Ravindra Mahajani

Ravindra Mahajani (7 October 1946 – 11 July 2023) was an Indian Marathi film actor and director. From the late seventies to the mid eighties, Mahajani featured in Marathi films.

Career
In his early career, Mahajani drove taxis and auditioned for films. He created Marathi films until 1987–1988.

Mahajani was known as "the Vinod Khanna of the Marathi film industry" due to his personality and looks. Because of his resemblance to Vinod Khanna, director N. Chandra wanted him to star in his 1986 film Ankush but Mahajani rejected the offer.

Mahajani featured in many romantic songs, including "Ha Sagari Kinara", "Sumbaran Gao Deva", and "Phite Andharache Jaale". His film Devta is popular among rural fans. He is known for his roles in Duniya Kari Salam (1979), Mumbaicha Faujdar (1984), Zunj (1989), Kalat Nakalat (1989) and Aaram Haram Ahe (1976). The latter was a major hit while Laxmi Chi Pavale was a blockbuster. He made a comeback with 2015 film Kay Rao Tumhi.

In an interaction with TV9, Ashok Saraf shared that "Sincerity was his greatest quality, he excelled in every role. Whatever he did, he did it with his heart, so he was one of the most successful actors of our time."

Education
Ravindra Mahajani completed his schooling from King George High School, Mumbai. He completed his graduation from Guru Nanak Khalsa College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mumbai. His father H. R. Mahajani was an editor of Marathi-language newspaper.

Personal life
Ravindra Mahajani had a daughter and a son, Gashmeer Mahajani, who is a television and film actor.

Awards and Recognitions
Filmfare Award Marathi Best Actor 1976 - Zunj

In the year 2010, Mahajani was awarded with 'Sarvashreshtha Kala Gaurav Puraskar' instituted by Sankskruti kala Darpan

After receiving award, Mahajani said, "Mr. Bhatt signed me for his film first and then for two months he himself offered me tuitions in Gujarathi. It was only after that he launched his film. Later I worked in 11 Gujarathi films besides working in Marathi films.” He further said that after winning his first Filmfare Award, he was appreciated by Bharatratna Lata Mangeshkar.

Death
Mahajani was found dead at his residence in Ambi village, Maval, on 14 July 2023. He was 77.