Happy Birthday, Ashok Saraf! 7 Lesser-Known Facts About The King Of Comedy

Ashok Saraf, affectionately called as ‘Mama’ by M-town, celebrates his 73rd birthday today. The actor is known for his impeccable comic timing and thus is considered to be the king of comedy. In his long-spanning career, Ashok has appeared in several plays, TV shows, and films. For his outstanding contribution to the Marathi cinema, the actor has been conferred upon numerous awards. On the occasion of his birthday, we look at seven lesser-known facts about the king of comedy.

Watch Ashok’s film Me Shivaji Park here.

1. Background

Ashok is from Belgaum but was born and brought up in the city of dreams- Mumbai. He spent most of his childhood in Chikhalwadi in South Mumbai and completed his schooling from DGT Vidyalay. During his formative years, Ashok developed a liking for acting and entered theatre when he was 18 years old.

2. Debut

He bagged his first commercial play Yayati Aani Devyani based on the novel written by V.V Shirwadkar considered to be a classic in Marathi literature. This was followed by his Marathi film debut with Janaki in 1969. The actor later did films like Ek Daav Bhutacha, Dhoom Dhadaka, Gammat Jammat, Aayatya Gharat Gharoba which took him to the peak of popularity. Despite his success in films, Ashok still continues to do theatre.

3.  Responsible for starting a wave of comedy in Marathi cinema

Ashok was responsible in starting a wave of comedy in the Marathi film industry during the 1980s and 90s. He, along with Laxmikant Berde, Sachin Pilgaonkar, and Mahesh Kothare, took the industry to greater heights with their phenomenal pairing.

4. Entry into Bollywood

His talents were recognised by Bollywood as well where he was cast for memorable roles in films like Singham, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Gupt, Koyla, and Yes Boss. He has also featured in Zee TV’s popular daily soap Hum Paanch. Do you remember the father who’s tired of the menace caused by his five daughters? Yes, that’s the role played by Ashok!

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 5. Awards in his kitty

The actor has got a whopping 5 Filmfares and 10 State Government awards for his remarkable performances.

6. Married to Nivedita Saraf who is 18 years younger than him

He is married to Nivedita Saraf who is 18 years younger to him. Despite the age gap, they are one of the most popular couples in the industry. Did you know that they have also appeared in a couple of films together? The duo was together in films like Ashi Hi Banva Banvi, Navri Mile Navryala, and many others. Currently Nivedita is being seen as Asawari in Agga Bai Sasubai.

7. Escaped the clutches of death twice

A few years ago, Ashok met with a car accident where he was badly injured in his neck but luckily survived. In 2012, he met with another fatal car accident while he was on his way to promote a film. The actor escaped the clutches of death twice in his life proving that he’s here to stay as the invincible king of comedy.

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Check out more of Ashok’s entertaining films now streaming on ZEE5.

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