# Mahesh Manjrekar
An Indian actor, director, screenwriter, and producer, **Mahesh Manjrekar** is active chiefly in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, and [Bhojpuri cinema](https://www.edgepedia.org/bhojpuri-cinema). He became known as a director with the crime drama *Vaastav: The Reality* (1999) and won the [National Film Award for Best Feature Film](https://www.edgepedia.org/national-film-award-for-best-feature-film) in Marathi for *Astitva* (2000), while building a parallel acting career with roles such as Raja "Balli" Yadav in *Kaante* (2002) and Javed in the Oscar-winning *Slumdog Millionaire* (2008).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) • [2](https://indianexpress.com/about/mahesh-manjrekar/) He has also hosted the reality show *Bigg Boss Marathi*, in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023.[2](https://indianexpress.com/about/mahesh-manjrekar/)
Published sources disagree on his birth year: IMDb and Fandango give 1953, in Bombay, while [The Indian Express](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-indian-express), BollywoodMDB, and Cinegraph give 1958, in Mumbai.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) • [3](https://www.fandango.com/people/mahesh-manjrekar-419681/film-credits) • [2](https://indianexpress.com/about/mahesh-manjrekar/) • [4](https://cinegraph.org/people/mahesh-manjrekar)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Professions | Actor, film director, screenwriter, and producer in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, and Bhojpuri cinema[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) |
| Birth year | 1953 (IMDb, Fandango) or 1958 (Indian Express, BollywoodMDB, Cinegraph); sources disagree[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) • [2](https://indianexpress.com/about/mahesh-manjrekar/) |
| Acting debut | Marathi film *Jeeva Sakha* (1992), as Inspector Jamdade[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) |
| Directing debut | *Vaastav: The Reality* (1999)[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) |
| National award | *Astitva* (2000) won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi[5](https://nfaindia.org/images/pdf/48th%20National%20Film%20Award%20Catalogue.pdf) |
| Production company | Great Maratha Entertainment LLP, founded in 2011 with Aniruddha Deshpande[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) |
| Television | Host of *Bigg Boss Marathi* in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) |
## Theatre beginnings
Manjrekar studied at Don Bosco High School, Mumbai, and graduated from the [University of Mumbai](https://www.edgepedia.org/university-of-mumbai), joining theater while in college.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) In a 2012 interview he described the path into the profession as accidental: he did his first professional play in 1985, but at the time [Marathi cinema](https://www.edgepedia.org/marathi-cinema) was at a low point and television had only one channel, so opportunities for an actor were scarce and he shifted to direction.[6](https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/i-had-a-120run-partnership-with-sachin-tendulkar-i-will-never-forget-it/lite/) IMDb credits him with roles in Marathi plays including *Aflatoon* (1994), *All the Best*, and *Dhyanimani*.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/)
His early screen work was in Marathi: the film *Jeeva Sakha* (1992), in which he played Inspector Jamdade, and the Doordarshan Marathi series *Kshitij Ye Nahi* (1992), in which he played a leprosy patient.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/)
## Directing career
**Breakthrough and the National Award.** Manjrekar's directorial debut, *Vaastav: The Reality* (1999), a Hindi crime drama set in Mumbai, made him famous.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) He followed it with *Nidaan* (2000), which he has described as the first HIV-themed movie in India, and *[Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain](https://www.edgepedia.org/jis-desh-mein-ganga-rehta-hain)* (2000).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) • [7](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/mahesh-manjrekar-new-show-pawan-and-pooja-6286247/lite/) In the same period he directed *Astitva* (2000), made in both Hindi and Marathi, which examines a woman's identity and desires; the Marathi version won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi for 2000, with the Rajat Kamal and a cash prize going to Manjrekar as director.[5](https://nfaindia.org/images/pdf/48th%20National%20Film%20Award%20Catalogue.pdf) • [8](https://www.loksatta.com/lokrang/maifileet-majhya/my-best-friend-mahesh-manjrekar-1225216/) In his director's note for the film's festival catalog, Manjrekar wrote that the idea grew from his reflection on women in India being taken for granted, and that "Astitva was a difficult film to make."[9](https://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/123_IPCatalogue2001.pdf)
**Marathi cinema.** The Mumbai Film Festival catalog lists his acclaimed directed films as *Vaastav: The Reality* (1999), *Astitva* (2000), *Viruddh... Family Comes First* (2005), *Shikshanachya Aai Cha Gho* (2010), *City of Gold* (2010), *Kaksparsh* (2012), *Natsamrat* (2016), and *Bhai: Vyakti Ki Valli* (2019).[10](https://mami.mumbaifilmfestival.com/media/1279/mami_festival_catalogue-2019.pdf) *Natsamrat* (2016), an adaptation of a Marathi play starring [Nana Patekar](https://www.edgepedia.org/nana-patekar), whom Manjrekar had known since their theater days in the 1980s, was co-directed with Satish Padwal and written with Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande and Guru Thakur.[11](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5311546/) • [12](https://varietyindia.com/mahesh-manjrekar-on-his-natsamrat-nana-patekar-he-was-a-farmer-who-accidentally-became-an-actor-exclusive/)
In 2021 he directed *[The Power](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-power-2021-indian-film)* and *[Antim: The Final Truth](https://www.edgepedia.org/antim-the-final-truth)*, the latter a Hindi remake of the Marathi film *[Mulshi Pattern](https://www.edgepedia.org/mulshi-pattern)*; in 2022 he directed the Marathi films *Panghrun* and *Nay Varanbhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha*; and in 2024 he directed and starred in *Juna Furniture* and directed *Hi Anokhi Gaath*.[4](https://cinegraph.org/people/mahesh-manjrekar) Upcoming directing projects listed by Cinegraph include *Bandkhor* (2026) and *Vedaat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat* (2027).[4](https://cinegraph.org/people/mahesh-manjrekar)
## Acting career
Manjrekar's Hindi acting debut came with *Kaante* (2002), directed by [Sanjay Gupta](https://www.edgepedia.org/sanjay-gupta), in the role of Raja "Balli" Yadav, a performance that drew appreciation from audiences and critics.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) He then appeared in *Plan* (2004) as Sultan, *Run* (2004) as Ganpat Chowdhury, *Musafir* (2004) as Lukka, and *[Zinda](https://www.edgepedia.org/zinda-film)* (2005) as Joy Fernandes opposite [Sanjay Dutt](https://www.edgepedia.org/sanjay-dutt).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) Among his most remembered performances is Don Javed in *Slumdog Millionaire* (2008), and he was also noted for the negative role of Senior Inspector Daulat R. Talpade in *Wanted* (2008).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/)
His later Hindi credits include *Dabangg* (2010), *Ready* (2011), *Bodyguard* (2011), *OMG: Oh My God!* (2012), *[Shootout at Wadala](https://www.edgepedia.org/shootout-at-wadala)* (2013), *Sanju* (2018), *Total Dhamaal* (2019), *Saaho* (2019), *Dabangg 3* (2019), and *The White Tiger* (2021), along with the Telugu films *Okkadunnadu* (2007), *Sarkaru Vaari Paata* (2022), and *Mister Mummy* (2022), and the Tamil film *Arrambam* (2013).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) In Marathi cinema he played Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in *Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy* (2009).[3](https://www.fandango.com/people/mahesh-manjrekar-419681/film-credits) In 2025 he appeared in the Tamil films *Coolie* and *Thug Life* and the Kannada film *The Devil*, and in 2026 in the silent film *Gandhi Talks* as Premnath Gavli.[4](https://cinegraph.org/people/mahesh-manjrekar)
## Television and production
Manjrekar co-founded the production company Great Maratha Entertainment LLP with Aniruddha Deshpande in 2011; its first release was the Marathi film *Fakta Ladh Mhana* (2011).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) On television he was a contestant on *Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa* (2006), a judge on *Maharashtracha Superstar* (2010), and the host of *Bigg Boss Marathi* in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) He moved into streaming with the Marathi web series *Kaale Dhande* (2019) and *Forbidden Love* (2020), and played Kismat Bhai in the series *Taaza Khabar* (2023).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/)
## Personal life and health
Manjrekar is married to Medha Manjrekar; his children include the actors Ashwami Manjrekar, Satya Manjrekar, and [Saiee Manjrekar](https://www.edgepedia.org/saiee-manjrekar), who made her Hindi debut in *Dabangg 3* (2019).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/) He was diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer around 2021, after symptoms he first mistook for an overactive bladder; a cystoscopy revealed high-grade cancer, and he continued working through chemotherapy, completing filming of *Antim* and shooting *Bigg Boss* promos while in pain before surgery.[13](https://www.mid-day.com/sunday-mid-day/article/manjrekar-vs-cancer-23232163) • [14](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/mahesh-manjrekar-interview-in-marathi-actor-director-talks-about-his-cancer-treatment-and-work/amp_articleshow/87502796.cms) In 2026 his wife Medha Manjrekar publicly disclosed her own cancer diagnosis.[15](https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/mahesh-manjrekar)
## Views on the industry
In interviews Manjrekar has been a vocal commentator on Marathi cinema's economics. He has argued that the industry lacks unity, saying that a flop film by one filmmaker is celebrated by others, and that competing with large-budget South Indian productions would require cooperation first.[16](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/mahesh-manjrekar-interview-director-and-actor-talks-about-marathi-film-industry-and-other-upcoming-projects/articleshow/110484355.cms) In 2026 he returned to the stage as lead actor and director of the Hindi play *Animal*, after nearly nine years of preparation and a 2025 return to theater with *Shankar Jaikishan* following a 31-year gap from acting on stage.[17](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mahesh-manjrekar-reveals-why-mumbais-struggle-is-silent-while-discussing-play-animal/articleshow/129154670.cms) • [18](https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/mahesh-manjrekar-reveals-why-he-titled-his-play-as-animal-23618694?button=next)
## References
1. [Mahesh Manjrekar Biography, IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542498/bio/)
2. [Mahesh Manjrekar: News, Movies, Photos & Updates, The Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/about/mahesh-manjrekar/)
3. [Mahesh Manjrekar Filmography, Fandango](https://www.fandango.com/people/mahesh-manjrekar-419681/film-credits)
4. [Mahesh Manjrekar, Cinegraph](https://cinegraph.org/people/mahesh-manjrekar)
5. [48th National Film Award Catalogue, Directorate of Film Festivals](https://nfaindia.org/images/pdf/48th%20National%20Film%20Award%20Catalogue.pdf)
6. ["I had a 120-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, I will never forget it", The Indian Express (2012)](https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/i-had-a-120run-partnership-with-sachin-tendulkar-i-will-never-forget-it/lite/)
7. [Mahesh Manjrekar: Have diverse line of work because I am not afraid of failure, The Indian Express (2020)](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/mahesh-manjrekar-new-show-pawan-and-pooja-6286247/lite/)
8. [M बोले तो.. (भाग २) - My Best Friend Mahesh Manjrekar, Loksatta](https://www.loksatta.com/lokrang/maifileet-majhya/my-best-friend-mahesh-manjrekar-1225216/)
9. [Director's Note by Mahesh Manjrekar, 48th National Film Awards Catalogue (2001), DFF](https://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/123_IPCatalogue2001.pdf)
10. [Mahesh Vaman Manjrekar, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival Catalogue 2019](https://mami.mumbaifilmfestival.com/media/1279/mami_festival_catalogue-2019.pdf)
11. [Natsamrat (2016), IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5311546/)
12. [Mahesh Manjrekar On His 'Natsamrat' Nana Patekar, Variety India (2026)](https://varietyindia.com/mahesh-manjrekar-on-his-natsamrat-nana-patekar-he-was-a-farmer-who-accidentally-became-an-actor-exclusive/)
13. [Man(jrekar) vs Cancer, Mid-Day (2022)](https://www.mid-day.com/sunday-mid-day/article/manjrekar-vs-cancer-23232163)
14. [Mahesh Manjrekar interview on his cancer treatment, Maharashtra Times (2021)](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/mahesh-manjrekar-interview-in-marathi-actor-director-talks-about-his-cancer-treatment-and-work/amp_articleshow/87502796.cms)
15. [Mahesh Manjrekar: Latest News, NewsBytes](https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/mahesh-manjrekar)
16. [Mahesh Manjrekar interview on the Marathi film industry, Maharashtra Times (2024)](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/mahesh-manjrekar-interview-director-and-actor-talks-about-marathi-film-industry-and-other-upcoming-projects/articleshow/110484355.cms)
17. [Mahesh Manjrekar reveals why Mumbai's struggle is silent while discussing play 'Animal', The Times of India (2026)](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mahesh-manjrekar-reveals-why-mumbais-struggle-is-silent-while-discussing-play-animal/articleshow/129154670.cms)
18. [Mahesh Manjrekar reveals why he titled his play as 'Animal', Mid-Day (2026)](https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/mahesh-manjrekar-reveals-why-he-titled-his-play-as-animal-23618694?button=next)
---
*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Films and standalone screen works › Film people and crafts › Directors, producers, and screenwriters › Indian and South Asian film directors › Hindi cinema directors › Contemporary Hindi directors*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 12, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license