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{{Short description|Indian Actor, Writer, Producer, Director}}
{{Short description|Indian Actor, Writer, Producer, Director}}{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name           = Mahesh Kothare
| name               = Mahesh Kothare
| image           = Mahesh Kothare (Cropped).jpg
| image             = Mahesh Kothare (Cropped).jpg
| imagesize       =  
| imagesize         =  
| alt             =  
| alt               =  
| caption         = Kothare at [[Filmfare Marathi Awards|Filmfare Awards Marathi 2014]]
| caption           = Kothare at [[Filmfare Marathi Awards|Filmfare Awards Marathi 2014]]
| birthname       =  
| birthname         =  
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1953|9|28}}
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1953|9|28}}
| birth_place     = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| birth_place       = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| death_date     = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} Death date then birth -->
| death_date         = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} Death date then birth -->
| death_place     =
| death_place       =  
| occupation     = [[Film producer]], [[Film director]], [[Actor]]
| occupation         = {{hlist|Film producer|film director|actor}}
| yearsactive     = 1985 – present
| yearsactive       = 1964 – present
| spouse         = Medha Kothare
| spouse             = {{marriage|Nilima Kothare|1980}}
| domesticpartner =
| domesticpartner   =  
| parents        =
| children           = [[Adinath Kothare]] (son)
Jenama Kothare, Ambar Kothare
| relatives         = [[Urmilla Kothare]] (daughter-in-law)
| children       = [[Adinath Kothare]]
| website           =  
| relatives = [[Urmila Kanetkar|Urmila Kothare]] (daughter-in-law)
| website         =  
}}
}}
'''Mahesh Kothare''' (born 28 September 1953) is an [[India|Indian]] [[List of Marathi film actors|film actor]], [[List of Indian film directors|director]] and producer of [[Marathi cinema|Marathi]] and [[Bollywood|Hindi]] films. He has worked in Indian cinema from a young age and acted in well-known movies such as [[Raja Aur Runk]], Chhota Bhai, [[Mere Lal|Mere Laal]], and [[Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani|Ghar Ghar ki Kahani]]. The well known Hindi song Tu kitni achhi hai tu kitni bholi hai o maa from the film Raja Aur Runk features Kothare as Master Mahesh.
'''Mahesh Kothare''' ({{IPA|mr|məɦeːʃ koʈʰaːɾe}}, born 28 September 1953), is an Indian actor, director, producer, and screenwriter widely regarded as a revolutionary figure in [[Marathi cinema]]. He began his career as a child actor in Hindi films during the 1960s, appearing in classics such as ''[[Raja Aur Runk]]'', ''Chhota Bhai'', and ''[[Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970 film)|Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani]]''. In the mid-1980s Kothare became a pioneering filmmaker in Marathi cinema, introducing several technological innovations such as Dolby Digital sound and 3D formats. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has received numerous accolades, including the [[Maharashtra State Film Awards|Maharashtra State Film Award]] and the [[National Film Award for Best Children's Film]].


Considered a revolutionary figure in the Marathi film industry, he began his directorial career with the groundbreaking [[Dhoom Dhadaka|Dhum Dhadaka]] ([[List of Marathi films of 1985|1985]]) and has since delivered many box office hits over a period of 20 years. Kothare's films are known for their technical nuances and fantasy concepts and he is one of the few Indian film makers who have made successful films in the fantasy genre.
Kothare made his directorial debut with ''[[Dhum Dhadaka]]'' (1985), a box-office hit that set the tone for his signature style—mixing comedy, fantasy, and action. He followed it with successful films like ''[[Thartharat]]'' (1989), ''[[De Danadan]]'' (1987), ''[[Dhadakebaaz]]'' (1990), and ''[[Zapatlela]]'' (1993), which introduced the iconic villain [[Tatya Vinchu]], a ventriloquist’s dummy that became a cultural phenomenon. His sequel ''[[Zapatlela 2]]'' (2013) was the first Marathi film shot in 3D. Kothare is credited with pioneering several technological advancements in Marathi cinema, including the use of CinemaScope (''Dhadakebaaz''), Dolby Digital sound (''[[Chimani Pakhar]]''), and 3D filmmaking (''Zapatlela 2''). These innovations elevated the production standards of regional films and expanded their audience reach.
Kothare made the first Marathi film in true [[3D film|3D]], [[Zapatlela 2]] ([[List of Marathi films of 2013|2013]]) which was the sequel to [[Zapatlela]] ([[List of Marathi films of 1993|1993]]).
 
Over his career, Kothare has received numerous accolades, including the Maharashtra State Film Award and the National Film Award for Best Children's Film for ''Chimani Pakhar'' (2003). He is  founder of [[Kothare Vision]], a production company primarily focused on creating mythological television series. Kothare published autobiography [[Damn It Ani Barach Kahi]] in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-12 |title=Marathi Actor-Director Mahesh Kothare Releases His Autobiography, 'Damn It Aani Barach Kahi' |url=https://www.news18.com/news/entertainment/marathi-actor-director-mahesh-kothare-releases-his-autobiography-damn-it-aani-barach-kahi-6816445.html |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=P>{{Cite web |last=शिकलगार |first=स्वालिया न |date=2021-09-28 |title=HBD महेश कोठारे : इन्स्पेक्टर महेश जाधव आजही मराठी मनात..! |url=https://pudhari.news/soneri/mahesh-kothare-2 |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=Pudhari News |language=mr}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Kothare started his career in Hindi movies with roles in ''Raja aur Runk'' and ''Ghar Ghar ki Kahani''. He later switched to Marathi cinema, where he worked with well known stars and directors while continuing to make Hindi films without any noteworthy success. Kothare became a top Marathi director with hits including ''Dhumdhadaka'', ''[[Zapatlela]]'', ''[[Zapatlela 2]]'', ''Khatarnak'' and ''[[Khabardar (Marathi film)|Khabardar]]''.
Kothare started his career in his teens, in Hindi movies with roles in ''Raja aur Runk'' and ''Ghar Ghar ki Kahani''. He later switched to Marathi cinema, where he worked with well known stars and directors while continuing to make Hindi films without any noteworthy success. Kothare became a top Marathi director with hits including ''[[Dhum Dhadaka]]'', ''[[Zapatlela]]'', ''[[Zapatlela 2]]'', ''[[Khatarnak (2000 film)|Khatarnak]]'' and ''[[Khabardar (Marathi film)|Khabardar]]''.
 
In films ''Ghar Ka Bhedi'' and ''[[Lek Chalali Sasarla]],'' he played negative character.<ref name="P" />
 
Kothare, along with, [[Laxmikant Berde]], [[Sachin (actor)|Sachin Pilgaonkar]] and [[Ashok Saraf]] formed a successful quartet, giving hits after hits in the Marathi Cinema Industry in the 1980s and 1990s.


Kothare, along with, [[Laxmikant Berde]], [[Sachin (actor)|Sachin Pilgaonkar]] and [[Ashok Saraf]] formed a successful quartet, giving hits after hits, in the Marathi Cinema Industry in the 1980s and 1990s.
He also owns the [[Kothare Vision]] production house.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sabmumbai.com/maheshkothare/about%20me.html |title=Kothare Vision |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227081147/http://sabmumbai.com/maheshkothare/about%20me.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


He also owns the Kothare Vision production house.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sabmumbai.com/maheshkothare/about%20me.html |title=Kothare Vision |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227081147/http://sabmumbai.com/maheshkothare/about%20me.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In the mid-1980s, Kothare and another young actor, [[Sachin Pilgaonkar]], helped to revolutionize the Marathi film industry with their directing. Pilgaonkar directed ''[[Navri Mile Navryala]]'', while Kothare directed ''[[Dhoom Dhadaka]]''. Both films became box office hits, but ''Dhum Dhadaka'' became a trendsetter which brought young audiences to recognize the Marathi style of movie-making. Kothare then went on to make comedies which also became major hits. He also made ''[[Dhadakebaaz]]'', the first Marathi film shot in [[CinemaScope]] and brought a number of innovations such as [[Dolby Digital]] sound to Marathi cinema with the film ''[[Chimani Pakhar]]''. He made ''[[Pachhadlela]]'' in 2004, which was the first Marathi film with computer-generated effects. Kothare was also the first Marathi filmmaker to produce science-fiction films.{{Sfn|Srinivas|2022|p=208}}


==Marathi film career==
In the film ''Gupchup Gupchup'' and ''Thorali Jau'' he played supporting, character roles.<ref name="P" />
In the mid-1980s, Kothare and another young actor, [[Sachin Pilgaonkar]], helped to revolutionize the Marathi film industry with their directing. Pilgaonkar directed ''Navri Mile Navryala'', while Kothare directed ''[[Dhoom Dhadaka]]''. Both films became box office hits, but ''Dhumdhadaka'' became a trendsetter which brought young audiences to recognize the Marathi style of movie-making. Kothare then went on to make comedies which also became major hits. He also made ''Dhadakebaaz'', the first Marathi film shot in [[CinemaScope]] and brought a number of innovations such as [[Dolby Digital]] sound to Marathi cinema with the film ''Chimni Pakhara''. He made ''Pachadlela'' in 2004, which was the first Marathi film with computer-generated effects. Kothare was also the first Marathi filmmaker to produce science-fiction films.
 
In the Marathi movies, he played supporting characters in films such as ''Devata'', ''Jabardast'', ''Majah Chakula'', ''De Dandan'', ''Khatarnak'', ''Tharthrat'', ''Zapatlela'', ''Zapatlela - 2, Shubha Mangal''.<ref name="P" />


In 2013, Kothare made the film ''Zapatlela 2'' in 3D with his son [[Adinath Kothare]] in the lead. The film was the sequel to his 1993 box office hit ''Zapatlela'', which has acquired a cult following amongst Marathi audiences and features a doll named Tatya Vinchu created by Ventriloquist and Puppeteer [[Ramdas Padhye]] and voiced by [[Dilip Prabhavalkar]] that comes to life. Kothare revived Tatya Vinchu with 3D, animatronics and state of the art CGI in the sequel ''Zapatlela 2'', which was the first Marathi film shot in 3D using split beam technology produced by Spanish stereographer Enrique Criado.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-third-dimension-of-marathi-cinema/1016236/ |title=The Third Dimension of Marathi Cinema |access-date=16 June 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164148/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-third-dimension-of-marathi-cinema/1016236 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/terror-in-a-new-form/1128211/ |title=Terror in a new form |access-date=16 June 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164149/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/terror-in-a-new-form/1128211 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was shot at [[ND Studios, Karjat]] and released on 7{{nbsp}}June 2013, going on to become a big hit over its 100-day run.
In 2013, Kothare made the film ''Zapatlela 2'' in 3D with his son [[Adinath Kothare]] in the lead. The film was the sequel to his 1993 box office hit ''Zapatlela'', which has acquired a cult following amongst Marathi audiences and features a doll named Tatya Vinchu created by Ventriloquist and Puppeteer [[Ramdas Padhye]] and voiced by [[Dilip Prabhavalkar]] that comes to life. Kothare revived Tatya Vinchu with 3D, animatronics and state of the art CGI in the sequel ''Zapatlela 2'', which was the first Marathi film shot in 3D using split beam technology produced by Spanish stereographer Enrique Criado.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-third-dimension-of-marathi-cinema/1016236/ |title=The Third Dimension of Marathi Cinema |access-date=16 June 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164148/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-third-dimension-of-marathi-cinema/1016236 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/terror-in-a-new-form/1128211/ |title=Terror in a new form |access-date=16 June 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011164149/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/terror-in-a-new-form/1128211 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was shot at [[ND Studios, Karjat]] and released on 7{{nbsp}}June 2013, going on to become a big hit over its 100-day run.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Kothare's son Adinath played a leading role in ''Zapatlela 2''. Adinath is married to Marathi actress [[Urmilla Kothare]].
Kothare is married to Nilima Kothare since 1980.<ref>{{Cite web |title=35 वर्षांपूर्वी जमली महेश कोठारेंची निलीमा यांच्यासोबत जोडी, अशी आहे दोघांची Love Story |url=https://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/bol-mb-mahesh-kothare-and-neelima-kothares-love-story-5226725-pho.html |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=Divya Marathi}}</ref> His son [[Adinath Kothare]] is an actor married to [[Urmilla Kothare]].


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
 
{{BLP unsourced section|date=November 2021}}
As an actor, Kothare appeared primarily as a Police Inspector with his first name Mahesh.
As an actor, Kothare appeared primarily as a Police Inspector with his first name Mahesh.
[[File:MaheshKothare.jpg|thumb|180px]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-


! Year !! Title !! Role
! Year !! Title  
!Actor
!Director
!Producer!! Role
!Notes
!Language
!{{Reference column heading|multi=yes}}
|-
| 1964 || ''Chota Jawan''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}} ||Jawan
|
|Marathi
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Mahesh Kothare Incidence : 'पोस्टरवर माझा फोटो कोपऱ्यात, ही खूप मोठी चूक होती' महेश कोठारेंनी सांगितला तो किस्सा |url=https://marathi.itsmajja.com/actor-director-mahesh-kothare-shares-chota-jawan-movie-incidence-marathi-info/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Ittsmajja |language=mr}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2013 || [[Zapatlela 2]] || Commissiner Mahesh Jadhav
|1967
|''[[Upkar]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Younger Bharat
|
|Hindi
|
|-
|-
| 2011|| Dubhang||
| 1968 || ''[[Raja Aur Runk]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}} ||Yuvraj Narendradev / Raja
|
| rowspan="3" |Hindi
|
|-
|-
| 2010|| [[Ideachi Kalpana]] || Commissiner Mahesh Thakur
| 1970|| ''[[Safar (1970 film)|Safar]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}} ||Feroz Khan's Younger Brother Montu
|
|
|-
|-
| 2010|| Ved Laavi Jeeva ||
| 1971|| ''[[Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970 film)|Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}} ||Ravi
|
|
|-
|-
| 2008|| Full 3 Dhamal || [[Mahesh Kothare]] (Himself)
|1975
|''Prit Tuzi Mazi''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Ravi
|
| rowspan="19" |Marathi
|
|-
|-
| 2007 || [[Zabardast]] ||Professor Bramhanand Bharadwaj
| rowspan="3" |1982
|''Sant Gyaneshwar''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|[[Dnyaneshwar]]
|
|
|-
|-
| 2006 || [[Shubha Mangal Saavadhan]] ||
|''Thorli Jaau''
|-
|{{Yes}}
| 2005 || [[Khabardar (Marathi film)|Khabardar]] || [[Mahesh Kothare]] (Himself)
|{{No}}
|-
|{{No}}
| 2004 || [[Pachhadlela]] || Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
|Avinash
|
|
|-
|-
| 2000 || [[Khatarnak]] ||CID Inspector Mahesh Choudhary
|''Chandane Shimpit Ja''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|
|
|
|-
|-
| 1998 || Dhangad Dhinga || Advocate Mahesh Mithare
| rowspan="3" |1983
|''Devta''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Sunil
|
|
|-
|-
| 1996 || [[Masoom (1996 film)|Masoom]] ||
|''Paaygoon''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Dhanaji Jadhav/Nagesh Patil
|
|
|-
|-
| 1994 || Maza Chakula || Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
| ''[[Gupchup Gupchup]]''
|-
|{{Yes}}
| 1993 || [[Zapatlela]] || CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
|{{No}}
|{{No}} || Ashok
|
|
|-
|-
| 1992 || Jeevlagaa ||  
| rowspan="3" |1984
|''Sage Soyare''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Hemant
|
|
|-
|-
| 1990 || [[Dhadakebaaz]]|| Mahesh Nemade
|''Gharcha Bhedi''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Ramesh
|
|
|-
|-
| 1989 || [[Thartharat]] || CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
| ''[[Lek Chalali Sasarla]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}} || Vilas Inamdar
|
|
|-
|-
| 1987 || [[De Danadan]] || Sub-Inspector Mahesh Danke
| 1985 || ''[[Dhum Dhadaka]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| Mahesh Javalkar
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-08-29 |title=Ashok Saraf's films that you must watch |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/photofeatures/ashok-sarafs-films-that-you-must-watch/photostory/63500642.cms |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 1985 || [[Dhoom Dhadaka|Dhum Dhadaka]] || Mahesh Javalkar
| 1987 || ''[[De Danadan]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| Sub-Inspector Mahesh Danke
|
|
|-
|-
| 1984 || Lek Chalali Sasarala || Vilas Inamdar
| 1989 || ''[[Thartharat]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
|
|
|-
|-
| 1983 || Gupchup Gupchup || Ashok
| 1990 || ''[[Dhadakebaaz]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| Mahesh Nemade
|
|
|-
|-
|1975
| 1992 || ''Jiwlaga''
|Prit Tuzi Mazi
|{{Yes}}
|Ravi
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}||
|Guest appearance
|
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Zapatlela]] ''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| [[Zapatlela (film series)#Mahesh Jadhav|CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav]]
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|-
| 1971|| [[Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani]] ||Ravi
| 1994 || ''[[Majha Chakula]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
|
|
|-
|-
| 1970|| Safar ||Feroz Khan's Younger Brother Montu
| 1996 || [[Masoom (1996 film)|''Masoom'']]
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}} ||
|Guest appearance
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-02-16 |title=I regret not listening to Aamir Khan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/mahesh-kothare-aamir-khan/articleshow/46197247.cms |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 1968 || [[Raja Aur Runk]] ||Yuvraj Narendradev / Raja
| 1998|| ''Dhangad Dhinga''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}} || Advocate Mahesh Mithare
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhangad Dhinga - Movie |url=https://www.moviefone.com/movie/dhangad-dhinga/q6upJHbLg3ipEAQjf8UUN4/main/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=Moviefone |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 1964 || Chota Jawan ||
|1999
|''Lo Main Aagaya''
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|
|
|Hindi
|
|-
|-
|}
| 2000 || ''[[Khatarnak (2000 film)|Khatarnak]]''
 
|{{Yes}}
;Directorial credits
|{{Yes}}
 
|{{No}} ||CID Inspector Mahesh Choudhary
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|
| rowspan="11" |Marathi
|
|-
|-
 
|2001
! Year !! Title !! Role
|[[Chimani Pakhar]]
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|
|
|
|-  
|-  
| 1985 || [[Dhoom Dhadaka|Dhum Dhadaka]] || Mahesh Javalkar
| 2004 || ''[[Pachhadlela]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
|Cameo
|<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2020-09-28 |title=Happy Birthday Mahesh Kothare: 'Zapatlela' to 'Pachhadlela'; FIVE must-watch comedy movies of actor-director |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/happy-birthday-mahesh-kothare-zapatlela-to-pachhadlela-five-must-watch-comedy-movies-of-actor-director/photostory/78358446.cms |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-  
|-  
| 1987 || [[De Danadan]] || Sub-Inspector Mahesh Danke
| 2005 || ''[[Khabardar (film)|Khabardar]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| Mahesh Kothare (Himself)
|
|
|-
| 2006 || ''Shubh Mangal Savdhan''
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}} ||
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shubh Mangal Savdhan (2006) {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shubh_mangal_savdhan_2006 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Zabardast (2007 film)|Zabardast]] ''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}} ||Professor Bramhanand Bharadwaj
|Cameo
|
|-
| 2008|| ''[[Full 3 Dhamaal]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}|| Mahesh Kothare (Himself)
|Guest appearance
|
|-
| 2010|| ''Ved Laavi Jeeva''
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}} ||
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-05-20 |title='Ved Laavi Jeeva' fame Vaidehi Parashurami reminisces about her journey as she completes 10 years in Marathi cinema |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/ved-laavi-jeeva-fame-vaidehi-parashurami-reminisces-about-her-journey-as-she-completes-10-years-in-marathi-cinema/articleshow/69410417.cms |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 1989 || [[Thartharat]] || CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
| 2010|| ''[[Ideachi Kalpana]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}} || Commissioner Mahesh Thakur
|
|
|-
|-
| 1990 || [[Dhadakebaaz]] || Mahesh Nemade
| 2011|| ''Dubhang''
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}} ||
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2013 || ''[[Zapatlela 2]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}|| [[Zapatlela (film series)#Mahesh Jadhav|Mahesh Jadhav]]
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |title=M-Town is ready to scare with 'Zapatlela 2' |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-01/news-interviews/34178135_1_m-town-marathi-film-3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206230400/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-01/news-interviews/34178135_1_m-town-marathi-film-3d |archive-date=6 December 2013 |access-date=2025-04-15 |work=The Times Of India |language=en |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|''[[Welcome to the Jungle (2013 film)|Welcome to the Jungle]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|IB Chief
|
|English
|
|-
|2024
|''[[Paani (film)|Paani]]''
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|
|
|Marathi
|
|-
|-
| 1991 || Jeevalaga ||
|-
| 1993 || [[Zapatlela]] || CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
|-
| 1994 || Maza Chakula || Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
|-
| 1996 || [[Masoom (1996 film)|Masoom]] ||
|-
| 1999 || Lo Main Aagaya ||
|-
| 1998 || Dhangad Dhinga || Advocate Mahesh Mithare
|-
| 2000 || [[Khatarnaak]] ||
|-
| 2001 || Chimani Pakhar ||
|-
| 2004 || [[Pachadlela]] || Mahesh
|-
| 2005 || [[Khabardar (Marathi film)|Khabardar]] ||
|-
| 2007 || [[Shubha Mangal Saavadhan]] ||
|-
| 2008 || [[Zabardast]] ||
|-
| 2010 || Ved Laavi Jeeva  ||
|-
| 2011 || Dubhang ||
|- 
| 2013 || [[Zapatlela 2]] || Commissioner Mahesh Jadhav
|- 
|}
|}


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
*1986 – Best Director – Film ''Dhumdhadaka'' (Marathi) – [[Filmfare Awards]]
{| class="wikitable"
*1986 – Best Film – Film ''Dhumdhadaka'' (Marathi) – [[Filmfare Awards]]
!Year
*1994 – Best Director 3 – Film ''Mazha Chhakula'' (Marathi) – Maharashtra State
!Award
*1994 – Best Film 3 – Film ''Mazha Chhakula'' (Marathi) – Maharashtra State
!Category
*1994 – Best Director – Film ''Mazha Chhakula'' (Marathi) – [[Screen Awards|Screen Award]]
!Work
*1994 – Best Film – Film ''Mazha Chhakula'' (Marathi) – [[Screen Awards|Screen Award]]
|-
*2001 – Best Director – Marathi [[Screen Awards|Screen Award]] for ''Khatarnak'' (Marathi film 2000)
| rowspan="2" |1986
*2007 – Best Director 2 – Film ''Khabardar'' (Marathi) Maharashtra State
| rowspan="2" |[[Filmfare Awards Marathi]]
*2007 – Best Screenplay – Film ''Khabardar'' (Marathi) Maharashtra State
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Marathi|Best Film]]
*2009 – Award for Outstanding Contribution to Marathi Cinema – Maharashtra State
| rowspan="2" |''[[Dhum Dhadaka]]''
*2021 - Filmfare Award for Excellence in Marathi Cinema
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Marathi|Best Director]]  
|-
| rowspan="4" |1994
| rowspan="2" |[[Maharashtra State Film Awards]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Marathi|Best Film]]
| rowspan="4" |''[[Majha Chakula]]''
|-
|[[Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Screen Awards]]
|Best Film - Marathi
|-
|Best Director - Marathi
|-
|2000
|Best Director - Marathi
|''[[Khatarnak (2000 film)|Khatarnak]]''
|-
| rowspan="3" |2005
| rowspan="4" |[[Maharashtra State Film Awards]]
|[[Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film]]  
| rowspan="3" |''[[Khabardar (film)|Khabardar]]''
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Marathi|Best Director]]
|-
|[[Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]
|-
|2009
|[[V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award]]
|rowspan="3"|Overall Contribution  
|-
|2018
|[[3rd Filmfare Awards Marathi]]
|Limelight Award
|-
|2021
|[[5th Filmfare Awards Marathi]]
|Excellence in Marathi cinema
|}


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 176: Line 416:
== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
===Cited works===
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |last=Srinivas |first=Manjula |title=Undergraduate Research in Mass Media UgRIMM 2021 |year=2022 |publisher=Shineeks Publishers |isbn=9781632789341 |publication-date=21 April 2022 |language=en}}
{{Refend}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 192: Line 437:
[[Category:Film producers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Film producers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Marathi film producers]]
[[Category:Marathi film producers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:1953 births]]
[[Category:1953 births]]
[[Category:People from Mumbai]]

Latest revision as of 13:21, 26 October 2025


Mahesh Kothare
Kothare at Filmfare Awards Marathi 2014
Born (1953-09-28) 28 September 1953 (age 72)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation
  • Film producer
  • film director
  • actor
Years active1964 – present
Spouse(s)
Nilima Kothare
(
m. 1980)
ChildrenAdinath Kothare (son)
RelativesUrmilla Kothare (daughter-in-law)

Mahesh Kothare (mr, born 28 September 1953), is an Indian actor, director, producer, and screenwriter widely regarded as a revolutionary figure in Marathi cinema. He began his career as a child actor in Hindi films during the 1960s, appearing in classics such as Raja Aur Runk, Chhota Bhai, and Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani. In the mid-1980s Kothare became a pioneering filmmaker in Marathi cinema, introducing several technological innovations such as Dolby Digital sound and 3D formats. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has received numerous accolades, including the Maharashtra State Film Award and the National Film Award for Best Children's Film.

Kothare made his directorial debut with Dhum Dhadaka (1985), a box-office hit that set the tone for his signature style—mixing comedy, fantasy, and action. He followed it with successful films like Thartharat (1989), De Danadan (1987), Dhadakebaaz (1990), and Zapatlela (1993), which introduced the iconic villain Tatya Vinchu, a ventriloquist’s dummy that became a cultural phenomenon. His sequel Zapatlela 2 (2013) was the first Marathi film shot in 3D. Kothare is credited with pioneering several technological advancements in Marathi cinema, including the use of CinemaScope (Dhadakebaaz), Dolby Digital sound (Chimani Pakhar), and 3D filmmaking (Zapatlela 2). These innovations elevated the production standards of regional films and expanded their audience reach.

Over his career, Kothare has received numerous accolades, including the Maharashtra State Film Award and the National Film Award for Best Children's Film for Chimani Pakhar (2003). He is founder of Kothare Vision, a production company primarily focused on creating mythological television series. Kothare published autobiography Damn It Ani Barach Kahi in 2023.[1][2]

Career[edit | edit source]

Kothare started his career in his teens, in Hindi movies with roles in Raja aur Runk and Ghar Ghar ki Kahani. He later switched to Marathi cinema, where he worked with well known stars and directors while continuing to make Hindi films without any noteworthy success. Kothare became a top Marathi director with hits including Dhum Dhadaka, Zapatlela, Zapatlela 2, Khatarnak and Khabardar.

In films Ghar Ka Bhedi and Lek Chalali Sasarla, he played negative character.[2]

Kothare, along with, Laxmikant Berde, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Ashok Saraf formed a successful quartet, giving hits after hits in the Marathi Cinema Industry in the 1980s and 1990s.

He also owns the Kothare Vision production house.[3]

In the mid-1980s, Kothare and another young actor, Sachin Pilgaonkar, helped to revolutionize the Marathi film industry with their directing. Pilgaonkar directed Navri Mile Navryala, while Kothare directed Dhoom Dhadaka. Both films became box office hits, but Dhum Dhadaka became a trendsetter which brought young audiences to recognize the Marathi style of movie-making. Kothare then went on to make comedies which also became major hits. He also made Dhadakebaaz, the first Marathi film shot in CinemaScope and brought a number of innovations such as Dolby Digital sound to Marathi cinema with the film Chimani Pakhar. He made Pachhadlela in 2004, which was the first Marathi film with computer-generated effects. Kothare was also the first Marathi filmmaker to produce science-fiction films.[4]

In the film Gupchup Gupchup and Thorali Jau he played supporting, character roles.[2]

In the Marathi movies, he played supporting characters in films such as Devata, Jabardast, Majah Chakula, De Dandan, Khatarnak, Tharthrat, Zapatlela, Zapatlela - 2, Shubha Mangal.[2]

In 2013, Kothare made the film Zapatlela 2 in 3D with his son Adinath Kothare in the lead. The film was the sequel to his 1993 box office hit Zapatlela, which has acquired a cult following amongst Marathi audiences and features a doll named Tatya Vinchu created by Ventriloquist and Puppeteer Ramdas Padhye and voiced by Dilip Prabhavalkar that comes to life. Kothare revived Tatya Vinchu with 3D, animatronics and state of the art CGI in the sequel Zapatlela 2, which was the first Marathi film shot in 3D using split beam technology produced by Spanish stereographer Enrique Criado.[5][6] The film was shot at ND Studios, Karjat and released on 7 June 2013, going on to become a big hit over its 100-day run.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kothare is married to Nilima Kothare since 1980.[7] His son Adinath Kothare is an actor married to Urmilla Kothare.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

As an actor, Kothare appeared primarily as a Police Inspector with his first name Mahesh.

Year Title Actor Director Producer Role Notes Language Ref.
1964 Chota Jawan Yes No No Jawan Marathi [8]
1967 Upkar Yes No No Younger Bharat Hindi
1968 Raja Aur Runk Yes No No Yuvraj Narendradev / Raja Hindi
1970 Safar Yes No No Feroz Khan's Younger Brother Montu
1971 Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani Yes No No Ravi
1975 Prit Tuzi Mazi Yes No No Ravi Marathi
1982 Sant Gyaneshwar Yes No No Dnyaneshwar
Thorli Jaau Yes No No Avinash
Chandane Shimpit Ja Yes No No
1983 Devta Yes No No Sunil
Paaygoon Yes No No Dhanaji Jadhav/Nagesh Patil
Gupchup Gupchup Yes No No Ashok
1984 Sage Soyare Yes No No Hemant
Gharcha Bhedi Yes No No Ramesh
Lek Chalali Sasarla Yes No No Vilas Inamdar
1985 Dhum Dhadaka Yes Yes Yes Mahesh Javalkar [9]
1987 De Danadan Yes Yes Yes Sub-Inspector Mahesh Danke
1989 Thartharat Yes Yes Yes CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
1990 Dhadakebaaz Yes Yes Yes Mahesh Nemade
1992 Jiwlaga Yes Yes Yes Guest appearance
1993 Zapatlela Yes Yes Yes CID Inspector Mahesh Jadhav [10]
1994 Majha Chakula Yes Yes Yes Inspector Mahesh Jadhav
1996 Masoom No Yes No Guest appearance [11]
1998 Dhangad Dhinga Yes Yes Yes Advocate Mahesh Mithare [12]
1999 Lo Main Aagaya No Yes No Hindi
2000 Khatarnak Yes Yes No CID Inspector Mahesh Choudhary Marathi
2001 Chimani Pakhar No Yes No
2004 Pachhadlela Yes Yes Yes Inspector Mahesh Jadhav Cameo [10]
2005 Khabardar Yes Yes Yes Mahesh Kothare (Himself)
2006 Shubh Mangal Savdhan No Yes No [13]
2007 Zabardast Yes Yes No Professor Bramhanand Bharadwaj Cameo
2008 Full 3 Dhamaal Yes Yes No Mahesh Kothare (Himself) Guest appearance
2010 Ved Laavi Jeeva No Yes No [14]
2010 Ideachi Kalpana Yes No No Commissioner Mahesh Thakur
2011 Dubhang No Yes No
2013 Zapatlela 2 Yes Yes Yes Mahesh Jadhav [15]
Welcome to the Jungle Yes No No IB Chief English
2024 Paani No No Yes Marathi

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

Year Award Category Work
1986 Filmfare Awards Marathi Best Film Dhum Dhadaka
Best Director
1994 Maharashtra State Film Awards Best Film Majha Chakula
Best Director
Screen Awards Best Film - Marathi
Best Director - Marathi
2000 Best Director - Marathi Khatarnak
2005 Maharashtra State Film Awards Best Film Khabardar
Best Director
Best Screenplay
2009 V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award Overall Contribution
2018 3rd Filmfare Awards Marathi Limelight Award
2021 5th Filmfare Awards Marathi Excellence in Marathi cinema

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Marathi Actor-Director Mahesh Kothare Releases His Autobiography, 'Damn It Aani Barach Kahi'". News18. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 शिकलगार, स्वालिया न (28 September 2021). "HBD महेश कोठारे : इन्स्पेक्टर महेश जाधव आजही मराठी मनात..!". Pudhari News (in मराठी). Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "Kothare Vision". Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  4. ↑ Srinivas 2022, p. 208.
  5. ↑ "The Third Dimension of Marathi Cinema". Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  6. ↑ "Terror in a new form". Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  7. ↑ "35 वर्षांपूर्वी जमली महेश कोठारेंची निलीमा यांच्यासोबत जोडी, अशी आहे दोघांची Love Story". Divya Marathi. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  8. ↑ "Mahesh Kothare Incidence : 'पोस्टरवर माझा फोटो कोपऱ्यात, ही खूप मोठी चूक होती' महेश कोठारेंनी सांगितला तो किस्सा". Ittsmajja (in मराठी). 17 May 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  9. ↑ "Ashok Saraf's films that you must watch". The Times of India. 29 August 2018. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Happy Birthday Mahesh Kothare: 'Zapatlela' to 'Pachhadlela'; FIVE must-watch comedy movies of actor-director". The Times of India. 28 September 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  11. ↑ "I regret not listening to Aamir Khan". The Times of India. 16 February 2015. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  12. ↑ "Dhangad Dhinga - Movie". Moviefone. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  13. ↑ "Shubh Mangal Savdhan (2006) | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  14. ↑ "'Ved Laavi Jeeva' fame Vaidehi Parashurami reminisces about her journey as she completes 10 years in Marathi cinema". The Times of India. 20 May 2019. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  15. ↑ "M-Town is ready to scare with 'Zapatlela 2'". The Times Of India. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2025.

Cited works[edit | edit source]

  • Srinivas, Manjula (2022). Undergraduate Research in Mass Media UgRIMM 2021. Shineeks Publishers (published 21 April 2022). ISBN 9781632789341.

External links[edit | edit source]

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