Hubbry Logo
Ravi PatwardhanRavi PatwardhanMain
Open search
Ravi Patwardhan
Community hub
Ravi Patwardhan
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ravi Patwardhan
Ravi Patwardhan
Ravi Patwardhan
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Ravi Patwardhan (6 September 1937 – 5 December 2020) was an Indian actor who appeared in Marathi-language and Hindi-language movies and TV serials and theater plays. He started his acting career in Marathi theatre, then pivoted to movies, and in the later part of career worked in TV shows. In the 80s and 90s, he was known for playing towering personalities as public prosecutor, judge, politician, and village Patil in films. This identity was further aided by his strong delivery and trademark handlebar moustache. Patwardhan acted in more than 200 films, 150 plays, and many TV serials.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Patwardhan was born on September 6, 1937, during the British Raj. His first acting experience came at an early age of 6.5 years during the 1944 Marathi Natya Mahotsav.[1][2]

Career

[edit]

Patwardhan initially worked at the Reserve Bank in Mumbai and took time off to work in experimental plays.[3][4]

Theater

[edit]

Patwardhan began his career with an experimental Marathi theatre and was a noted personality in the scene.[5][6] His first theater gig came in 1964 when he played Mukund Pradhan in the Katha Kunachi Wyatha Kunala by Go Gam Parkhi.[7]

In 1974, Patwardhan started gaining recognition for playing Dhritarashtra in a Ratnakar Matkari play named Aranyak. This play narrates the debilitation and despair of elderly constituents of Mahabharata epic in the aftermath of battle.[2][8][9] He played the part of Dhritarashtra since the first play in 1974, as well as when it was revived in 2018.[10][11]

In 1970s, he acted in Hridayaswamini directed by M.G. Ranganekar & Yashwant Pagar's Prapanch Karava Netka. He played Beckett in Kusumagraj's translation of Becket by Jean Anouilh. He played a major part in Pu La Deshpande's Tujha Aahe Tujhpashi. He adeptly handled the one-man show Swagat also written by Pu La (transl. of Prison Diary by Jayaprakash Narayan). Later, he got roles in plays such as Vij Mhanali Dhartila, Kaunteya, Anand.[12] He later played the role of police in Vijaya Mehta’s plays based on Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders. He also worked with noted director Sombhu Mitra in Indian National Theatre's Kondi, the Marathi adaptation of An Enemy of the People by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.[13][14]

Film

[edit]

Patwardhans Marathi movie credits includes roles in Sinhasan (1979), Umbartha (1982), Bin Kamacha Navra (1984), Ashya Asawya Suna, and many more. His Hindi movie credits includes roles in Ankush (1986), Pratighat (1987), Tezaab (1988), Yeshwant (1997), Thakshak (1999), and Grahan (2001).[15]

TV

[edit]

Patwardhan gained fame all over Maharashtra for playing Vastad Patil in the Gappagoshti section of the Amchi Mati Amchi Manasa (transl. Our soil, Our people) show. This agriculture focused series was produced by Mansingh Pawar and aired on DD Sahyadri in the 90s.[5][16]

Patwardhan's last role was in a Marathi TV show Aggabai Sasubai airing on Zee Marathi. His character Dattatray Kulkarni aka Ajoba was dear to many Marathi households and won him awards.[15][17]

Awards

[edit]

Patwardhan received the Savarkar Smriti Award in 2018.[18] In 2019, he won the Best father-in-law Award during the Zee Marathi Awards for his role in Aggabai Sasubai serial.[17]

Death

[edit]

Patwardhan died of a heart attack on 5 December 2020 in Panchpakhadi, Thane and was cremated at Jawaharbagh Cemetery and many celebrities attended his funeral. He was survived by his wife, sons, daughter, daughters-in-law, son-in-law and grandchildren.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ravi Patwardhan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ravi Patwardhan (6 September 1937 – 5 December 2020) was an Indian actor best known for his extensive work in Marathi and films, television serials, and productions spanning over four decades. Born in , Patwardhan began his career in the late 1970s, often portraying authoritative figures such as judges, police commissioners, and village patils, characterized by his distinctive mustache and commanding voice. He featured in more than 200 and Marathi films, including notable roles in Ankush (1986), (1988), (1982), and Jhanjaar (1987), as well as over 150 stage plays that highlighted his versatility in dramatic roles. On television, he gained widespread popularity for his portrayal of the grandfatherly character Aajoba in the Marathi serial Aggabai Sasubai (2019–2020), which marked one of his final major roles, and earlier appearances in shows like Jyotiba Phule (2019) and Amchi Mati Amchi Manasa. Patwardhan passed away from a heart attack at his home in Thane, Maharashtra, survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, and grandchildren; his last rites were performed the following day.

Career

Theatre

Patwardhan's theatre career began with his debut in 1964, where he portrayed Mukund Pradhan in G. G. Parkhi's play Katha Kunachi Wyatha Kunala. His breakthrough performance came a decade later in 1974, playing the blind king in Ratnakar Matkari's seminal Marathi play Aranyak, which depicts the post-Kurukshetra reflections of characters like , Gandhari, , and during their forest exile. This role established him as a master of nuanced, authoritative character portrayals in . He reprised in the 2018 revival of Aranyak, directed by Matkari and presented by Adwait Theaters in collaboration with , sharing the stage with veterans as and Pratibha Matkari as Gandhari. Throughout his career, Patwardhan contributed to over 150 stage plays, often excelling in complex supporting roles that added depth to ensemble narratives. Notable works include the emotional drama Hridayaswamini under M. G. Ranganekar's direction, the satirical comedy Tujha Aahe Tujhpashi by P. L. —where his performance as a key character was particularly memorable—and the solo performance piece Swagat, also penned by , showcasing his ability to command the stage single-handedly. These roles highlighted his versatility in blending gravitas with subtle humor, influencing generations in traditions.

Film

Ravi Patwardhan began his film career in the late 1970s, debuting with the Marathi film (1979), directed by , where he portrayed a supporting role that showcased his emerging talent as a . This marked the start of his contributions to , emphasizing socially relevant narratives rooted in his background. His early work helped establish him as a versatile performer capable of handling nuanced, authoritative characters. In the 1980s, Patwardhan expanded his repertoire with key Marathi films like (1982), also directed by , in which he played MLA Bane, a role that highlighted themes of and societal reform. Transitioning to , he delivered memorable supporting performances in films such as Ankush (1986), addressing youth disillusionment and urban struggles, and Jhanjaar (1987), where his antagonistic presence added depth to the family drama. These roles underscored his ability to embody complex figures, from principled educators to formidable opponents, across linguistic boundaries. Patwardhan's filmography grew extensively in the following decades, encompassing over 200 films in Marathi and over a career spanning approximately four decades. Notable Hindi contributions included (1988), where he supported the lead narrative of action and romance as a key , and later works like (1999), portraying a influential figure in a tale of revenge and morality. His enduring focus on powerful supporting performances solidified his reputation as a reliable pillar in Indian cinema, often bringing gravitas to ensemble casts without overshadowing protagonists.

Television

Ravi Patwardhan gained widespread recognition through his portrayal of Vastad Patil, the village head, in the Marathi serial Amchi Mati Amchi Manasa, which aired on Doordarshan Sahyadri in the mid-1980s. The program, focused on rural life and agricultural issues in Maharashtra, featured Patwardhan's character in the "Gappagoshti" segment, where his authoritative yet relatable performance as a farmer leader endeared him to audiences statewide, establishing him as a household name in Marathi television. Patwardhan also contributed to Hindi television serials throughout his career, appearing in various productions that bridged regional and national broadcasting. His work in both Marathi and TV helped expand the reach of character-driven narratives to diverse viewers during the early days of Indian television. In his later years, Patwardhan achieved renewed prominence with the role of Dattatray Kulkarni, known affectionately as Ajoba (grandfather), in the family drama , which premiered in July 2019. As the wise patriarch navigating family conflicts and traditions, his performance in the ongoing serial marked his final major television appearance and resonated widely, contributing to the show's popularity and highlighting his enduring appeal in making Marathi content accessible to modern audiences. He also appeared in the biographical serial Jyotiba Phule (2019).

Awards

Theatre awards

Ravi Patwardhan's contributions to Marathi theatre were recognized through the success of notable productions he starred in, including the play Aaranyak. In 2019, Aaranyak, in which Patwardhan played a leading role alongside Dilip Prabhavalkar and Pratibha Matkari, won the Best Commercial Theatre Drama award at the Maharashtra Times Sanman Awards, honoring its excellence in contemporary Marathi stage storytelling. This accolade highlighted the ensemble's impact, with Patwardhan's veteran presence contributing to the play's critical and popular reception since its 2018 premiere.

Television awards

Ravi Patwardhan received acclaim for his television roles in the later stages of his career, particularly through awards recognizing his nuanced portrayals in Marathi serials. In 2019, he was honored with the Best Father-in-Law award at the Awards for his performance as Aajoba, the wise and endearing grandfather figure in the popular serial . This accolade highlighted his ability to bring warmth and depth to familial dynamics, contributing to the show's sweep of nine awards that year. His earlier television work, including the role of the village patil in Amchi Mati Amchi Manasa, which depicted rural life and agrarian struggles, earned him widespread recognition among audiences but did not result in additional documented television-specific awards. Patwardhan's contributions to Marathi television underscored his versatility in portraying authoritative yet compassionate characters, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the medium.

Death and legacy

Death

Ravi Patwardhan died on December 5, 2020, at the age of 83, following a massive heart attack at his home in Panchpakhadi, . He had complained of breathlessness and suffered a , prompting his family to rush him to Jupiter Hospital in , where he passed away around 9:30 p.m. His were performed the following day at Jawaharbagh Cemetery in . Patwardhan was survived by his wife, two sons—including Niranjan Patwardhan—one daughter, and four grandchildren. At the time of his death, he was known for his ongoing role in the Marathi television series Aggabai Sasubai.

Legacy

Ravi Patwardhan's career as a spanned over four decades, leaving a profound influence on Marathi and entertainment through his commanding presence in , film, and television. His portrayals of authoritative figures, often embodying moral complexity and cultural resonance, helped shape the of the stern yet principled elder in Indian narratives, earning him enduring respect among peers and audiences alike. Particularly iconic were his roles as authoritative figures in films like (1988) and Pratighaat (1987), which captured the essence of rural authority and contributed to the Marathi cultural identity by reflecting societal power dynamics with nuance. Similarly, his depiction of Dattatray , or , in the television series became a household staple, endearing him to generations of Marathi viewers through its portrayal of familial wisdom and tradition. These performances not only boosted the popularity of the mediums but also reinforced Patwardhan's status as a pillar of regional storytelling. Following his passing in 2020, Patwardhan received widespread posthumous tributes from the industry, highlighting his cultural significance. expressed condolences via tweet, praising his contributions to Marathi arts, while fellow actors and producers mourned the loss of a foundational figure in regional . These acknowledgments underscored his lasting legacy, with no major new recognitions reported in subsequent years up to 2025.

References

  1. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/veteran-actor-ravi-patwardhan-dies-of-heart-attack/article33262726.ece
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/aggabai-sasubai-actor-ravi-patwardhan-passes-away/articleshow/79589239.cms
  3. https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/actor-ravi-patwardhan-dies-of-heart-attack/story-b6TEZbr7A6EZjK4KOGGtYO.html
  4. https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/veteran-actor-ravi-patwardhan-passes-away-at-84
  5. https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/tv/veteran-marathi-actor-ravi-patwardhan-dies-at-83-669616
  6. https://www.indianetzone.com/ratnakar_matkari_indian_author
  7. https://marathimovieworld.com/theatre/play/aaranyak.php
  8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/three-iconic-artistes-one-epic-play/articleshow/66110914.cms
  9. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/thane-character-artiste-ravi-patwardhan-84-passes-away/articleshow/79599576.cms
  10. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/veteran-actor-ravi-patwardhan-passes-away/articleshow/79589923.cms
  11. https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/veteran-marathi-actor-ravi-patwardhan-dies-at-84-uddhav-thackeray-pays-tribute/story-t4418uIDietoD0UJLVrRyN.html
  12. https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/bollywood-news-veteran-marathi-and-hindi-actor-ravi-patwardhan-passes-away-at-84-after-suffering-a-heart-attack-1741500/
  13. https://zeenews.india.com/television/zee-marathis-drama-aaranyak-wins-best-drama-award-2194240.html
  14. https://www.lokmat.com/filmy/television/agabai-sasubai-and-ratris-khel-chale-2-receives-maximum-awards-zee-marathi-awards-2019/
  15. https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ravi-patwardhan-veteran-marathi-actor-passes-away-due-to-health-issues-at-84-9085291.html
  16. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/veteran-actor-ravi-patwardhan-dies-of-heart-attack-at-83-1747137-2020-12-06
  17. https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/veteran-marathi-actor-ravi-patwardhan-passes-away/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.