Ajinkya Deo (born 17 January 1964) is an Indian actor in Marathi films and is the son of veteran Marathi actor Ramesh Deo and Seema Deo. He is the prominent figure in Marathi Cinema. He appeared over 85 movies in Hindi and Marathi languages. He is the recipient of Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor.
He made his debut with a role in the Superhit Marathi movie Ardhangi (1985) opposite Archana Joglekar. He emerged as a star with Sarja (1987) and went on to establish himself with his roles in the action films Shabas Sunbai (1986), Jeeva Sakha (1991), Ghayal (1993), Bajrangachi Kamal (1994) and Vishwavinayak (1994). Deo's other commercially successful films include Majha Ghar Majha Sansar (1986), Sansar (1987), Kashyasathi Premasathi (1987), Maherchi Sadi (1991), Bandhan (1991), Lapandav (1993), Vajwa Re Vajwa (1993), Kunku (1994), Sarkarnama (1998), Tuch Mazi Suhasini (1999) and Vasudev Balwant Phadke (2007). Deo played supporting roles in Jeta (2010), Ringa Ringa (2010), Dubhang (2011), Sau Shashi Deodhar (2014), Raakhandaar (2014), Nati (2014), Tanhaji (2020) and Gharat Ganpati (2024).
Early life Deo was born on 17 January 1964 in Mumbai. He completed his primary and secondary education at B.D.M. High School and later attended Sathaye College for his higher studies. He belongs to a family with deep roots in the Indian film industry; he is the son of veteran actors Ramesh Deo and Seema Deo. His younger brother, Abhinay Deo, is a well-known film director.
During his childhood, while his parents were occupied with their professional commitments, Deo was primarily raised by his grandmother and maternal uncle. Growing up in an environment centered around cinema allowed him to observe the industry closely. Drawing from this background and a natural inclination toward the performing arts, he chose to follow his parents' career path. He made his professional acting debut in 1984 with the film Ardhangi.
Career Early Marathi films (1985–1990)
Deo began his acting career with the Marathi film Ardhangi (1985), directed by Rajdutt. He continued his association with the filmmaker in Mazhe Ghar Mazha Sansar (1986), while also appearing in Prabhakar Pendharkar's Shabas Sunbai the same year. In 1987, Deo reunited with Rajdutt for Sarja. The year also marked his debut in Hindi cinema with Sansar, in which he portrayed Shiva Sharma. He additionally appeared in Pitambar Kale's Marathi film Kashasathi Premasathi.
In 1988, Deo expanded his presence in Hindi cinema with a role in Sone Pe Suhaaga, featuring an ensemble cast. The following year, he appeared in the Marathi film Rickshawali (1989). In 1990, Deo acted in the Hindi films Pyasi Nigahen and Nagin, continuing to work across both Marathi and Hindi cinema during the early phase of his career.
Breakthrough and Hindi debut (1991–1999)
Deo achieved a major breakthrough in 1991 with the Marathi family drama Maherchi Sadi, in which he portrayed Vicky. The film emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes in Marathi cinema history at the time and became a cultural phenomenon, significantly increasing his popularity among audiences. The same year, he appeared in Anant Mane's Bandhan and played the lead role of Jeeva in Jeeva Sakha, directed by his father, Ramesh Deo, marking their first collaboration as actor and director.
In 1992, Deo appeared in the Marathi films Vajva Re Vajva and Jagavegli Paij, continuing to establish himself as a leading actor in Marathi cinema. The following year, he expanded his presence in Hindi films with roles in Parwane, Phool Aur Angaar and Meherbaan. In Marathi cinema, he featured in Shrabani Deodhar's Lapandav as well as Bala Jo Jo Re and Ghayaal. In 1994, Deo worked with Sachin Pilgaonkar for the first time in Kunku. The same year, he appeared in Kumar Sohoni's Bajrangachi Kamal, Vishwavinayak and Chal Gammat Karu, while also acting in Ashok Gaikwad's Hindi film Fauj. In 1995, he continued working in both industries with appearances in the Hindi films Paandav and Sauda, alongside the Marathi film Vahinichi Maya.
In 1996, Deo appeared in the Hindi film Chhota Sa Ghar. The year also marked his debut in Telugu cinema with Deyyam and his English-language film debut with The Peacock Spring. After a brief absence from film releases in 1997, he returned in 1998 with a role in Shrabani Deodhar's political drama Sarkarnama. In 1999, he appeared in the Hindi film Gair and the Marathi film Tuch Majhi Suhasini.
Historical roles and later work (2001–2010)
In 2001, Deo appeared in the Marathi films Avgat, portraying Ramakant, and Sangharsh Jeevanacha, in which he played Vijay. Deo was also the executive director of Prabhat Entertainment TV channel. The channel operated from 2000 to 2002. Following a brief hiatus from major film appearances, he returned in 2004 with roles in the Hindi action film Aan: Men at Work, where he portrayed a police officer, and the Marathi film Tujhyachsathi. In 2005, Deo appeared in the Hindi film Mr Ya Miss and the Marathi film Sawal Majha Premacha, continuing to work across both Hindi and Marathi cinema.
A significant milestone in his career came in 2007 when he portrayed Indian freedom fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke in the biographical film Ek Krantiveer: Vasudev Balwant Phadke. His performance received critical acclaim and earned him the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor. After another brief hiatus, He returned to Marathi cinema in 2010 with roles in Sanjay Jadhav's Ringa Ringa and Jeta, marking his continued presence in the industry through character-driven roles.
Character roles (2011–present)
In 2011, Deo collaborated with filmmaker Mahesh Kothare for the first time in Dubhang. After a brief break, he returned in 2013 with a role as a RAW agent in the Hindi thriller David and appeared as Ramesh in the Marathi film Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha. In 2014, he featured in several Marathi films, including Sau Shashi Deodhar, Bhatukali, Nati and Raakhandaar. The following year, he appeared in Shinma, Marg Majha Aekla and Sugar Salt Ani Prem. In 2016, he acted in the political drama Nagpur Adhiveshan.
After a gap from major film releases, Deo appeared in the Hindi film Bombairiya (2019) and made an appearance in the English-language historical drama The Warrior Queen of Jhansi, portraying Tatya Tope. In 2020, he played Chandraji Pisal in the historical action film Tanhaji. He continued his work in Marathi cinema with Zol Zaal (2022). In 2023, he appeared in the Hindi film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, starring Salman Khan, portraying a Chief Minister. The following year, he played Sharad Gharat in the Marathi family drama Gharat Ganpati.
In 2025, He appeared in the Marathi films Tu Mee Ani Amaira and Asa Mee Ashi Mee, opposite Tejashri Pradhan. The same year, he featured in Farhan Akhtar's war film 120 Bahadur, portraying a brigade commander.
Collaborations He has worked with noted Film director's such as Rajdutt, Kumar Sohoni, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Shrabani Deodhar, Prabhakar Pendharkar, Anant Mane, Girish Ghanekar, Sanjay Jadhav and Om Raut. His chemistry with top Marathi actress of 80s and 90s were appreciated, he done Films with Ashwini Bhave, Varsha Usgaonkar, Nishigandha Wad, Archana Joglekar, Nivedita Saraf and Kishori Shahane.
Personal life Deo married his long time girlfriend, Aarti Deo, in 1986. He has two children, a son, Arya Deo, and a daughter, Tanaya Deo. Arya has worked in the film industry as an assistant director.
His daughter Tanaya has special needs. Inspired by his family's experiences, Hes been associated with initiatives supporting children with special needs and has been involved in establishing educational facilities aimed at their development and care.
Filmography
Films Year Title Role Language Notes 1985 Ardhangi AjinkyaMarathi 1986 Mazhe Ghar Mazha Sansar Prasad Sane Shabas Sunbai Ajinkya Inamdar 1987 Sarja SarjaMaharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor Sansaar Shiva Sharma Hindi Kashyasathi Premasathi Abhay Mohite Marathi Kachchi Kali ArunHindi 1988 Sone Pe Suhaaga Dr. Prem 1989 Rickshawali Amar Marathi1990 Pyasi Nigahen Inspector Vijay Hindi Nagin Dr. Ajay 1991 Indrajeet Unnamed Cameo appearance Maherchi Sadi VickyMarathi Bandhan Mohan Aata Hoti Geli KutheAjinkya Jeeva Sakha Jeeva Jasa Baap Tashi Poore Shekhar Thorat 1992 Vajwa Re Vajwa Akash Jagawegli paij Rohit Sarkar 1993 Parwane Aslam Hindi Phool Aur Angaar Adhikari Meherbaan Vikram Lapandav Vikram 'Vicky' MalgudeMarathi Poraka Ajinkya Bala Jo Jo Re Vishal Naik Remake of Hindi movie Sanjog GhayaalAjit Hirey1994 Kunku Dr. Ram Inamdar SoodchakraGurunath Bajrangachi KamalInspector Vikram Shinde Mayechi Savli Arun Velankar Vishwavinayak Shankar Chal Gammat Karu VikramFaujSamanth Hindi 1995 Paandav Captain Vikas Sood SaudaMadan Paijan Janardhan Kaundinya (JK)Marathi Vahinichi Maya Dr. Rajesh 1996 Chhota Sa Ghar Vikas Hindi Deyyam Murali Telugu The Peacock Spring Vikram Singh English TV movie1998 Sarkarnama Vishvas Salunkhe Marathi ShandhyugHari1999 Gair Raj Oberoi Hindi Tuch Majhi SuhasiniSuhasini's HusbandMarathi Screen Awards Nominated Best Actor 2001 AvgatRamakant Narvekar aka Ramya Sangharsh JeevanachaVijay2004 Aan: Men at Work Police Officer Kelkar Hindi TujhyachsathiNikhilMarathi2005 Mr Ya Miss Bhagwan Shiv Hindi Sawal Majhya Premacha Pratap Babasaheb Nimbalkar Marathi 2007 Ek Krantiveer: Vasudev Balwant Phadke Vasudev Balwant Phadke Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor 2010 Ringa Ringa Rangrao 2010 Jeta VikramCameo appearance 2011 Dubhang Sujit Don Ghadincha Daav Umesh Sontakke 2013 David RAW Agent Hindi Special appearance Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha RameshMarathi 24 (Indian TV series) Abhay Gupta / Kartik Hindi 2014Sau Shashi Deodhar Dr. Ajinkya VartakMarathi Bhatukali Shrikant Deshmukh Nati Mahesh Chandorkar Raakhandaar Khushaba 2015 Shinma Director Vasu Marg Majha AkeylaAjinkya Sugar Salt Ani Prem Ajay 2016 Nagpur Adhiveshan Prataprao 2019 Bombairiya Police commissioner Wadia Hindi The Warrior Queen of Jhansi Tatya Tope English 2020 Tanhaji Chandraji Pisal Hindi 2022 Zol Zal Inspector Abhimanyu Shinde Marathi 2023 Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan Chief Minister Kelkar Surve Hindi 2024Gharat GanpatiSharad GharatMarathi2025Tu, Me Ani AmairaShubhankar120 BahadurBrigade Commander Hindi Asa Mee Ashi MeeVaibhav RajadhyakshaMarathi 2026VishvamitraHindi
Television +YearTitleRoleLanguageNotes1995SailaabAvinashHindi1996Zee Horror ShowAjinkyaEpisodic role1998RishteyNaginAjay2005KohinoorMr. Shinde2013Asava Sundar Swapnancha BanglaMarathi24Kartik Chandrashekar / Abhay GuptaHindi2021Jai Bhawani Jai ShivajiBaji Prabhu DeshpandeMarathi2026BrownDheeraj JaiswalHindi
References
External links
More pictures from Marathi Movies