Sachin Pilgaonkar is one of the most beloved actors of Hindi and Marathi cinema. He has been working as an actor, singer, writer, and filmmaker for several decades. Some of his most famous works include films like Geet Gaata Chal, Balika Badhu, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Nadiya Ke Paar, and serials like Tu Tu Main Main.
Early Life and Career
Sachin Pilgaonkar, often known simply as Sachin, was born on August 17, 1957, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a family that was originally from Pilgaon, Goa. Sachin’s father, Sharad Pilgaonkar, managed a printing business in Mumbai. He also worked as a film producer and writer.
Sachin’s career began at the tender age of four when he stepped into the world of acting with the Marathi film “Ha Maza Marg Ekla” in 1962. This debut won him the National Award for Best Child Artist, setting the stage for a prolific career ahead.
As a child artist, Sachin graced the silver screen in many films, including Dak Ghar (1965), Zimbo Ka Beta (1966), Majhli Didi (1967), Jewel Thief (1967), Brahmachari (1967), Annapurna (1968), Duniya (1968), Raste Aur Manzil (1968), Dil Aur Mohabbat (1968), Chanda Aur Bijli (1969), Waris (1969), Himmat (1970), Safar (1970), Night in Calcutta (1970), Prem Pujari (1970), Bachpan (1970), Mela (1971), Krishna Leela (1971), Jaane-Anjaane (1971), Gambler (1971), Dastaan (1972), Birbal My Brother (1973), Nirmaan (1974), Resham Ki Dori (1974) and many more.
Sachin As Lead
In 1975, he played the memorable character of Ahmad in “Sholay,” and the same year, he starred as a lead in Rajshri Productions’s teen musical “Geet Gaata Chal,” opposite Sarika.
He followed the success of Geet Gata Chal with films like Balika Badhu (1976),” “Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978),” “Trishul (1978),” “Ashtavinayak (1979),” and “Satte Pe Satta (1982).”
In 1982 he starred in Rajshri’s ‘Nadiya Ke Paar‘ directed by Govind Moonis. The film was an adaptation of Keshav Prasad Mishra’s novel Kohbar Ki Shart. It tells the story of Chandan played by Sachin and Gunja, portrayed by Sadhana Singh. Inder Thakur played Omkar, Chandan’s brother. Mitali portrayed Roopa, Gunja’s sister. The film become a landmarks in Indian cinema, etching his name in the hearts of audiences across generations.
Sachin The Man Of Many Talents
Sachin’s talents are not confined to acting alone. He is also an accomplished director, producer, writer, and singer, contributing significantly to Marathi and Hindi films. He made his directorial debut in 1982 with the film “Mai Baap,” starring Ashok Saraf, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Madhu Apte, Daya Dongre, and Kalpana Iyer, with himself.
His directorial ventures in Marathi cinema, like “Navri Mile Navryala (1984), “Gammat Jammat (1987), Masa Pati Karodpati (1988), and “Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988),” were not only box office successes but also critical darlings, showcasing his multifaceted creativity.
In 1992, he directed his first Hindi film “Prem Deewane,” starring Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Vivek Mushran, and Pooja Bhatt. He also directed Aazmayish (1995), Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai (1995), and Jaana Pehchana (2011).
Some of his other notable Marathi films as a director are Atmavishwas (1989), Bhutacha Bhau (1989), Eka Peksha Ek (1990), Aamchya Sarkhe Aamhich (1990), Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991), Navra Maza Navsacha (2004), Amhi Saatpute (2008), Ideachi Kalpana (2010), Ekulti Ek Marathi, Ashi Hi Aashiqui (2019), and Navra Maza Navsacha 2 (2024),
Sachin Pilgaonkar on TV
His television stint is equally impressive, with shows like “Tu Tu Main Main (1994),” “Kadvee Khatti Meethi,” “Hudd Kar Di,” “Tu Tota Main Maina,” and “Gilli Danda,” under his directorial belt. Sachin also hosted the popular Hindi musical show “Chalti Ka Naam Antakshari” on Star Plus, further cementing his status as a household name.
Personal Life
Sachin is married to actress Supriya Pilgaonkar, the couple has a daughter, Shriya Pilgaonkar, who is also an actress. In recognition of his five decades in the industry, Sachin penned an autobiography, ‘Hach Maza Marg’, offering a glimpse into his illustrious journey and the experiences that shaped his life and career.
Sachin Pilgaonkar on IMDB
