Mahesh Manjrekar

Mahesh Manjrekar, born on August 15, 1958, in Mumbai, is a prominent Indian filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer. Renowned for his directorial prowess, he gained immense recognition for his impactful films such as "Vaastav: The Reality" (1999), "Astitva" (2000), and "Viruddh... Family Comes First" (2005). His contributions to Indian cinema have earned him a National Film Award and two Star Screen Awards.

In addition to his work behind the camera, Manjrekar has made a significant mark as an actor. His breakthrough role came in the 2002 action thriller "Kaante," which showcased his talent and versatility. He also portrayed memorable antagonists in various projects, including the Telugu film "Okkadunnadu" (2007) and as Javed, a gangster in the Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008).

Manjrekar's versatility extends to regional cinema, where he played the iconic role of Shivaji Maharaj in the Marathi film "Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy." He further showcased his acting chops in the popular television series "CID," where he appeared as Harpist Dongara in the "Aakhri Chunauti" episodes. With a diverse career spanning several decades, Mahesh Manjrekar remains a significant figure in the Indian entertainment industry.