Ranjana Deshmukh: Difference between revisions

Indian actress (1955–2000)

Ranjana Deshmukh (1955 – 3 March 2000) was an Indian actress known for her work in several popular Marathi films productions in 1970s & ’80s. Ranjana Was Leading Star of Marathi Cinema industry during late 70s through 80s. She was known for her great comic time and her versatility as an actress. She won Filmfare Marathi for Best Actress and Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress for two times each.

She is the daughter of Vatsala Deshmukh. Her aunt, Sandhya was married to V. Shantaram, who introduced her to the screen in Superhit Movie Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jaali (1975), Where she played Supporting role. She then starred in the lead role in Shantaram’s next film, Zunj. opposite Ravindra Mahajani. Ranjana won the state government award for best actress twice : Are Sansar Sansar (1980) and Gupchup Gupchup (1983).^[1] Her other key films include Sushila (1979), Gondhalat Gondhal (1981), Mumbaicha Faujdar (1985), Bin Kamacha Navra (1984), Khichdi (1985), Chaani (1978), Zakhmi Waghin, Bhujang (1982) and Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982).

Ranjana made hit pairs at the box office with several noted Marathi film actors including Ashok Saraf, Avinash Masurekar, Shriram Lagoo, Kuldeep Pawar, Nilu Phule, Ravindra Mahajani, Raja Gosavi and others. Ranjana Deshmukh’s career came to an abrupt end in 1987 in a car accident while she was on her way to Bangalore to shoot for Jhanjhaar. Ranjana’s legs were paralysed in the accident. She was engaged to Ashok Saraf earlier.^[2] After her accident she was in a play named Fakt Ekdaach.^[3]

Ranjana died of a heart attack^[4] at her residence at Parel in central Mumbai, India. She was 45. She is survived by her mother Vatsala Deshmukh, a noted character actress of her time and her aunt Sandhya, Hindi film actress and wife of V. Shantaram.^[5]

Zee Talkies paid tribute to Ranjana by showcasing her select movies on 3 March 2011.^[6] The government of Maharashtra has instituted an award in her memory.