Dada Kondke (1932-98)

Marathi and Hindi director-actor born in Bombay. Employed as a millworker. Started in Vidushaka roles (‘the fool’) in Marathi lok natya, a bawdy working-class adaptation of Tamasha, e.g. his classic performance in the most famous play of the genre, Vasant Sabnis’s Vichha Majhi Puri Kara (1965). The Tamasha was first adapted to film in 40s Marathi cinema (Lokshahir Ramjoshi, 1947; Sangtye Aika, 1959) but Kondke took it to extremes. His film titles and dialogues are famous for their vulgarity and inventiveness. Often cast Usha Chavan as his leading lady. Début with Bhalji Pendharkar in Tambdi Mati. Started producing films with Govind Kulkarni’s Songadya (1971). Turned director in 1975. Had censorship trouble during the Emergency with Ram Ram Gangaram (originally called Gangaram Veeskalmi), intended as a spoof of the Twenty-point Economic Programme. It was remade by Mehul Kumar in Gujarati as Ram Ram Amtharam, as was Pandu Havaldar, which became Chandu Jamadar. Currently a vocal supporter of the Hindu communalist party based in Bombay, Shiv Sena. Acted in his own directions.

FILMOGRAPHY (* act only): 1969: Tambdi Mati*; 1971: Songadya*; 1972: Ekta Jeev Sadashiv*; 1973: Andhala Marto Dola*; 1975: Pandu Havaldar; 1976: Tumcha Amcha Jamla; 1977: Ram Ram Gangaram; Chandu Jamadar*; 1978: Bot Lavin Tithe Gudgudlya; 1980: Hyoch Navara Pahije; 1981: Ram Ram Amtharam*; Ganimi Kava*; 1982: Ali Angavar; 1984: Tere Mere Beech Mein; 1986: Andheri Raat Mein Diya Tere Haath Mein; 1987: Muka Ghya Muka; 1988: Mala Gheoon Chala; Aage Ki Soch; 1989: Khol De Meri Zabaan; 1990: Palva Palvi; 1992: Yevu Ka Gharat; 1994: Sasarcha Dhotar.

Actor

Director