Padma Chavan was an Indian actress who appeared in Marathi and Hindi films, television and theatres. Chavan made her acting debut in 1959 opposite Ramesh Deo in the movie Akashganga. She was famously known as Maharashtra's Marilyn Monroe.

Early life Padma Chavan was born on 7 July 1944 into a prominent Sardar family from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. She was the daughter of Captain Annasaheb Chavan. She completed her primary education, but chose to leave formal schooling at a young age to pursue her interest in acting and a career in cinema.

In 1959, at the age of 15, Chavan made her screen debut in the film Akashganga, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Bhalji Pendharkar. Her natural screen presence and appearance facilitated her early entry into the industry, allowing her to establish herself as an actress during the formative years of her career.

Career Chavan’s career spanned several decades, during which she worked in Marathi and Hindi cinema, as well as Marathi theatre. She was noted for her versatility in portraying both urban and rural characters. Her performances in the films Ya Sukhano Ya (1975) and Aaram Haram Aahe (1976) earned her awards from the Government of Maharashtra. In the context of Marathi theatre, she appeared in plays such as Lagnachi Bedi, Majhi Bayko Majhi Mehuni!, and Guntata Hridaya He. Following her performance in the play Lakhat Ashi Dekhani, writer-director Acharya Atre referred to her as the "Marilyn Monroe of Maharashtra" and the "Atom Bomb of Beauty."

Chavan also appeared in several Hindi films, including Aadmi, Bin Badal Barsaat, and Kashmir Ki Kali, where she frequently played antagonistic roles. Her extensive filmography includes notable appearances in Akashganga (1959), Avaghachi Sansar (1960), Sangata Jadali Tuzi Na Majhi (1960), Zhala Mahar Pandharinath (1970), Lakhat Ashi Dekhani (1971), Anolkhi (1973), Jyotibacha Navas (1975), Tuch Mazi Rani (1976), Devghar (1981), and Gupchup Gupchup (1983). After her marriage to director Kamlakar Torne, she transitioned into character roles. Her later successful film appearances included Ashtavinayak (1979), Sasu Varchad Jawai (1983), Ghayal (1993), and Porka (1993).

Personal life and death Padma Chavan was married to director Kamlakar Torne. She died following a car accident.

Filmography

Films YearFilmRoleNotes1959AakashgangaPadmaDebut filmMr. XSingh's Assistant Hindi film1960Avaghachi SansarAshaSangat Jadli Tujhi An Majhi1961Suhag SindoorNaliniHindi filmStreePadmaBin Badal BarsaatPadma1964ChallengeKashmir Ki KaliKarunaEk Don TeenRosie1965Flying ManShahi RaqasaAadhi Raat Ke BaadHelenSher DilUnnamedCameo1966Daku Mangal SinghPrincessHindi filmNaagin Aur SapheraNaagin1968AadmiParvati1970Jhala Mahar PandharinathAawali1971Lakhat Ashi DekhniParvati/Akka1973Anolkhi1975Jyotibacha NavasPadmajaZinda DilParvati SharmaHindi filmYa Sukhano Ya1976Aaram Haram AahePammi1977Tuch Mazi RaniRaniAadmi Sadak KaKamla S. NathHindi filmBala Gau Kashi AngaiUnnamedCameoJai Bolo ChakradhariHindi filmJagritiGayatri Mahima1978Bot Lavin Tithe GudgulyaNetaji PalkarJijabaiKarwa ChouthRaniDost Asava Tar Asa1979Javayachi JaatSujataAshtavinayakMaai InamdarAapli Manse1980Sharan Tula BhagwantaDevapudhe Manus1981Naram GaramRatnaNanand BhavjayNanandKhoon Ki TakkarThakur's WifeMahabali HanumanMandodariDevgharBaisaheb1982BaghavatMaharaniJeevan DhaaraSadhana MalhotraAshantiKumar's MotherAngoorAlkaNavare Sagle GadhavSonavareKuvariKai Ga SakhuDulha Bikta HaiDaulatAunty1983Jeet HamaariNirmala SinghSadmaMadamSansar PakhranchaSasu Varchad JawaiGangu Telinbai TeliGupchup GupchupMadam Jawalkar1984Aao Jao Ghar TumharaMaqsadMistress PratapShraddha1987Premasathi Vattel TeDurgaKhara Kadhi Bolu NayeSaralabai Khote1988Woh Phir AayegiKamlaHamara KhandaanDo Waqt Ki RotiPammi1990Kasam Dhande KiSatyaprakash's foster motherGhabraiche NahinAnusayabai1993GhayaalAnandibai MandkePorkaJanmathepVahini Saheb1996Ashi Asavi SasuMavshi

Play and role Lagnachi Bedi (Rashmi) Mazi Bayko Mazi Mevhani (Rasika) Navryachi Dhamal Tar Baykochi Kamal (Sunita) Sakhi Shejarini (Preeti) Biwi Kari Salaam (Rama) Mavali (Alaknanda) Guntata Hruday He (Kalyani) Vaje Paul Aapule (Sushila) Lafada Sadan (Sandika) Pijara (Aai) Baykola Jevha Jaag Yete (Avantika) Mhanun Mi Tula Kuthe Net Nahi (Satyabhama)

See also Marathi cinema Hindi cinema

References

External links