Director

Sanjay Surkar

Sanjay Surkar was a Marathi cinema powerhouse who proved that regional Indian cinema could be just as award-winning and critically acclaimed as anything Bollywood had to offer. Born in Bombay in 1959, Surkar made his mark with a string of films that earned him three National Film Awards for Best Feature Film in Marathi—a rare achievement that speaks volumes about his consistency and vision. His golden run in the late '90s with *Rao Saheb* (1996), *Tu Tithe Mee* (1998), and *Gharabaher* (1999) established him as one of the most respected voices in Marathi cinema, someone who could blend commercial appeal with artistic integrity. What set Surkar apart was his fearless storytelling and his ability to capture the nuances of Marathi culture without ever feeling preachy or self-conscious about it. Beyond just directing films, he was a versatile creator who worked seamlessly across television and theatre, bringing that same thoughtful touch to everything he touched. His contribution to Marathi cinema was immense—he elevated the medium and showed audiences that regional films could compete with big-budget productions in terms of quality and emotional depth. Though his life was cut short when he passed away in Pune in 2012, Surkar left behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers in the Marathi industry today.