Veteran Marathi actress Madhu Kambikar dies at 73 after long illness

Marathi cinema has lost a cherished folk performer, actress Madhu Kambikar, who passed away at the age of 73 due to a prolonged illness in Pune. Kambikar, renowned for her dancing and screen presence, had been battling several health complications following a paralytic stroke, according to Indian Express. Born on July 28, 1953, in Malegaon Khurd, Beed district, Kambikar began her career on the road with a traveling tamasha troupe before transitioning to the film industry.

Kambikar's dance style, Lavani, a energetic folk dance form of Maharashtra, significantly influenced her career. She built a career that spanned folk theatre, commercial stage productions, television serials, and cinema, active for over four decades. Kambikar's filmography includes notable works such as Shaapit, Hech Majha Maher, Raghumaina, Ek Hota Vidushak, Zapatlela, Debu, and Yeu Ka Gharat.

Her breakthrough role earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Marathi) and a Maharashtra State Award. She received additional recognitions, including the Maharashtra State Award for Hech Majha Maher, the Best Supporting Actress honour for Raosaheb, and the Hansa Wadkar Special Award. In 2007, she was honored with the Lavani Kalavant Award.

Tributes have poured in from fellow Lavani artist Megha Ghadge, who expressed deep sorrow over Kambikar's passing. Ghadge remembered Kambikar as her "friend, my Lavani," highlighting the unforgettable impact of Kambikar's role and dance in Ek Hota Vidushak. She also emphasized that Kambikar's illness did not deter her from entertaining audiences for years.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sadness, praising Kambikar's roles as enduring in audiences' memories and acknowledging her unique ability to blend acting with dance to showcase rural folk traditions to a wider audience. Fadnavis offered condolences to Kambikar's family and fans.