Milind Shinde
Milind Shinde (born 12 June 1962) is an Indian actor, director, writer, and producer primarily recognized for his versatile contributions to Marathi cinema, alongside work in Hindi and Kannada films and television serials.[1] Hailing from Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, Shinde is an alumnus of the National School of Drama and the Film and Television Institute of India, where he honed his skills before entering the industry.[1] He launched his career in the late 1990s with roles in Hindi television serials directed by acclaimed filmmaker Girish Karnad, marking his early foray into acting across regional and national media.[2][3] Shinde first garnered significant attention for his portrayal of the nuanced Advocate Garud in the 2003 Marathi drama Not Only Mrs. Raut, a role that established his reputation for embodying complex, grey-shaded characters.[4] His performance as Mr. Mane in the critically praised 2010 musical drama Natrang further solidified his standing in Marathi cinema, earning acclaim for its depth and intensity.[1] Over two decades, he has featured in over 50 films, including notable titles like Touring Talkies (2013), Shasan (2015), and Jayanti (2021), while also directing projects such as Bhidu (2015) and Re Raya (2018).[5] In addition to cinema, Shinde has made impactful appearances on television, particularly in Marathi serials like Tu Tithe Mee (2001–2002), where he played the memorable whimsical yet formidable Dada Holkar, contributing to the show's popularity on Zee Marathi.[6] He served as co-producer on the National Film Award-winning Marathi film Shwaas (2004), which represented India at the Oscars and highlighted social issues in rural healthcare.[6] Formerly married to actress Rupali Bhosale (divorced 2012), Shinde continues to balance acting, directing, and production, influencing contemporary Marathi entertainment with his multifaceted approach.[1][7]Early life
Childhood and family background
Milind Shinde was born on 12 June 1962 and raised in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, a city renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, including traditional Marathi performing arts such as Tamasha and Lavani theatre forms.[1][8][9] From his early years in this environment, Shinde developed a strong passion for acting during his school days, participating in local performances that sparked his lifelong interest in the performing arts.[8][4] His father was a government officer.[3]Entry into acting and theatre
Shinde's passion for acting emerged during his school days in Ahmednagar, where he originally hails from.[8] Prior to fully committing to the arts, he briefly considered preparing for the UPSC examinations to pursue a career in the Indian Revenue Service.[8] Ultimately, he chose to channel his interests into acting, obtaining formal training in acting and direction at the National School of Drama in Delhi and a one-year course at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune.[5][3] His entry into professional theatre came through his debut in the Marathi play Ti Phulrani, directed by Vaman Kendre, in which he portrayed the character of Dagdoba Salunke.[5] This marked his first significant stage role, building on his longstanding enthusiasm for performance. Supported by his family's background in Ahmednagar, Shinde then decided to relocate to Mumbai to advance his acting aspirations.[3] With assistance from local politicians including MLAs Raju Vanjhale and Balasaheb Thorat, he settled in the city during the early phase of his career, immersing himself in its dynamic theatre environment.[3]Professional career
Television roles
Milind Shinde entered the television industry in the early 1990s through roles in Hindi serials directed by Girish Karnad, which provided his initial professional exposure on screen.[3] This debut phase laid the groundwork for his subsequent work in regional programming. Following these Hindi projects, Shinde transitioned to Kannada television and films, broadening his presence in South Indian media during the early stages of his career.[8] Shinde's television career gained significant momentum in Marathi serials, where he became a prominent figure in family dramas and character-driven narratives. He portrayed key supporting roles in Vadalvaat (2003–2007) on Zee Marathi, contributing to the show's exploration of familial conflicts and social dynamics.[5] This was followed by his performance as Krishna Gurav in Agnihotra (2008–2010) on Star Pravah, a multi-generational saga centered on rural life and traditions.[10] A pivotal moment arrived with Tu Tithe Me (2012–2014) on Zee Marathi, where Shinde's depiction of the grey-shaded antagonist Dada Holkar—a whimsical yet menacing patriarch—earned widespread acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of moral ambiguity and familial power struggles.[3][11] This role marked a breakthrough, shifting his image toward complex, lead antagonistic characters in subsequent productions. Throughout his career, Shinde has appeared in over 20 Marathi serials, often in Zee Marathi and other channels, evolving from supporting parts to central figures embodying layered personalities. Notable examples include his role as trade union leader Waman Shirke in Gandh Phulancha Gela Sangun (2013–2015) on ETV Marathi, the villainous Bhujang in Saraswati (2016–2017) on Colors Marathi, the evil Virat Guruji in Aai Majhi Kalubai (2020–2021) on Sony Marathi, and Lawyer Ghadge in Rang Majha Vegla (2022–2023) on Star Pravah.[5][12][13][14] More recently, he appeared in Parampara (2024) on Sony Marathi and Constable Manju (2024), a TV series.[5]Film roles
Milind Shinde began his film career in the 1990s with roles in Kannada cinema, debuting in Girish Karnad's Kannaru Hegadthi (1990), where he portrayed a supporting character amid his early television commitments. These initial forays into Kannada films, alongside his growing television presence, provided foundational experience that paved the way for his transition to Marathi cinema.[5] Shinde's breakthrough in Marathi films came with Not Only Mrs. Raut (2003), in which he played the nuanced role of Advocate Garud, earning acclaim for his portrayal of a principled yet conflicted lawyer in this National Award-winning social drama.[15] He followed this with a supporting part in the family-oriented comedy Jau Tithe Khau (2007), further establishing his presence in the industry.[16] His performance in Natrang (2010) marked a significant milestone, where he embodied the grey-shaded character of Mr. Mane, a manipulative figure in the tamasha theatre world, showcasing his ability to infuse complexity into antagonistic roles and contributing to the film's critical success.[2] In the subsequent decade, Shinde demonstrated his range through diverse characters in Marathi films, including the paternal figure Jaggu in the heartfelt drama Baboo Band Baaja (2012), a National Award winner that highlighted family dynamics and rural life.[17] He continued with a key role in the road-trip comedy Touring Talkies (2013), blending humor with emotional depth.[16] Later works like Bhikari (2017), in which he played the supporting role of Basappa in a poignant exploration of poverty, and Shyamchi Shala (2017), a biographical drama underscoring a teacher's dedication, highlighted his dramatic prowess. More recently, Shinde took on the historical antagonist Siddi Johar in the epic Har Har Mahadev (2022), the activist Ashok Mali in the social drama Jayanti (2021), and the intense Raghunath in the thriller Ghaath (2023), reflecting his versatility across genres from comedy to intense historical and social narratives, predominantly within Marathi cinema.[16] His recent projects include pivotal roles in Jay Bhim Panther (2025), addressing social justice themes, and Reel Star (2025).[18][5]Directing and production work
Milind Shinde entered the realm of directing in the early 2010s, expanding his contributions to the Marathi film industry through creative roles that complemented his established acting career. Shinde also served as co-producer on the National Film Award-winning Marathi film Shwaas (2004), which addressed social issues in rural healthcare and was India's entry for the Oscars.[6] His directorial debut, Nach Tuzach Lagin Haay (2012), which he also penned as writer, delves into psychological themes inspired by the theories of Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud, portraying a protagonist grappling with profound socio-psychological dilemmas.[19][20] Shinde's subsequent work, Bhidu (2015), saw him return as director and story writer, crafting a poignant narrative centered on the tender bond between an aging mother and her 35-year-old son with special needs, emphasizing familial devotion and emotional resilience.[21] In 2018, he directed Re Raya, a sports drama starring Bhushan Pradhan in the lead role, where a retired athlete identifies and mentors the sporting potential of three underprivileged youths, highlighting issues of social disparity and the pursuit of dreams amid adversity. The film garnered moderate reception, with an audience rating of 2.8 out of 5 on Times of India, praised for its inspirational undertones but critiqued for pacing.[22][23] Shinde further demonstrated his writing prowess as the screenwriter for Amplifier (2019), which he also directed, contributing to his growing reputation for handling intimate, character-driven stories.[24] These ventures, initiated around the mid-2010s, underscored Shinde's ability to juggle acting with directing and writing, drawing on his performance insights to shape authentic narratives and broaden his influence in Marathi cinema.[4]Personal life
Marriage
Milind Shinde was previously married to actress Rupali Bhosale from the early 1980s until their divorce in 2012.[7] He is currently married to Prajakta Shinde. Their relationship reflects mutual support amid the demands of Shinde's career in Marathi television and film, with Prajakta often accompanying him to industry gatherings.[25] A notable public moment came in October 2025 during promotions for the Zee Marathi serial Devmanus, where Shinde, playing the character Inspector Martand Jamkar, recreated his original marriage proposal to Prajakta on stage. The couple danced to a romantic song, surprising attendees and earning widespread appreciation from viewers for showcasing their enduring bond.[25] This event highlighted how Shinde's professional commitments integrate with personal milestones, fostering a balanced family life.Family
Milind Shinde is notably private about his family life, shielding his immediate family from media attention despite his established career in Marathi theatre, television, and film. He resides in Mumbai with his family, where they lead a low-profile existence to avoid the scrutiny that comes with his public persona. Specific details about his children remain undisclosed in reputable sources, though he has at least one son from his previous marriage.[26]Filmography
Films
Milind Shinde's feature film acting credits span Marathi cinema primarily, with additional roles in Kannada and Hindi films. The following table lists his contributions chronologically by release year, including role descriptions where specified in sources.[16][5]| Year | Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Kanooru Heggadithi | Actor | Kannada |
| 1999 | Nirmala Machindra Kamble | Actor | Marathi |
| 2003 | Not Only Mrs. Raut | Advocate Garud | Marathi |
| 2007 | Jau Tithe Khau | Actor | Marathi |
| 2009 | Katha Tichya Lagnachi | Actor | Marathi |
| 2009 | Tya Ratri Paus Hota | Tanaji | Marathi |
| 2010 | Natrang | Mr. Mane | Marathi |
| 2010 | Umang | Actor | Marathi |
| 2011 | Just 47 - Hum Bhi Insaan Hai | Yashwant | Hindi |
| 2011 | Baboo Band Baaja | Jaggu (father) | Marathi |
| 2012 | Langar | Sarja | Marathi |
| 2012 | Ishwari | Actor | Marathi |
| 2012 | Nach Tuzach Lagin Haay | Actor | Marathi |
| 2013 | Aakant | Actor | Marathi |
| 2013 | Khel Tamasha | Actor | Marathi |
| 2013 | Welcome to Jungle | Actor | Marathi |
| 2013 | Mukti | Actor | Marathi, Bengali |
| 2013 | Gadad Jambhal | Actor | Marathi |
| 2013 | Touring Talkies | Actor | Marathi |
| 2014 | Bharla Malvat Raktana | Actor | Marathi |
| 2014 | Khairlanjichya Mathyawar | Actor | Marathi |
| 2014 | Campus Katta | Actor | Marathi |
| 2014 | Pahili Bhet | Actor | Marathi |
| 2014 | Sanngto Aika | Actor | Marathi |
| 2014 | Chintamani | Actor | Marathi |
| 2014 | Swami Public Limited | Actor | Marathi |
| 2015 | Sawaticha Kunkoo | Actor | Marathi |
| 2015 | Atithi | Actor | Marathi |
| 2016 | Banjo | Patil | Hindi |
| 2016 | Mazhi Tapasya | Actor | Marathi |
| 2016 | Paisa Paisa | Actor | Marathi |
| 2016 | Shirpa | Actor | Marathi |
| 2016 | Chaurya | Actor | Marathi |
| 2017 | Aa Gaya Hero | Terrorist | Hindi |
| 2017 | Shyamchi Shala | Actor | Marathi |
| 2017 | Itemgiri | Actor | Marathi |
| 2017 | Zari | Actor | Marathi |
| 2017 | Bhikari | Basap Anna (goon) | Marathi |
| 2017 | Parakh Natyanchi | Actor | Marathi |
| 2018 | Ipitar | Actor | Marathi |
| 2018 | Mol | Actor | Marathi |
| 2018 | Ye Saccha Swabhimaan Sahi Sangharsh | Actor | Hindi |
| 2019 | Swabhimaan | Actor | Gujarati |
| 2019 | Copy | Actor | Marathi |
| 2021 | Jayanti | Ashok Mali | Marathi |
| 2021 | Chabuk | Actor | Marathi |
| 2022 | Ek Number Super | Actor | Marathi |
| 2022 | Majnu | Actor | Marathi |
| 2022 | Yere Yere Pausa | Actor | Marathi |
| 2022 | Waghar | Actor | Marathi |
| 2022 | Har Har Mahadev | Actor | Marathi, Hindi |
| 2022 | Fatwa | Actor | Marathi |
| 2022 | Phulrani | Hanmya | Marathi |
| 2022 | Circuitt | Actor | Marathi |
| 2023 | Rangiley Funter | Actor | Marathi |
| 2024 | Parampara | Actor | Marathi |
| 2024 | Ghaath | Actor | Marathi |
| 2025 | Reelstar | Actor | Marathi |
| 2025 | Jay Bhim Panther | Actor | Marathi |
Television series
Milind Shinde has appeared in over 20 Marathi television serials, often portraying complex and antagonistic characters.[5] The following is a chronological selection of his notable television serial appearances:| Year(s) | Title | Channel | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2007 | Vadalvaat | Zee Marathi | Key supporting role[5] |
| 2008–2010 | Agnihotra | Star Pravah | Key supporting role[5] |
| 2012–2014 | Tu Tithe Mee | Zee Marathi | Dada Holkar (lead antagonist) |
| 2020–2021 | Aai Mazi Kalubai | Sony Marathi | Lead role (rose to fame with this serial)[27] |
| 2021 | Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta | Star Pravah | Bhairu (Kabaddi coach)[27] |
| 2022 | Devmanus | Zee Marathi | Martand Jamkar (inspector)[28] |
| 2022 | Devmanus 2 | Zee Marathi | Inspector Martand Jamkar[29] |
| 2023 | 36 Guni Jodi | Zee Marathi | Purushottam Gudpalliwar[30] |
| 2023 | Gatha Navnathanchi | Sony Marathi | Guru Aai[31] |
| 2024– | Constable Manju | Sun Marathi | Supporting role[32] |