Veteran actress Madhu Kambikar died on Monday, October 12, at the age of 73. The star had been struggling with multiple health complications following a paralytic stroke and had been battling a prolonged illness prior to her death. In a tragic twist, she died just four days after her co-star Nana Patekar, who died suddenly at the age of 75 on October 8.
A career spanning over 75 films
Although she was two years younger than him, she had played his mother on two occasions - first in 1995's Hum Dono and later in 1997's Yeshwant. In total, she worked in over 75 films throughout her career and received several accolades, including a Filmfare Marathi Award and six Maharashtra State Film Awards.
Madhu had suffered with health issues for a decade ever since she fell unconscious on stage during a lavani-tamasha performance at Yashwant Natya Mandir, Matunga, and was hospitalised in November 2016. She suffered a stroke in the hospital which left her bedridden. Her last film role came just a year beforehand in 2015's Aabhraan, where she played Sarawati.
From tamasha troupe to screen icon
The star began her career performing with a tamasha troupe before graduating to films and went on to make her mark across folk theatre, commercial theatre and television serials as well as films. She was particularly lauded for her Lavani performances, a traditional Maharashtrian folk dance form known for its expressive movements and energetic presentation.
She also appeared in several Marathi films, including 1984's Hech Mazha Maher, 1992's Yeu Ka Gharat and 1993's Zapatlela. Her two films with Nana Patekar were hugely popular. Hum Dono, directed by Shafi Inamdar, was a Hindi film that revolved around two men who become involved in a complicated situation involving mistaken identities and relationships. Two years later, they reunited for Yeshwant, a crime drama directed by Anil Matto which followed an honest police officer who finds himself caught in a web of corruption and political influence.
Tributes from artists and officials
Tributes flooded in for the star as news of her death became public. Taking to X, Lavani artist Megha Ghadge reflected: "My friend, my Lavani, is gone. With the verve of her Lavani performances, the sound of her ghungroos and her vivid screen presence, Madhutai ruled audiences' hearts for many years.
"We can never forget her role and Lavani performance in Ek Hota Vidushak. I was fortunate to work with her. She never gave up despite battling illness for several years. I was fortunate to work with her in Dombari and to have met her. Madhutai may no longer be among us, but her art will remain with us forever."
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared: "The news of the passing of veteran actress Madhu Karnik ji is extremely heartbreaking. She had portrayed many important roles in films, folk theater, commercial theater, and television serials. Her roles in films like Hech Maazan Maheer, Raghumainaa, Ek Hota Vidushak, Jhapaatlela, Debu, and Yeu Ka Gharat will remain etched in the memory of audiences forever.
"By beautifully blending acting and dance, she consistently worked to popularise folk arts connected to rural life. Remaining active in the field of art for over four decades, she enriched the Marathi entertainment world, and this contribution of hers will always be remembered. I offer my heartfelt tribute to her. We share in the grief of her family and fans," he concluded.
Meanwhile, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) wrote: "[We are] deeply saddened and shocked by the demise of veteran actress, folk artist and film and TV personality Madhu Kambikar. She was one of the most respected senior actresses of Marathi cinema, and her contribution to the industry was immense. Through her honest performances and her devotion to Maharashtra's folk traditions, she touched millions of hearts. Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled. Today, an era has come to an end.
The Marathi film industry, and Maharashtra in particular, will never forget her contribution. Her work will keep inspiring generations of artists. AICWA prays that God grants peace to her soul and gives strength and courage to her family and her countless fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
