The sudden passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has left the nation stunned. As political leaders and citizens mourn the loss, an unexpected chapter from his family history has resurfaced, drawing attention for its quiet connection to Indian cinema. Long before the Pawar name became synonymous with Maharashtra politics, the family had a brief yet meaningful link with the film world. This lesser-known story adds a human layer to a leader remembered largely for his political journey.
While tributes continue to pour in, conversations online and offline have shifted to rediscovering personal details about Ajit Pawar’s early life. Among them is the role played by his father, Anantrao Pawar, who once worked alongside one of Indian cinema’s most respected pioneers.
Anantrao Pawar’s quiet link to Indian CinemaAjit Pawar’s father, Anantrao Pawar, was associated with Rajkamal Studios in Bombay during the early decades of Indian cinema. The studio was founded and owned by legendary filmmaker late V. Shantaram, a name that shaped the cultural and artistic direction of Hindi and Marathi films. Anantrao Pawar reportedly worked in production or studio operations, contributing behind the scenes at a time when cinema was still evolving as an industry.
Though his exact role was never widely documented, multiple accounts over the years confirm his association with the studio. This connection placed the Pawar family within Mumbai’s professional environment while they remained deeply rooted in rural Maharashtra.
Who was V. Shantaram?V. Shantaram was among the architects of modern Indian cinema. After leaving Prabhat Films, he established Rajkamal Kalamandir in 1942. The studio went on to create landmark films such as Do Aankhen Barah Haath and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, known for blending strong social themes with artistic excellence. Working in such an environment reflected Anantrao Pawar’s early exposure to discipline creativity and large-scale production systems.
About the Author
Ayush Srivastava
Ayush Srivastava is a passionate Sub Editor at India.com and is currently part of the entertainment team with a strong grasp on South cinema, Bollywood, and Hollywood. With more than 3 years of experi ... Read More
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