Marathi cinema has lost one of its familiar faces with the passing of veteran actress and folk artiste Madhu Kambikar. She breathed her last on Monday, October 12, at the age of 73 after battling illness for many years. It was reported that she passed away in Pune. Madhu Kambikar made her mark in Marathi movies, theater performances, and folk arts.

Who was Madhu Kambikar? actress suffered a stroke in 2016

Madhu Kambikar’s health reportedly took a serious turn in 2016 when she suffered a stroke while performing Lavani at Mumbai’s Yashwant Natya Mandir. She was taken to the makeup room after the incident and was later found to have paralysis affecting one side of her body. According to News18 Marathi, the stroke had a lasting impact on her health, leaving her bedridden for several years. She reportedly received treatment at home as her condition changed over time. Despite these difficulties, her long-standing contribution to Marathi entertainment remained an important part of her legacy.

Madhu Kambikar’s Marathi films and association with Dada Kondke

Born on July 28, 1953, Madhu Kambikar built a strong identity as an actress, theatre performer and television personality. She appeared in more than 75 films and became a recognised name in Marathi cinema, particularly during the 1980s. One of her notable appearances was in filmmaker Jabbar Patel’s ‘Ek Hota Vidushak,’ in which she played the mother of Laxmikant Berde’s character and also performed Lavani. Her film credits also include Marathi movies such as ‘Zapatlela,’ ‘Gosht Choti Dongraewdhi,’ and ‘Paij Lagnachi.‘ She also worked with popular Marathi filmmaker and actor Dada Kondke in films such as ‘Yeu Ka Gharat’ and ‘Mala Gheun Chala.’ Her natural acting skills and the talent of playing different roles made her closer to the audience.

Madhu Kambikar’s ‘Lavani’ legacy and awards

Other than the film industry, Madhu Kambikar was recognized for her association with ‘Lavani,’ a classical art form in Maharashtra state. Performances such as ‘Bharla Abhaal Paasvi Pahuuna Gan Bai’ and ‘Kutan Tumi Gela Hota Sanga Karbhari’ were associated with her folk-art journey. Her contribution earned her several honours, including a Filmfare Marathi Award and six Maharashtra State Film Awards.In 2018, she received the Zee Chitra Gaurav Award, which her daughter-in-law, Sheetal Jadhav, accepted on her behalf because Madhu Kambikar could not attend the ceremony. Her demise marks the conclusion of a long career that united Marathi cinema and folk performance arts.