Veteran Marathi Actor and Lavani Artiste Madhu Kambikar Dies at 73 in Pune
Pune, 12th October 2026: Veteran Marathi actor and Lavani artiste Madhu Kambikar died in Pune on Monday at the age of 73 after battling a prolonged illness. Her death prompted tributes from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hailed her contribution to Marathi folk arts, theatre and cinema.
Kambikar, who suffered a paralytic stroke several years ago, had been undergoing treatment and was reportedly bedridden for some time. Her death marks the end of a career spanning more than four decades across folk performances, theatre, films and television.
Born in Malegaon in Beed district, Kambikar was introduced to folk arts at a young age. She went on to become a prominent performer of Lavani and Tamasha, traditional Maharashtrian art forms, before making her mark in Marathi cinema. She acted in more than 75 films and several well-known stage productions.
Her film credits include Hech Mazha Maher, Raghu Maina, Ek Hota Vidushak, Zapatlela, Debu, Yeu Ka Gharat, Shapit and Majha Chakula. She was also associated with popular theatre productions such as Gadhavacha Lagna, Vichha Majhi Puri Kara and Vastraharan.
Kambikar received the Filmfare Award (Marathi) and the Maharashtra State Film Award for her performance in Shapit. In 2018, she was honoured with the Zee Chitra Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Marathi cinema.
Fadnavis expressed grief over her death in a post on X, saying her performances across films, folk theatre, commercial theatre and television would remain etched in the audience’s memory. He said she had worked for over four decades to popularise folk arts rooted in rural life by combining acting and dance.
The Maharashtra Directorate General of Information and Public Relations also issued a tribute, describing Kambikar as an artiste who preserved Maharashtra’s folk traditions through her performances and carried their legacy to the silver screen.
