Suryakant Mandhare
Suryakant 'Mandhare' was an Indian actor and director, who worked in Marathi cinema. He acted in more than 100 films. He is considered one of the greatest and influential actors in the history of Marathi cinema. Actor and filmmaker Chandrakant Mandare is the elder brother of Suryakant. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1973 for his contribution to the arts.
Suryakant begun his acting career at the age of twelve as a child artist in Bhalji Pendharkar's Dhruv, returned in 1943 film Bhahirji Naik, a second collaboration with Pendharkar. Pairing of Suryakant with the actress Jayshree Gadkar was very appreciated, appeared in 70 films together including Mohityanchi Manjula, Subhadra Haran, Sadhi Mansa, Patlaachi Soon. He is noted for ruralist 'gramin chitrapat' genre films like Anant Mane's Sangte Aika and Dinkar D. Patil's Malhari Martand.
Early life
Suryakant was born in Kolhapur in 1925 to Tanubai and Tukaram Mandare. He completed his education at Saraswati Vidyalaya and Harihar Vidyalaya in Kolhapur. He also studied painting from the painter Baba Gajbar. Since childhood, Mandhare likes physical activities, made his body strong. Due to muscular physique he got opportunity to act in the Bhalji Pendharkar's film Dhruv in 1938 at the age of twelve.Career
Suryakant started acting while studying in school and played many roles, mostly negative roles. He was guided by Bhalji Pendharkar and Baba Gajbar when he was young. He got the knowledge of painting from Baba Gajbar, and filmmaking from Pendharkar. During his schooling, Suryakant was inclined towards painting and acting. In 1943, he played the role of young Shivaji Maharaj in the film Bahirji Naik directed by Bhalji Pendharkar. This film became very popular at that time and Bhalji Pendharkar named him Suryakant. From there on, he appeared on the screen with the name Suryakant in all the subsequent films.Suryakant Mandhare has featured in more than 100 films. Portrayed protagonist in Ketki Banat, Stree Janma Tuji Kahani, Graha Devta, Bala Jo Jo Re. His on-screen pairing with actress Jayshree Gadkar became very popular, the duo worked together in 70 films. At the same time, his films with Sulochana and Usha Kiran were also popular. Along with the films, he acted in many plays, including Agraya, Tujhe Hai Tujpashi, Lagnachi Bedi, Jhunjarrao, Bebandshahi.
Filmography
Film
Ketkichya VanatDhruvJai BahvaniAkher JamlaMuke LekaruMaharani YesubaiShubh MangalKul DaiwatGhruh DevetaSant ChangdeoSangte AikaKnaya DanSalamiKalank ShobhaGarba Gahrchi LekMohityanchi ManjulaThorattanchi KamalaMalhari Martand Patilachi SunBara Varshae Saha mahine Teen DiwasAamhi Jato Amuchya GavaMurli Malhari RaichiBhirji NikeMeth BhakarBala Jo Jo ReStir Janma Tuzi KahaniMazi JameenPurushachi JatBal Maza NavasachaPunvechei RatraPawan KhindPhile PremAkash GangaShaikleli Baiko Lagnala Jto MeSakhya Sawara MalaMansala Pankh AstatGavchi IzzatSubhadra HaranTu Sukhi RahaSadhi MansePawankathcha DhondiPathcha BahuAngaiSasurvasShilanganache SoneSwarayajyacha ShiledarAqushwant Ho BalaKanchangangaSaser MaherBahubeejGaht Padli Thaka ThakaRan PakhraPreeti SangamPativrataAntricha DivaPanchaartiBhv Tethe DevRang PanchmiFakiraThoratanchi MunjalaSant Nivrutti - GyanadeoHi Nar RoopsundriTochi Sadhu OlkhawaSangu Kashi Me- ''Dhanya te Santaji Dhanaji''
Drama
Suryakant acted in following Marathi DramasZunzarraoBebandshahiShantisangramNilwantiTuze Ahe TuzpashiJeevan Maze GangajalMaza Kuna Mahunu MePathlagEka ho EkaAaj Eath Tar Udya TithaDasara UajadalaPatilachaya Pori Jara JapunSolav Varis DhokyachaTumhavari Jiv Maza JadalaLakhat Herla DhaniBaiko Bilandar Navara KalandarGela Soudun Maza KanhaGalala Lagala MasaAgaryahun SutkaSahayadricha SonaDilaya Gahri tu Sukhi RahaLagnachi BediKatha Kunachi ani Vathaya KunachiAkashachi Unchi TheangniHi Khnat jalite ManaVadalvelPavana Ala Re AlaAtharav Varis LagnachaRat Raglali PunveachiUsala Lagal KolhaJali Mandi Pikali KarvandaEashkachi Enagli DasliHawaldar Bhola Baivar DolaTumhavar Keli me Marji BahalVilaspurchi RambhaTumhi Ho Maze Bajirao- ''Grandson : Shivraj Mandare''