress and television anchor, works primarily in the regional entertainment industry. The couple has one son, Abhishek Gunaji, an IT engineer and aspiring filmmaker based in . Abhishek married Radha Patil, a professional in the pharmaceutical sector, in a private temple ceremony in Walawal, , , on December 17, 2021, with the event emphasizing simplicity and connection to . Milind and supported their son's choice of an intimate wedding, reflecting the family's grounded values amid their industry ties. Residing in , the Gunajis balance Milind's demanding schedule of film roles, writing, and travel hosting with family-oriented routines. Rani has provided steadfast support throughout his career, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry's challenges, including its rumor mills. The family often incorporates joint travels, such as explorations in scenic spots like , allowing them to share Milind's passion for trekking and cultural discovery while maintaining close relational bonds.

Interests and philanthropy

Milind Gunaji harbors a deep passion for travel that dates back to his childhood, driving him to explore offbeat and lesser-known regions across , such as the interiors of the and remote hill stations. This enthusiasm has often involved family outings, allowing him to share discoveries of natural beauty and cultural sites with his loved ones. As a dedicated enthusiast, Gunaji frequently engages in nature walks to immerse himself in 's diverse ecosystems, blending these pursuits with his personal interest in to capture the essence of untamed landscapes. He also maintains an interest in Marathi poetry, having released a poetry album titled Man Pakhrache Hoi in 2014. In environmental advocacy, Gunaji has played a prominent role as the for the of Maharashtra's forests and department since 2007, where he has promoted conservation efforts, including programs and campaigns to combat and habitat loss. His initiatives emphasize sustainable practices to protect Maharashtra's , drawing from his extensive travels that highlight the urgency of preserving . More recently, in 2025, Gunaji joined the Pune Times Mirror Advisory Committee as a passionate environmental , focusing on urban sustainability and reclaiming green spaces in cities like to foster balance between development and . Gunaji also contributes to cultural preservation by supporting the safeguarding of Maharashtra's historical monuments and heritage sites. Through endorsements and participation in cultural events, he promotes Marathi arts and literature, reinforcing community efforts to sustain traditional narratives and artistic expressions. Regarding , Gunaji has been involved in initiatives supporting education and , including affiliations with organizations like the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, where he has lent his support to programs for the disabled, such as sports events for the visually impaired and barrier-free facilities, in the . His ongoing commitments reflect a broader dedication to societal causes, particularly those intersecting with his environmental interests, such as promoting that benefits local communities and NGOs focused on habitat protection.

Filmography

Feature films

Milind Gunaji made his acting debut in the Hindi film Papeeha in 1993, portraying the lead role of Kabir Sagar. Over his career spanning more than three decades, he has appeared in over 250 feature films across multiple Indian languages, predominantly and Marathi, with notable contributions in Tamil and as well. His roles have often included antagonists, supporting characters, and occasional leads, collaborating with prominent stars in the industry. The following table lists selected notable feature films from his filmography in chronological order, highlighting key entries across languages, role types, and co-stars where applicable.
YearTitleLanguageRole TypeKey Co-stars/Notes
1993PapeehaLead (Kabir Sagar)Veeni Paranjape Joglekar, ; debut film directed by .
1996FarebAntagonist (Inspector Indrajeet Saxena), ; earned nomination for Best Performance in a Negative .
2001Aalavandhan (also known as Abhay)TamilSupporting; significant role in South Indian cinema.
2002Supporting (Kalibabu), Aishwarya Rai, ; directed by .
2017The Ghazi Attack (also released in )TeluguSupporting, ; war drama film.
2018Antagonist (Ranchoddas), ; action thriller directed by .
2022Supporting (Thakur, Reet's father), , Tabu; horror-comedy sequel.
2023The Rise of Sudarshan ChakraSupportingVivek Anand Mishra, Yashpal Sharma; mythological .
2024Saajish The ConspiracySupporting; thriller film.
2024Political WarSupporting (Abdulla); political drama.
2024The UP FilesSupporting (Shadab)Manoj Joshi, Manjari Fadnnis; investigative thriller.
2025Love Karu Yaa ShaadiLead/Support.
2025Saako 363SupportingUpcoming .

Television shows

Milind Gunaji has made notable appearances in Indian television serials, primarily in supporting acting roles, while gaining prominence as a host of non-fiction travel programs that align with his passion for Maharashtra's heritage and landscapes. His television career includes the following credits, presented chronologically:
  • Byomkesh Bakshi (1997, Doordarshan): Guest role as Debashish in the episode "Sahi Ka Kanta," a detective drama series.
  • CID (2002, Sony Entertainment Television): Guest appearance as Johnny in episodes 197–198 ("The Case of the Blackmail Victims"), a crime procedural.
  • Bhatkanti (2007–present, Zee Marathi): Host of this long-running travel documentary series exploring Maharashtra's forts, villages, and natural sites; recent episodes aired in 2024, including a reunion special.
  • Yeh Mera India (2006–2009, SAB TV): Supporting actor in this comedy-drama serial depicting urban Indian life.
  • Discover Maharashtra (2000s–2010s, Zee Marathi): Host of this travel show highlighting the state's cultural and geographical diversity, running parallel to Bhatkanti for several years.
  • Veer Shivaji (2011–2012, Star Pravah): Supporting actor in this historical drama on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
  • Hum Ne Li Hai... Shapath (2012–2013, Life OK): Lead role as ACP Pratap Yashwantrao Teje in this superhero crime series.
  • Everest (2014–2015, Star Plus): Supporting actor in this medical drama serial focused on ambition and relationships.
  • Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022, Hotstar): Supporting role in this crime thriller web series.
Gunaji has also made occasional guest spots in reality and special episodes, often travel-themed, but no major new serials or hosting gigs were reported through 2025.

Awards and nominations

Film awards

Milind Gunaji received recognition for his film performances primarily through nominations in the late for negative roles and a state-level win in the mid-2000s, reflecting his versatility across and . His accolades highlight impactful antagonistic portrayals that garnered attention at major Indian award ceremonies, though he has not secured a win. In 1997, Gunaji was nominated for the for his role as Inspector Indrajeet Saxena in the thriller Fareb, directed by , where he portrayed a corrupt and obsessive police officer. This nomination, part of the ceremony, acknowledged his intense depiction of moral ambiguity in a film that explored themes of and . The following year, at the 1998 ceremonies, Gunaji earned another nomination for the for his portrayal of , the scheming brother-in-law in Priyadarshan's Virasat, a remake of that emphasized family loyalty and betrayal. He was also nominated for the Zee Cine Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role for the same film, competing against notable actors like and in a category recognizing standout villainous turns in . Additionally, he received a Screen Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role for Virasat, further validating his commanding screen presence during this period. Gunaji's only verified film win came in 2005 with the Kala Akademi Best Actor Award for his lead role as in the Marathi biographical drama Bapu Biru Vategaonkar, directed by Pitambar Kale, where he embodied the real-life known for his vigilante justice against corrupt landlords. This state-recognized honor, awarded by 's cultural academy for excellence in , marked a significant achievement in his Marathi film career and was presented at a celebrating contributions to regional cinema. No major film awards or nominations for Gunaji have been reported from 2006 to 2025, though he continued to appear in over 200 films, focusing on character roles in both and Marathi productions.
YearAwardCategoryFilmResultNotes
1997Best Performance in a Negative FarebNomination42nd ceremony; recognized for antagonist role.
1998Best Performance in a Negative VirasatNominationFor scheming brother-in-law character.
1998Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative VirasatNominationCompeted in gender-neutral category.
1998Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative VirasatNominationHighlighted intense dramatic delivery.
2005 Kala Akademi AwardsBest ActorBapu Biru VategaonkarWinState honor for lead in biographical drama.

Literary and other awards

Milind Gunaji received the Maharashtra State Government Award for Best for his Anvat, a Marathi work blending poetry, music, and narratives, published in 2011. In recognition of his writing, Gunaji's Offbeat Tracks in (2003), a guide to lesser-known destinations in the state, highlighting his contributions to promoting 's heritage and tourism through . Gunaji's photography has been honored through multiple solo exhibitions, showcasing his landscapes and travel captures at venues such as Balgandharva in , Kalidas Hall in , Prabodhankar Hall in 's Vile , and in , starting from the late . Beyond and , Gunaji has been appointed as the Government of Maharashtra's for forests and since 2008, promoting conservation efforts, and currently serves as the for the hill station of , underscoring his role in environmental and .

References

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