Raja Gosavi
Raja Gosavi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 28 March 1925[1] |
| Died | 28 February 1998 (aged 72) |
| Occupations | Stage, film actor |
| Years active | 1951-1998 |
| Spouse |
Sunanda Gosavi (m. 1949) |
| Children | 5 (including, Shama Deshpande)[2] |
Raja Gosavi (26 March 1925 – 28 February 1998) was a prominent Indian actor who became one of the most celebrated figures in Marathi cinema and theatre during the mid-20th century.[3] Born in Siddheshwar Kuroli, Satara district, he is widely regarded as a pioneer of the "Golden Age" of Marathi films, particularly known for his impeccable comic timing and portrayal of the "common man."[4]
Throughout a prolific career spanning several decades, Gosavi appeared in over 265 Marathi films and 5 Hindi films. He rose to popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, forming a cinematic pair with actor Sharad Talwalkar. He was best known for his light-hearted, romantic-comedy roles that resonated with the middle-class audience of Maharashtra.[5]
Early life
Gosavi was born on 28 March 1925 in Siddheshwar Kuroli, located in the Mandesh region of Satara district, Maharashtra. From a young age, he developed a keen interest in traditional performances, including Mela (folk troupes), singing, mimicry, and theatre. Driven by his passion for the arts, he left home to join Gangadharpanth Londhe’s theatrical troupe, the Rajaram Sangeet Mandali. While performing backstage duties with the troupe, Gosavi secured a job at Master Vinayak’s Prafull Pictures.[6] During his tenure there, he took on various minor roles behind the scenes before making his acting debut with a small part in the film Chimukla Sansar in 1943. This was followed by minor appearances in films such as Gajabhau and the Hindi film Badi Maa.
His involvement in Gajabhau led to an acquaintance with the noted actor Damuanna Malvankar, through whom he joined the Prabhakar Natya Mandir theatre group. Initially employed as a prompter, he gradually transitioned into acting. His first stage role was a brief appearance as a station master's guard in the play Bhavbandhan. Gosavi continued to hone his craft by taking on small roles in numerous plays, including Udhaar Usanwar, Ekach Pyala, Saubhadra, Sanshaykallol, and Shivsambhav. Following his marriage in 1949, he worked as a booking clerk at the Bhanuvilas Theatre in Pune to support his family while continuing his work in theatre. He later served as an assistant director for Datta Dharmadhikari’s film Akher Jamla, in which he also played a minor role.[7]
Career
Gosavi acted in the role of Natsamrat in noted Marathi playwright Kusumagraj’s iconic & milestone Marathi play "Natsamrat" after Dr. Shriram Lagoo.[8][9][10] Gosavi had made his film debut in Raja Paranjape's Lakhachi Gosht in 1952, along with Sharad Talwalkar (it was his debut too).[11] Gosavi worked as a ticket-seller at Bhanuvilas Talkies, Pune for a few years and his film 'Lakhachi Goshta' opened there, which he promoted by selling the tickets both at the counter and in black.[12] Raja Gosavi also plays lead role in one of the most famous play in Marathi "Soujanyachi Aishi Taishi".
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Akher Jamla | Unnamed | Debut |
| Lakhachi Gosht | Shyam | ||
| Chimani Pakhar | |||
| Sagai | Gatekeeper | Hindi film | |
| Nanhe Munne | Raju | ||
| Ek Hota Raja | Raja | ||
| 1953 | Bolavita Dhani | Damodar | |
| Aboli | Shrimant | ||
| Saubhagya | |||
| 1954 | Savdhan | Shyam | |
| Kalakar | Raju | ||
| Een Meena Sadeteen | Saumya | ||
| 1955 | Sabse Bada Rupaiya | Shambhu | Hindi film |
| Punvechi Raat | Surya | ||
| Haa Haa Hee Hee Ho Ho | |||
| Ganget Ghode Nhale | Rajendra | ||
| 1956 | Pasant Aahe Mulgi | Vasudev | |
| Gaath Padli Thaka Thaka | Pundalik | ||
| Devghar | Raja | ||
| Andhala Magto Ek Dola | Blind Man | ||
| 1957 | Jhale Gele Visrun Ja | Ramesh | |
| Bhabhi | Rajan | Hindi film | |
| Aaliya Bhogasi | Ramesh | ||
| Matevin Baal | Baal | ||
| 1958 | Don Ghadicha Daav | Vishwajeet | |
| Sant Changdev | Sant Changdev | ||
| Mi Tulas Tujhya Angani | Yashwant | ||
| 1959 | Yaala Jeevan Aise Naav | ||
| School Master | |||
| 1960 | Kanyadaan | Soldier | |
| Sangat Jaldi Tujhi An Majhi | |||
| Jo Huwa So Bhul Jao | Master | Hindi film | |
| Paishacha Paus | Raja | ||
| Miya Bibi Razi | Makhan | Hindi film | |
| Lagna Jaato Me | |||
| Jagachya Pathivar | |||
| Bhairavi | |||
| Avaghachi Sansar | |||
| Aadhi Kalas Mag Paaya | |||
| Baap Maza Brahmachari | |||
| Bhagyalaxmi | |||
| Chimnyanchi Shala | |||
| Priti Vivah | |||
| Soniyachi Paule | |||
| 1962 | Vardakshina | Hansraj | |
| Private Secretary | Sarang Guru | ||
| 1964 | Vaat Chuklele Navre | Husband | |
| Shriman Balasaheb | Balasaheb | ||
| Ek Do Teen | Srinivas | Hindi film | |
| 1965 | Sudharlelya Baika | Raja Ghorpade | |
| Kamapurta Mama | |||
| Chala Utha Lagna Kara | |||
| 1966 | Tuch Majhi Vahini | ||
| Gurukilli | |||
| Sheras Savvasher | |||
| 1967 | Kaka Mala Vachwa | Vijay Kumar | |
| Daivala Janile Kuni | |||
| 1968 | Yethe Shahane Rahtat | Mr. Shahane | |
| Bai Mothi Bhagyachi | Sudhir Deshpande | ||
| Shrimant Mehuna Pahije | |||
| 1970 | Ti Mi Navhech | ||
| 1971 | Asel Majha Hari | Hari | |
| Dher Chalaki Jinkara | Bhojpuri film | ||
| 1975 | Ya Sukhano Ya | ||
| 1976 | Nag Champa | ||
| Ha Khel Sawalyancha | Ganu Mama | ||
| 1977 | Asla Navra Nako Ga Bai | Sakharam Navre | |
| Navra Maza Brahmachari | Hari | ||
| 1979 | Ashtavinayak | Naru Mama | |
| Janki | Tukaram Bapu | ||
| Deed Shahane | Gajanan | ||
| 1981 | Totaya Aamdar | Aamdar | |
| Manacha Kunku | Narayan | ||
| 1988 | Pandharichi Wari | Nana | |
| 1990 | Ghabraiche Nahin | Munimji | |
| Changu Mangu | Dadasaheb | ||
| 1991 | Fat Fajeeti |
Recognition
Raja Gosavi Road in T.M.V. Colony, Pune has been named in his honour.
References
- ↑ "Raja Gosavi". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 8 March 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ↑ "With TAM ratings coming in every week, every actor today has a week-long life: Shama Deshpande". Telly Chakar. Tellychakkar.com. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ↑ "'72 व्या वर्षी पुन्हा रंगभूमीवर उभं राहतोय गं, पण कुणीही ...' राजा गोसावींनी लेकीला बोलून दाखवलेली खंत, निधनाच्या दिवशी..." Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ राऊत, भाग्यशाली (11 July 2023). "राजा गोसावी (Raja Gosavi)". मराठी विश्वकोश. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ Mujawar, Isak (1969). Maharashtra: Birthplace of Indian Film Industry. Chief Information Officer, Maharashtra Information Centre.
- ↑ "राजाचा रंक होणं म्हणजे काय? घरातले डब्बे विकले, ब्रेड आणि आमटी..., सुपरस्टारच्या वाट्याला आलेले असेही दिवस". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ "राजा गोसावी : विनोदाच्या अफलातून टायमिंगचा 'राजा' माणूस| Raja Gosavi Birth centenary year starts from today Special Article on actor". Loksatta (in Marathi). 28 March 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ "The secret of my acting is that I'm a thief: Dr Shreeram Lagoo". Dnaindia/. Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- ↑ "I get very little time to be Nana Patekar". Times of India/. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- ↑ "Grand Muhurat Of 'Natasamrat' At Nashik". Zee Talkies. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- ↑ "Lakhachi Goshta (1952)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
- ↑ "Bhanuvilas Talkies reopens - for shooting". Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 21 January 2011. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
External links
- Raja Gosavi at IMDb