Many stars in Indian cinema, from Bollywood’s Rajesh Khanna to Malayalam’s Mohanlal, have had films run in theatres for 25 to 40 weeks. But there is one superstar whose achievement stands apart—nine of his films each ran for 25 weeks in theatres, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. That superstar was none other than the beloved Marathi actor and filmmaker Dada Kondke.
Known as the “uncrowned king” of Marathi cinema, Dada Kondke was a master of comedy and a crowd-puller whose films attracted audiences in huge numbers. His unique style, bold humour, and connection with the common man made him one of the most unforgettable personalities in Indian cinema history.
Dada Kondke was born as Krishna Kondke on August 8, 1932, into a simple Konkan family in Lalbaug, Mumbai. His childhood was spent in a modest chawl in Naigaon, and his early experiences shaped his down-to-earth personality and relatable humour.
Due to his family’s poor financial condition, young Krishna started working at Apna Bazaar to help support the household. Later, he joined the Seva Dal band, which gave him his first exposure to the performing arts. This was the beginning of a journey that would eventually make him a household name.
His film career started in 1969 with Tambdi Maati, directed by Bhalji Pendharkar. However, it was the 1971 film Songadya that turned him into an overnight sensation. His portrayal of ‘Namya’, a simple yet funny character, won the audience’s hearts. The charm and comedy of his performance made him instantly popular and marked the beginning of a long series of hits.
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After Songadya, Dada Kondke starred in a string of successful films such as Pandu Havaldar, Andhala Marto Dola, Ram Ram Gangaram, and Bot Lavin Tithe Gudgulya. His films consistently drew audiences to theatres, and nine of them managed to run for 25 weeks each. This rare achievement earned him an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Dada’s films were famous for their double-meaning dialogues and bold titles. Movies like Andheri Raat Mein, Diya Tere Haath Mein and Khol De Meri Jubaan often caught the attention of the censor board. However, Dada’s wit and political connections helped him navigate these challenges, ensuring his films reached audiences without being banned.
While he was most famous in Marathi cinema, Dada Kondke also worked in Hindi and Gujarati films. His production company, Kamakshi Productions, became known for producing hit films and for collaborating with popular names such as actress Usha Chavan, singer Mahendra Kapoor, and music director duo Ram-Lakshman.
Dada Kondke’s contribution to cinema went beyond just entertainment. He brought a unique blend of humour, local culture, and relatable storytelling that connected deeply with ordinary people. Even decades later, his films are remembered for their catchy dialogues, simple characters, and the joy they brought to audiences.
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