An actor, director, lyricist, writer, and singer, Dada Kondke was a renowned figure in the Marathi film industry, known for his unique style of comedy and his contribution to the genre of slapstick humor. Recently, Dada Kondke was entered in the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of films (nine) that achieved silver jubilee (running for 25 consecutive weeks).
Early Life
Dada Kondke was born as “Krishna Kondke” and brought up in a Koli family of cotton-mill workers in a chawl in Naigaon, near Lalbaug, Mumbai. Kondke was called “Dada,” an honorific Marathi term meaning “elder brother,” which led to his popular name, Dada Kondke.
Kondke was always inclined towards perfforming arts and in cultural activities.. He actively participated in programs of Seva Dal, a cultural volunteers’ organisation. It was in Seva Dal, where he began his journey in the world of dramas.
It was the time he comes in contact with many Marathi stage personalities, including writer Vasant Sabnis and when Kondke started his own theatre company, Sabnis agreed to write a modern Marathi language Tamasha or Loknatya, “Vichha Majhi Puri Kara,” for him. The play went on to stage over 1500 shows all across Maharashtra, turning Dada into a star.
Dada Kondke In Films
He made his film debut with Bhalji Pendharkar’s Marathi movie “Tambdi Maati,” which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. His first film as producer was “Songadya” (1971), an adaption of story penned by Vasant Sabnis. In the film irected by Govind Kulkarni, he took on the role of Namya, the naive character smitten by the allure of Kalavati (portrayed by Usha Chavan), a dancer. His second film was Eakta Jeev Sadashiv (1972), where he again starred with Usha Chavan.
Kondke’s narratives consistently featured characters engaged in modest occupations and from poor strata of life; for instance, he depicted himself as a Dhobi (laundryman) in “Aali Angavar (1980),” a poor farmer in “Songadya,” and a police constable in “Pandu Havaldar (1975).”
Dada Kondke The Slapstick King
His films often contained a mix of humour, music, and dance, with light entertainment. He made films for the working-class audience, making him a household name in Maharashtra. He made his first Hindi film, Tere Mere Beech Mein, in 1984. In Khol De Meri Zuban (1985), he team up with Mehmood, Viju Khote and Satish Shah. Kondke’s most famous film was Andheri Raat Mein Diya Tere Haath Mein (1986). His other Hindi films were Aage Ki Soch (1988) and Le Chal Apne Sang (2000).
In 1977 he came up with “Ram Ram Gangaram,” starring Ashok Saraf, Usha Chavan, Anjana Mumtaz with himself. His other famous films include “Bot Lavin Tithe Gudgulya,” “Aali Angavar,” and “Hyoch Navra Pahije.” He also wrote some of his songs, like “Manasa paras medhara bari” and “Chalara Vaghya.”.
Kondke’s work was characterised by its simplicity and relatability, which made him immensely popular among the masses. He had a knack for capturing the essence of Marathi culture in his performances. His work often included witty one-liners and double entendres that left audiences in splits.
Despite facing criticism for the adult content in his movies, Kondke remained unfazed. continued to produce hits that dominated the box office. His legacy lives on through his films, which continue to entertain generations of viewers.
Legacy
Kondke has a set team of artists which he used in his films. His actors include leading lady Usha Chavan, his onscreen mother Ratanmala and Bhagawan Dada in special dance sequences among others. His screenplay writer Rajesh Mujumdar was part of almost all his films. The team also had music director Raam Laxman, and singers Jayawant Kulkarni, Mahendra Kapoor, and Usha Mangeshkar.
Dada Kondke’s life was as colourful as his films. He was responsible of introducing the genre of sex comedy to Marathi and Indian cinema. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic figures in Marathi cinema. His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with the common man made him a legend in his own right.
Dada Kondke died on 14 March 1998 after suffering a massive heart attack. Dada Kondke married Nalini but the marriage did not last long. He did not remarry, although he was in a long-term relationship with Neela Kadwadkar.
Dada Kondke on IMDB
