Who was Madhu Kambikar? Marathi actress and Lavani legend dies at 73

Veteran Marathi actress and Lavani performer Madhu Kambikar died in Pune on October 12, aged 73, following a prolonged illness, according to media reports. Known for her work across Marathi cinema, theatre and television, she built a career spanning more than four decades, earning recognition for her versatile performances and contribution to Maharashtra’s traditional performing arts. 

Kambikar appeared in more than 75 films during her career and became particularly familiar to audiences through her portrayals of mothers and mothers-in-law. Alongside her work on screen, she established herself as a prominent Lavani artiste, combining acting and dance in performances that helped bring the traditional Maharashtrian folk form to wider audiences.

Her death has prompted tributes from admirers who remember her as a distinctive performer whose work connected Marathi entertainment with the state’s cultural heritage.

Who was Madhu Kambikar?

Born on July 28, 1953, Madhu Kambikar was an actress, theatre artiste and folk performer who rose to prominence in Marathi entertainment, particularly during the 1980s. She began her career on stage before moving into films, gradually building a reputation for her natural acting style and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Her filmography included ‘Shapit’, directed by Rajdutt, as well as ‘Hech Mazha Maher’, ‘Raghumaina’, ‘Ek Hota Vidushak’, ‘Zhapatlela’, ‘Debu’ and ‘Yeu Ka Gharat’. She also worked with filmmaker and actor Dada Kondke in films including ‘Yeu Ka Gharat’ and ‘Mala Gheun Chala’.

One of her notable appearances was in Jabbar Patel’s ‘Ek Hota Vidushak’, in which she played the mother of Laxmikant Berde’s character and also showcased her Lavani skills. Her performances across different genres established her as a familiar presence in Marathi cinema.

Madhu Kambikar’s contribution to Lavani

While Kambikar earned recognition as a film and theatre actor, Lavani remained central to her artistic identity. The traditional Maharashtrian performance form combines rhythmic music, expressive movements and storytelling, and Kambikar became known for bringing her acting abilities to her dance performances.

Among the performances associated with her career are ‘Bharla Abhaal Paasvi Pahuuna Gan Bai’ and ‘Kutan Tumi Gela Hota Sanga Karbhari’. Her work across cinema and folk performance helped maintain the visibility of Lavani beyond traditional stage settings.

Her career reflected a sustained association with Maharashtra’s performing arts, with her work reaching audiences through films, folk theatre, commercial plays and television serials.

Stroke in 2016 forced her away from performing

A major turning point in Kambikar’s life came on November 27, 2016, when she suffered a stroke following a Lavani performance at Yashwant Natya Mandir in Mumbai. She had returned to dancing on stage after a gap of 12 years for a programme titled ‘Lavanya Sangeet’.

Despite feeling unwell during the performance, reports said she completed it before going to the makeup room, where her condition deteriorated. She was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. The stroke affected the right side of her body, with reports describing a loss of sensation in her right hand and paralysis affecting one side.

The health complications significantly restricted her ability to perform and continue her acting career. According to News18 Marathi, she remained bedridden for several years and received treatment at home, with her condition reportedly fluctuating over time.

For an artiste whose professional life had been closely tied to the stage and screen, the setback marked a difficult period.

Awards and recognition for her career

Kambikar received several honours for her contribution to Marathi cinema and performing arts, including a Filmfare Marathi Award and six Maharashtra State Film Awards, according to reports.

In 2018, she was named the recipient of the Zee Chitra Gaurav Award for Lifetime Achievement. She could not attend the ceremony because of her health, and her daughter-in-law, Sheetal Jadhav, accepted the honour on her behalf.

The award recognised a career that extended across multiple forms of entertainment, from films and television to theatre and traditional folk performances.