Mahesh Kothare (Marathi: महेश कोठारे) is an actor, director and producer of Marathi and Hindi films. He has been working with Indian cinema since when he was small child. He acted as a child artist in well known movie Raja Aur Rank, Chhota Bhai, Mere Laal, Ghar Ghar ki Kahani. The very popular song 'Tu kitani aachhi hai tu kitani bholi hai o maa' was picturized on him and the actress Nirupa Roy portrayed his mother in the film 'Raja Aur Rank'. Normally he is recognized as first commercial film maker started with Dhumdhadaka.

Revolution in Marathi Film Industry

Around the mid 80s two young actors, donned the director's mantle: Mahesh Kothare and Sachin Pilgaonkar. Pilgaonkar directed Navri Mile Navryala and around the same time Mahesh Kothare directed Dhumdhadaka. Pilgaonkar's film was a box-office hit while Mahesh Kothare's film not only became a mega hit at the box-office but it also became a trend-setter and brought young audiences to Marathi Cinema. Mahesh Kothare then went on to make comedy films which became major hits. He made the first Marathi film shot on the anamorphic format (Cinemascope) - Dhadakebaaz. He brought a number of innovations in the technical quality of Marathi films and was also the first to bring Dolby Digital sound to Marathi Cinema with the film Chimni Pakhara. He made the first Marathi film with Digital Special Effects, Pachadlela in 2004. He is the first Marathi Film Maker to produce Sci-Fi films.

Filmography

As an actor

As a director

Awards and recognition

• 2001 - Best Director - Marathi Screen Award for Khatarnak

See also

• Ashok Saraf
• Laxmikant Berde
• Sachin Pilgaonkar