Sharad Pilgaonkar was an Indian film producer and story writer associated primarily with Marathi cinema. Working under his production banner Manorama Films, he produced several Marathi films during the 1970s and 1980s, including Ashtavinayak (1979), which won the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Second Film.[1] He is the father of actor Sachin Pilgaonkar.[2]
Career
Sharad Pilgaonkar established Manorama Films and produced Marathi-language films over roughly two decades. His earliest screen credits as story writer date to the late 1960s, including the 1969 Telugu film Vichitra Kutumbam.[3]
In 1977 he produced the Marathi film Naav Motha Lakshan Khota.[3] In 1979, he produced Ashtavinayak, directed by Rajdutt, which starred his son Sachin Pilgaonkar in the lead role. The film followed a Sangli family's pilgrimage to Maharashtra's eight sacred Ashtavinayak temples. Its music featured classical vocalist Vasantrao Deshpande and Anuradha Paudwal. The film earned Sharad Pilgaonkar the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Second Film, while Sachin won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Marathi.[4][5]
He subsequently produced Choravar More (1980) and wrote the story for the Hindi film Khoon Ka Rishta (1981), and later produced the Marathi film Savvasher (1984).[1][3]
In addition to his film career, Sharad Pilgaonkar managed a printing business in Mumbai.[2]
Personal life
Sharad Pilgaonkar was based in Mumbai. He is the father of Sachin Pilgaonkar (born 17 August 1957), one of Maharashtra's foremost actors and directors, known for films such as Ashtavinayak (1979), Geet Gaata Chal (1975), and Nadiya Ke Paar (1982).[2]
After Sharad Pilgaonkar's death, several of his honorary awards were stolen by a domestic servant and sold as scrap metal. Sachin Pilgaonkar reported the theft to Santacruz Police in October 2019, and the accused was arrested and charged.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Language | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Vichitra Kutumbam | Telugu | Story writer | |
| 1977 | Naav Motha Lakshan Khota | Marathi | Producer | |
| 1978 | Melu Kolupu | Telugu | Story writer | |
| 1979 | Ashtavinayak | Marathi | Producer | Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Second Film |
| 1980 | Choravar More | Marathi | Producer | |
| 1981 | Khoon Ka Rishta | Hindi | Story writer | |
| 1984 | Savvasher | Marathi | Producer |
References
- "Servant sold all honour prizes of actor Sachin Pilgaonkar's father". TV9 Marathi. 2019-10-03. Archived from the original on 2022-12-08. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- "Sachin Pilgaonkar releases autobiography 'Hach Maza Marg' as he completes 50 years in film industry". DNA India. 2013-09-06. Archived from the original on 2018-08-15. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- "Sharad Pilgaonkar Filmography". Indian Film History. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- "Marathi films that captured the true essence of Ganesh Chaturthi". The Times of India. 2018-09-13. Archived from the original on 2018-09-13. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- "Ashtavinayak (1979)". Marathi Film Data. Retrieved 2026-05-30.