Arun Sarnaik

Arun Sarnaik was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Marathi films. He was the son of the famous singer "Maharashtrakokil" Pt. Shankarao Sarnaik and the brother of the classical singer "Pandit Nivruttibua Sarnaik" from Jaipur Atrauli Gharana. He acted in over 60 films in a career spanning nearly three decades. He was also an accomplished Tabla and Harmonium player. He was honoured with several awards and recognition for his contribution to cinema and society. Arun Sarnaik was born on 4 October 1935 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Bombay Presidency, British India. He belonged to the Barozaiclan of Pashtuns, whose ancestors had migrated from Afghanistan to India. His father was a personal driver of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Arun Sarnaik developed an interest in acting and music during his school days and participated in many plays and dramas. He moved to Mumbai to pursue his acting career and joined the film institute of director V. Madhusudhana Rao. He made his debut in the 1956 Marathi play Bhatala Dili Osri by Mo. Ga. Rangnekar. In 1961 he made his movie debut with Shahir Parshuram made by Anant Mane. He got his screen name Arun Sarnaik from this film, as he played a character named Arun. He went on to act in several films as a hero, villain, and supporting actor. He established himself as a popular actor with films such as Vardakshina, Vithu maza lekurwala, Chandanachi Choli, Anga Anga Jaali, and Sinhasan. He was known for his dialogue delivery and voice modulation. He also acted in some Hindi films, such as Zanjeer, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Kalicharan. He was a recipient of many awards, including the Nandi Award, the Filmfare Award South, and the NTR National Award. He was also conferred an honorary doctorate by the Karnatak University in 2013. Arun Sarnaik was also a singer and sang some songs in his films. He sang the popular song "Pratham tuj pahta" in the Marathi film Mumbaicha Jawai. He also sang songs like "Ek Lajra na Sajra", "Gan Gaulan Jhali Suru", "Tanda Chalala Re Gadya", and "Pappa Sanga Kunache". He also composed some music for his films. Arun Sarnaik was also involved in social and charitable activities and was a patron of many educational institutions and orphanages. He also supported many causes, such as farmers' welfare, water conservation, and organ donation. He was closely associated with the NGO Anandgram, where he helped needy people. Arun Sarnaik died in a road accident on 21 June 1984 along with his wife and one of his two children while he was going from Kolhapur to Pune. He was heading to Pune for the first day of his shooting of the movie Pandharichi Vaari, in which he was cast for the lead role. After his sudden death, the movie was then completed by offering the lead role to another artist. His death was mourned by many film personalities, politicians, and fans, who paid tribute to his legacy and achievements.