Cannes gets Marathi touch as Ashok Saraf, 78, walks red carpet with wife Nivedita
Ashok Saraf, 78, attended the Cannes Film Festival with wife Nivedita as part of a Marathi delegation. The actor couple's appearance at the Indian Pavilion and on the red carpet put Marathi cinema and Maharashtrian culture in global view.
Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, 78, appeared at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival with his wife, actor Nivedita Saraf, as part of a Marathi entertainment delegation. Their visit put Maharashtrian cinema and culture in focus at an international platform and gave the festival a visible Marathi presence.
The delegation also included actor Prajakta Mali, YouTuber Ankita Walawalkar, podcaster Jayanti Waghdhare and filmmaker Kedar Joshi. The group took part in events linked to the Indian Pavilion and later drew attention on the Cannes red carpet on May 17.
Marathi presence at Cannes
On the red carpet, Ashok Saraf walked the red carpet in an ivory bandhgala with black trousers. Nivedita Saraf wore a floral saree with a zari-work shawl. Prajakta Mali and the other members of the Marathi delegation also appeared in traditional outfits on the red carpet.
A long career in the entertainment industry
Ashok Saraf is one of the best-known names in Marathi cinema, television and theatre. His career has spanned more than five decades across film, television and stage. He is known for both comic timing and emotional performances.
The actor became a household name through Ekta Kapoor's comedy series, Hum Paanch, besides Marathi films such as Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, Ek Daav Bhutacha, Dhum Dhadaka and Gammat Jammat.
He also worked in Hindi films such as Karan Arjun, Yes Boss, Singham and Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.
Recognition and honours
Apart from films and television, Saraf has remained closely associated with Marathi theatre and is regarded as one of the pillars of the industry. Over the years, he has received several honours for his contribution to Indian entertainment, including multiple Maharashtra State Film Awards. He has also been honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to cinema and performing arts.