Nandu Madhav

Nandu Madhav is a highly respected Indian actor, director, and writer, primarily known for his profound contributions to Marathi cinema and theatre. Born in Gevrai, Maharashtra, he pursued a B.Sc. and an LL.B. from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University before transitioning into the arts. His career, which spans over three decades, is defined by a commitment to grounded and socially conscious storytelling. Madhav gained early recognition in the mid-1990s with the film Sarkarnama, but his most iconic role came in 2009 with Harishchandrachi Factory. In this film, he portrayed Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema. The performance was a massive success, and the film was chosen as India's official entry for the 82nd Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. His portrayal earned him significant acclaim, including a Screen Award for Best Actor. His filmography includes notable Marathi works like Bangarwadi, Valu, Shala, and Tapaal, as well as appearances in Hindi films such as Shool, Akira, and Simmba. Recently, he has also made a mark in the digital space with roles in web series like Scam 2003: The Telgi Story and Taali. In addition to his film work, Madhav is a stalwart of Marathi theatre. He is known for directing the influential play Shivaji Underground in Bhimnagar Mohalla, which utilized a troupe of farmers to explore historical narratives. Over the years, he has received multiple Maharashtra State Awards and a Filmfare Award Marathi for his contributions to the performing arts.