Ashok Saraf
A Marathi and Hindi film actor loved for his comic timing across more than 250 films, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2025.
For five decades, Ashok Saraf has made Marathi audiences laugh. In 2025 he was named for the Padma Shri in the field of art, from Maharashtra [1].
More than 250 films
Ashok Saraf was born on 4 June 1947 in Mumbai and began on the Marathi stage before moving into films [2]. He has acted in more than 250 films [2]. In Marathi cinema he is remembered for films such as Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, Dhum Dhadaka and Navra Maza Navsacha; in Hindi, for Karan Arjun, Yes Boss and Singham, and the comedy series Hum Paanch [2].
Even in his late seventies, he has continued to work, starring in a daily Marathi television serial [2].
Recognition
His honours include the Maharashtra Bhushan in 2023, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2022, 11 Maharashtra State Film Awards and five Filmfare awards [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2025: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2025: citation for Ashok Saraf — Padma Awards, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
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