Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar
Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar is a 2018 Indian Marathi-language biographical drama film that chronicles the life of Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar, a pioneering dental surgeon who rose to become the first superstar of Marathi theatre and cinema.[1][2] Directed and written by Abhijeet Deshpande in his feature film debut, the movie explores Ghanekar's journey from pursuing small acting roles alongside his medical practice to achieving immense fame, while grappling with personal challenges including marital strains and the pressures of stardom.[1][3] The film highlights his transformative impact on Marathi theatre by broadening its appeal from elite audiences to the masses, particularly through iconic portrayals like that of Sambhaji Maharaj.[1] Starring Subodh Bhave as Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar, Vaidehi Parshurami as his wife Kanchan, Sonali Kulkarni as actress Sulochana Latkar, and Sumeet Raghavan as actor Shriram Lagoo, the ensemble captures key figures from Ghanekar's professional and personal circles.[4][2] Produced by Nikhil Sane and Sunil Phadtare for Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Shree Ganesh Marketing & Films, it features a runtime of 159 minutes and was released theatrically across Maharashtra on 8 November 2018.[5][6] The film received positive critical reception for its authentic depiction of mid-20th-century Marathi theatre culture and Bhave's nuanced performance, earning a 3.5/5 rating from Times of India critics who praised its emotional depth and historical insight.[5] It also garnered an 8.3/10 user rating on IMDb based on 1,387 votes (as of November 2025), reflecting its resonance with audiences interested in regional cinema and biographical stories.[4] Later, it became available on streaming platforms like Netflix, further extending its reach beyond Maharashtra.[2]Background
Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar
Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar was born on 14 September 1930 in Chiplun, Maharashtra, India, to Dr. Balkrishna Ghanekar, a local physician. He completed his early education in Chiplun, including matriculation, before pursuing higher studies at Gogate College and eventually earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Government Dental College and Hospital in Mumbai. Initially practicing as a dental surgeon, Ghanekar balanced his professional career with an early interest in theater, beginning as a part-time prompter in the 1950s.[7][8] Ghanekar's transition to full-time acting marked a significant shift from dentistry, with his theater debut in the play Shitu in 1952. His breakthrough came in the early 1960s through iconic roles, including Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Raygadala Jevha Jaag Yete (1962), which became a landmark production running for over 50 years, and the rebellious youth Lalya in Ashrunchi Jhaali Phule (1963), earning him widespread acclaim as Marathi theater's first superstar. He appeared in approximately 35 plays and 21 films, including notable Marathi movies like Maratha Tituka Melvava (1963), Madhuchandra (1967), and Paathlaag (1965), for which he won the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor; he received the award again for Deo 1970. His performances revitalized Marathi theater, drawing massive audiences and influencing the industry's commercial dynamics.[9][10][11] In his personal life, Ghanekar married twice: first to Irawati M. Bhide, a gynecologist, in a union that ended in divorce without children, and second to Kanchan Ghanekar in 1983, the daughter of veteran actress Sulochana Latkar, with whom he had a daughter, Rashmi, who provided crucial support during his later years. He resided in Worli, Mumbai, and faced personal challenges, including a strained relationship with his father and struggles with alcohol. Ghanekar died of cardiac arrest on 2 March 1986 at the age of 55, while on a theater tour in a rural village near Amravati, Maharashtra.[7][9][10] Ghanekar's cultural significance lies in his pioneering status as Marathi entertainment's first superstar, commanding fees of Rs 500 per show and creating records for attendance that reshaped theater economics. His portrayals, such as Lalya, entered everyday Marathi lexicon, and his legacy endures through the Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha auditorium in Thane, inaugurated in 2011, and his influence on subsequent generations of performers.[9][7]Film development
The idea for the film Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar originated from director Abhijeet Deshpande's fascination with the lesser-known aspects of Kashinath Ghanekar's life, particularly his transformative influence on Marathi theatre by broadening its appeal from elite to mass audiences. Deshpande, who had previously worked as a screenwriter on Hindi films such as Wazir (2016) and Table No. 21 (2013), conceived the project around 2012 as a biopic to honor Ghanekar's legacy as a pioneering performer and dentist-turned-actor.[1][12] Research for the film involved in-depth study of Ghanekar's biography, drawing primarily from Nath Ha Majha, a book written by his widow Kanchan Ghanekar, which provided intimate insights into his personal and professional journey. Deshpande conducted extensive explorations into Ghanekar's era, consulting historical records and accounts from contemporaries to ensure authenticity in depicting the cultural and theatrical context of 1960s-1980s Mumbai. This process highlighted Ghanekar's role in iconic plays like Raygadala Jevha Jaag Yete, which ran for over 50 years, and emphasized the human elements of his story, including his battles with alcoholism and the pressures of stardom.[10][13] Deshpande penned the script himself, a process that spanned the six-year development period and focused on Ghanekar's internal conflicts, such as his strained marriages, addiction to fame, and deteriorating health amid professional success. The narrative structure prioritized emotional depth over mere chronology, portraying Ghanekar's rise and fall as a cautionary tale of ambition in the arts, while incorporating real-life interactions with figures like playwright Vasant Kanetkar and actor Dr. Shriram Lagoo. This scripting approach aimed to humanize Ghanekar beyond his superstar image, blending dramatic tension with biographical fidelity.[10][1] The film was produced by Sunil Phadtare and Nikhil Sane under Shree Ganesh Marketing & Films, with presentation by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, marking a collaborative effort to bring a mid-budget Marathi biopic to fruition. Funding was secured through these partnerships, enabling a focus on period-accurate production elements without compromising the story's scope.[14][15] Development progressed over six years, with the project gaining momentum in the mid-2010s; principal photography commenced in 2017, leading to the film's completion and release on November 8, 2018. The timeline reflected challenges in assembling the right team and recreating Ghanekar's persona authentically, culminating in promotional teasers that September.[16][12]Plot
Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar, a pioneering dental surgeon and actor in mid-20th-century Bombay. The story begins with Ghanekar balancing his medical profession with a burgeoning passion for theatre, taking on minor acting roles that strain his marriage to Kanchan and draw skepticism from his family, particularly his father who views dentistry as inferior to other medical fields.[1] Determined to pursue his dream, Ghanekar auditions aggressively for significant parts, securing his breakthrough as Sambhaji Maharaj in the play Raigadala Jeva Jag Yete by convincing playwright Vasant Kanitkar. His electrifying performances in iconic roles, such as Lalya in Ashroonchi Zhale Phule and others, propel him to unprecedented fame, establishing him as the first superstar of Marathi theatre and cinema. This rise transforms the industry by attracting mass audiences beyond elite circles.[1][4] Amidst professional triumphs and interactions with contemporaries like Prabhakar Panshikar and Sulochana Latkar, Ghanekar grapples with personal demons, including marital discord, the isolating pressures of stardom, and health issues, highlighting the toll of his ambitious pursuit.[5]Cast
Production
Casting
The casting process for Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar focused on selecting performers who could authentically capture the nuances of Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar's life and the vibrant Marathi theater scene of his era. Director Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande prioritized actors with the ability to embody historical figures without exaggeration.[18] Subodh Bhave was the director's first choice for the titular role due to the complexity of the character. To prepare, Bhave studied the script thoroughly and worked with makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad to achieve the look. He noted the challenge of portraying a real-life legend, stating, "It was a very challenging role and to play a real-life character on stage means people have to be convinced that you are that person."[18] The production faced unique challenges in casting, as the characters were recent historical figures still remembered by audiences, unlike typical period dramas.[19] Sonali Kulkarni portrayed Sulochana Latkar, Sumeet Raghavan played Shriram Lagoo, and Prasad Oak portrayed Prabhakar Panshikar. Deshpande emphasized authentic portrayals to honor Ghanekar's dentistry career alongside his theatrical ambitions.[18]Filming
Principal photography for Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar took place in 2017.[20] To achieve period accuracy depicting the 1960s to 1980s, the production recreated sets for the Marathi theatre era, with the art team praised for their dedication despite the challenge being described as "next to impossible."[20] Cinematography was handled by Sudhir Palsane, who emphasized visual storytelling to capture the biographical essence through period-appropriate lighting and composition.[14][21]Soundtrack
The soundtrack album features 5 songs, including recreations of classic Marathi numbers and original tracks composed by Ajit Parab and Rohan-Rohan.[22]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Indradhanu" | Sharayu Date | 4:11 |
| 2 | "Lalya" | Nakash Aziz | 4:01 |
| 3 | "Gomu Sangtina Mazya" | Asha Bhosle, Hemant Kumar | 3:53 |
| 4 | "Tumhavar Keli Mee Marji Bahaal" | Usha Mangeshkar | 3:00 |
| 5 | "Shoor Amhi Sardar" | Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Chorus | 3:57 |