# Swapnil Joshi (स्वप्निल जोशी)
**Swapnil Joshi** (स्वप्निल जोशी; born 1977 in Mumbai, India) is an Indian film and television actor and producer who works predominantly in Marathi and Hindi entertainment, known for a career that began in childhood on [Ramanand Sagar](https://www.edgepedia.org/ramanand-sagar)'s mythological television serials and matured into leading roles in [Marathi cinema](https://www.edgepedia.org/marathi-cinema).[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/) He is popularly nicknamed the "chocolate boy" of the Marathi entertainment world.[2](https://marathi.abplive.com/entertainment/bollywood/happy-birthday-swapnil-joshi-read-about-marathi-entertainment-world-chocolate-boy-swapnil-joshi-1111523)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1977, in Girgaum, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/) • [3](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/bio/) |
| Occupations | Actor, producer, writer, voice cast; also credited for soundtrack work[4](https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/swwapnil-joshi/4734/filmography) • [5](https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/swapnil-joshi/bio/3000264603/) |
| First screen roles | Kush in Ramanand Sagar's *Uttar Ramayan* at age nine, then the title role of Krishna in the Hindi serial *Shri Krishna*[6](https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-play-kush-role-in-ramayan-and-mayuresh-kshektrmade-play-lav-ssj-93-2132548/lite/) |
| Film breakthroughs | Bollywood break in *Ghulam-E-Mustafa* (1997); Marathi film debut in *Manini* (2004)[7](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actor/swwapnil-joshi) |
| Signature Marathi films | *Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai*, *Duniyadari*, and *Mitwaa*[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/) |
| Recent work | *Vaalvi* (2023), *Navra Maza Navsacha 2* and *Bai Ga* (2024), *Jilabi*, *ChikiChiki BooboomBoom*, *Susheela Sujeet*, and the Gujarati debut *Shubhchintak* (2025)[8](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/movies) • [9](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/news) |
| Upcoming | *Mumbai Pune Mumbai 4*, *Premachi Goshta 2*, and a return to Marathi theater with *Lagnapanchami*[4](https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/swwapnil-joshi/4734/filmography) • [10](https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/swapnil-joshi-returns-to-marathi-theatre-with-lagnapanchami-vsd-99-5556007/) |
## Early life and child-actor years
Joshi was born in Girgaum, Mumbai, and studied at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy school in Girgaum before completing a [Bachelor of Commerce](https://www.edgepedia.org/bachelor-of-commerce) at Sydenham Commerce College.[3](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/bio/) • [11](https://www.mensxp.com/marathi/entertainment/marathi-movies/100992-swapnil-joshi-biography-in-marathi.html) He entered acting at age nine, playing the young Ram's son Kush in Ramanand Sagar's television program *[Uttar Ramayan](https://www.edgepedia.org/luv-kush)*; Mayuresh Kshetramade, the other child in the pair, played Lav.[6](https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-play-kush-role-in-ramayan-and-mayuresh-kshektrmade-play-lav-ssj-93-2132548/lite/)
The mythological typecasting continued with the role that defined his childhood fame. In Ramanand Sagar's Hindi serial *Shri Krishna*, Joshi played Lord Krishna, and the part made him a devotional figure to viewers: he has recounted that people would fall at his feet for blessings wherever he went, and that crowds once swelled so large at a temple in Haridwar that he had to be airlifted.[12](https://www.amarujala.com/amp/photo-gallery/entertainment/television/ramayan-luv-actor-swapnil-joshi-also-played-shri-krishna) • [13](https://marathi.ndtv.com/entertainment/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-airlifted-in-haridwar-because-of-huge-crowd-reveals-interesting-story-with-ramanand-sagar-7584451) When the 1980s serials were rebroadcast during the 2020 lockdown, the child actors of *Ramayan*, including Joshi as Kush, returned to public attention roughly three decades after the original run.[6](https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-play-kush-role-in-ramayan-and-mayuresh-kshektrmade-play-lav-ssj-93-2132548/lite/)
## Television and Hindi work
As an adult performer Joshi built a parallel career in Hindi television. He played Inder in the [Zee TV](https://www.edgepedia.org/zee-tv) serial *Amanat* and Dhruv as a parallel lead in *Kehta Hai Dil*, and appeared in shows including *Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo*, *Bajega Band Baaja*, *Papad Pol-Shahabuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya*, and *Golmaal Hai Bhai Sab Golmaal Hai*.[7](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actor/swwapnil-joshi) His Hindi film credits include *Hudd Kar Di*, *Dil Vil Pyar Vyar*, *Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand*, and *Hare Kkaanch ki Chooodiyan*.[7](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actor/swwapnil-joshi) Joshi became a household name playing the title role in the Hindi serial *Shri Krishna*.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/) • [23](https://www.filmibeat.com/television/news/2022/krishna-janmashtami-2022-swwapnil-joshi-recalls-playing-krishna-people-used-come-catch-glimpse-of-me-339255.html)
## Marathi cinema
Joshi's first break in Bollywood films came in 1997 with *[Ghulam-E-Mustafa](https://www.edgepedia.org/ghulam-e-mustafa)*, followed by his Marathi film debut in *Manini* in 2004, after which he built a sustained career in Marathi cinema.[7](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actor/swwapnil-joshi) His most cited Marathi films are *Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai*, *Duniyadari*, and *Mitwaa*.[1](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/) In the *Mumbai Pune Mumbai* series he plays Gautam Pradhan opposite [Mukta Barve](https://www.edgepedia.org/mukta-barve); the pairing of Barve and Joshi has been described as the Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan of Marathi films.[14](https://www.fandango.com/people/swapnil-joshi-992938/film-credits) • [7](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actor/swwapnil-joshi) *Mumbai Pune Mumbai 3* released on December 7, 2018, with a runtime of 2 hours 22 minutes.[8](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/movies)
**Range beyond romance.** Joshi has deliberately taken roles outside the romantic-comedy image, citing films such as *Bhikari*, *Ranangan*, the web series *Samantar*, and the 2021 film *Bali* as attempts to do something different as an actor.[15](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-talks-about-his-future-projects-and-movies-ott/articleshow/88753657.cms) In Paresh Mokashi's dark comedy *Vaalvi* (released January 13, 2023), he plays Aniket in a story about selfishness, apathy, and self-preservation; the film later streamed on Zee5 after a festival run.[8](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/movies) • [16](https://www.zee5.com/global/celebs/swapnil-joshi/filmography) • [17](https://auteurgraph.com/person/swapnil-joshi/films) In 2025 he headlined the suspense thriller *Jilabi*, directed by Nitin Kamble and co-starring Prasad Oak, in which he plays Vijay Karmarkar.[18](https://www.esakal.com/premier/jilabi-movie-review-know-how-is-swapnil-joshi-prasad-oak-new-cinema-psn14) • [19](https://www.famousfix.com/topic/swapnil-joshi/filmography?view=table)
## Production and other languages
Joshi has moved into producing. He is credited as producer of the 2024 Marathi film *Naach Ga Ghuma*, directed by Paresh Mokashi and Madhugandha Kulkarni, which proved a super hit and became the highest-grossing Marathi film of its year.[17](https://auteurgraph.com/person/swapnil-joshi/films) • [20](https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/data/announcements/bse/31082024/3fb7ecc6-7021-4522-abd8-f082cc9fe810.pdf) In interviews around that release he described a changed definition of success in the industry: "appearing" has become easy, and the achievement lies in staying power.[21](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/swapnil-joshi-interview-marathi-actor-talks-about-producer-work-and-acting-career/articleshow/109150872.cms)
He has also crossed language boundaries. *Shubhchintak*, a Gujarati dark comedy thriller directed by Nisarg Vaidya and co-starring Manasi Parekh, marked his Gujarati debut; it was announced by National Award-winning singer Parthiv Gohil and Parekh and shot in Mumbai and Surat.[9](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/news) A Telugu credit, *Sarangapani Jathakam* (April 18, 2025), also appears in his filmography.[8](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/movies)
## Current projects
The *Mumbai Pune Mumbai* franchise is continuing: a fourth part was announced in October 2025, bringing the Gauri and Gautam pair back to audiences after 15 years.[22](https://www.navarashtra.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi) [BookMyShow](https://www.edgepedia.org/bookmyshow) lists *Mumbai Pune Mumbai 4* and *Premachi Goshta 2* among his upcoming films, with *Premachi Goshta 2* pairing him with Bhau Kadam.[4](https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/swwapnil-joshi/4734/filmography) • [22](https://www.navarashtra.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi) He is also returning to Marathi theater with the new play *Lagnapanchami*, alongside [Amruta Khanvilkar](https://www.edgepedia.org/amruta-khanvilkar), and is set to appear in [Nagraj Manjule](https://www.edgepedia.org/nagraj-manjule)'s film *Macho*.[10](https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/swapnil-joshi-returns-to-marathi-theatre-with-lagnapanchami-vsd-99-5556007/)
## Recognition and personal life
Joshi's award record includes a nomination for the 1998 Zee Cine Award for Best Debut Actor and Best Actor nominations in 2016 and 2024.[5](https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/swapnil-joshi/bio/3000264603/) He married the dentist Leena Aradhye on December 16, 2011; an earlier marriage, recorded by IMDb as Jui Raut, lasted from January 10, 2005, to May 13, 2009.[3](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/bio/)
## References
1. [Swapnil Joshi, IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/)
2. [Happy Birthday Swapnil Joshi: Marathi entertainment world's 'chocolate boy', ABP Marathi](https://marathi.abplive.com/entertainment/bollywood/happy-birthday-swapnil-joshi-read-about-marathi-entertainment-world-chocolate-boy-swapnil-joshi-1111523)
3. [Swapnil Joshi Biography, IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1738197/bio/)
4. [Swwapnil Joshi, Movies, Biography, BookMyShow](https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/swwapnil-joshi/4734/filmography)
5. [Swapnil Joshi Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards, TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/swapnil-joshi/bio/3000264603/)
6. [Marathi actor Swapnil Joshi played Kush in Ramayan, Loksatta](https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-play-kush-role-in-ramayan-and-mayuresh-kshektrmade-play-lav-ssj-93-2132548/lite/)
7. [Swwapnil Joshi, Filmography & Biography, Indian Film History](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actor/swwapnil-joshi)
8. [Swapnil Joshi Movies: Latest and Upcoming Films, Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/movies)
9. [Swapnil Joshi News, Times of India Entertainment](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi/news)
10. [Swapnil Joshi returns to Marathi theatre with Lagnapanchami, Loksatta](https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/swapnil-joshi-returns-to-marathi-theatre-with-lagnapanchami-vsd-99-5556007/)
11. [Swapnil Joshi biography in Marathi, MensXP Marathi](https://www.mensxp.com/marathi/entertainment/marathi-movies/100992-swapnil-joshi-biography-in-marathi.html)
12. [Ramayan's Kush actor Swapnil Joshi also played Shri Krishna, Amar Ujala](https://www.amarujala.com/amp/photo-gallery/entertainment/television/ramayan-luv-actor-swapnil-joshi-also-played-shri-krishna)
13. [Marathi actor Swapnil Joshi airlifted in Haridwar because of huge crowd, NDTV Marathi](https://marathi.ndtv.com/entertainment/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-airlifted-in-haridwar-because-of-huge-crowd-reveals-interesting-story-with-ramanand-sagar-7584451)
14. [Swapnil Joshi Filmography and Movies, Fandango](https://www.fandango.com/people/swapnil-joshi-992938/film-credits)
15. [Swapnil Joshi interview on future projects, Maharashtra Times](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/marathi-actor-swapnil-joshi-talks-about-his-future-projects-and-movies-ott/articleshow/88753657.cms)
16. [Swapnil Joshi Movies & Web Series, Zee5](https://www.zee5.com/global/celebs/swapnil-joshi/filmography)
17. [Swapnil Joshi Film Timeline, AuteurGraph](https://auteurgraph.com/person/swapnil-joshi/films)
18. [Jilabi movie review, Esakal](https://www.esakal.com/premier/jilabi-movie-review-know-how-is-swapnil-joshi-prasad-oak-new-cinema-psn14)
19. [Swapnil Joshi Filmography, FamousFix](https://www.famousfix.com/topic/swapnil-joshi/filmography?view=table)
20. [Entertainment pages, Business Standard (Naach Ga Ghuma production credit)](https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/data/announcements/bse/31082024/3fb7ecc6-7021-4522-abd8-f082cc9fe810.pdf)
21. [Swapnil Joshi interview on producer work and Naach Ga Ghuma, Maharashtra Times](https://maharashtratimes.com/entertainment/interview/swapnil-joshi-interview-marathi-actor-talks-about-producer-work-and-acting-career/articleshow/109150872.cms)
22. [Swapnil Joshi Marathi News, Navarashtra](https://www.navarashtra.com/topic/Swapnil-Joshi)
23. [Janmashtami 2022: Swwapnil Joshi Recalls Playing Lord Krishna: People Used To Come To Catch A Glimpse Of Me](https://www.filmibeat.com/television/news/2022/krishna-janmashtami-2022-swwapnil-joshi-recalls-playing-krishna-people-used-come-catch-glimpse-of-me-339255.html)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Films and standalone screen works › Film people and crafts › Film actors and performers › Indian and South Asian film actors by industry and language › Marathi film actors*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Sep 18, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 18, 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