Mahesh Manjrekar

Mahesh Manjrekar is one of those rare talents who wears multiple hats in Hindi and Marathi cinema, and he's done it with impressive consistency since the mid-70s. While he's carved out a solid acting career with memorable performances, it's really his work behind the camera that's earned him serious respect in the industry. He directed the gritty crime drama Vaastav: The Reality, which became a cult classic, and followed it up with the critically acclaimed Astitva, which won him a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. His directorial work on Viruddh... Family Comes First further cemented his reputation as a filmmaker who knows how to dig into complex human relationships and social issues. What sets Manjrekar apart is his uncompromising approach to storytelling—he doesn't shy away from darker, more realistic narratives that challenge mainstream Bollywood conventions. Beyond directing, he's remained a versatile actor, taking on roles that showcase his range, and he's also made waves in the digital space with several OTT projects. Between 2018 and 2023, he hosted the reality show Bigg Boss Marathi, becoming the face of the Marathi version of the popular franchise. Whether it's through his hard-hitting films, his performances, or his presence on reality TV, Manjrekar continues to be a significant figure in Indian cinema who refuses to play it safe.