Sandeep Kulkarni
Encyclopedia
Sandeep Kulkarni is an actor from India who is also a painter. An actor from theatre, television, and films, his work is popular among Hindi and Marathi audience.
He has acted in three National Award willing Films, namely, "Shwaas" (2004), a film that was India's official entry to the Oscars, "Dombivali Fast" (2006) and "Traffic Signal" (2007). He has won three Maharashtra State award in the Best Actor category for Shwaas in 2004, Dombivali Fast in 2006 and Adhantari in 2005. He won the best actor award in the Nigerian Film Festival for his critically acclaimed performance in the film, "Ek Daav Sansaracha" in 2009. His remarkable contributions were steps in the positive direction to uplift Marathi movies at an international platform.
During his journey of becoming an artist at Sir J. J. School of Arts, he was blessed with the mentorship of professors such as Prabhakar Kolte and Atul Dodia, both leading Indian painters. These mentors recognized the spark in Sandeep and helped him discover the flame of Visual Art. This nurturing and influence evolved Sandeep as a painter which eventually saw him participate in group monsoon show – a first exhibition of his work at the Jehangir Art Gallery (1986). Staying focused, eventually Sandeep completed his graduation (Bachelor of Fine Arts) from Sir J. J. School of Arts, 1986.
While pursing painting, Sandeep was also exploring acting till he met Pandit Satyadev Dubey, the much respected and admired theatre thespian. Heavily influenced and inspired by his teachings, Sandeep found himself perfectly fit to be an actor.
Sandeep’s career in films began with his first role in the movie 'Mammo' (1994) directed by none other than the legendary Shyam Benegal, set in the backdrop of India Pakistan Partition (1947). He was seen playing the role of an immigration officer (Apte) who tries to help the immigrant protagonist - Mammo.
He played the role of a Gangster, Shankar who chases the hero all through the plot wearing a new pair of shoes that bite and eventually hurt him in "Is Raat Ki Subaah Nahin" (1996) directed by Sudhir Mishra. His role added to the black humor of the film.
He also played the role of a Naxalite who later becomes an activist, in spite of his colleagues being caught and killed in "Hazar Chaurasi Ki Maa" (1998) directed by Goving Nihalani.
‘Shwaas - 2004’, directed by Sandip Sawant, put Sandeep’s performance under spotlight. He played the role of an oncologist who attempts to convince the grandfather of the child suffering from eye cancer to agree on a life saving surgery although he is faced with the reality of child becoming permanently blind. Sandeep's biggest compliment of his career was earned for this film when after watching the film, the legendary actor Ms. Shabana Azmi asked him if he had studied medicine. ‘Shwass’ won Sandeep numerous awards, the State Award being one of them. The film won the National Award as well. The film was India's official entry to the Oscars.
In a 2005 film, "Hazaroon Khwaishein Aisi" directed by Sudhir Mishra Sandeep played the role of a Naxal Leader ‘Probir’, involved in spreading the naxalite movement from Bengal to various parts of India.
2005 saw another feather in Sandeep's career when a played a common man from downtown (Dombivali), on the edge of busy, frustrating, unimproved and deteriorating daily lifestyle who eventually starts reacting to straighten things around him in the critically acclaimed "Dombivali Fast" directed by Nishikant Kamath.
In 2005 Sandeep also played the role of Sane Guruji, a biopic teacher, poet, freedom fighter, also known as Gandhiji of Maharashtra in "Sane Guruji." Sandeep’s career includes other series of films such as - ‘Adhantari - 2005’, ‘Maay Baap’ – 2006, Rajkaran – 2007.
"Traffic Signal - 2006’ – a national award winning film, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, where Sandeep played the role of a NGO volunteer who is seen helping the street children.
In the Marathi film ‘Made in China - 2009’, he played the role of a young farmer who is literate and updated on technology and who challenges his Uncle, a politician who intends to bring in Special Economic zone(SEZ). 2009 also saw him enact a double role of a young businessman creating identity crisis for his wife, family and friends.
In 2009 Sandeep won the best actor award in the International Nigerian Film Festival for the film –‘Ek Daav Sansaracha’ where he plays the role of a husband with a complex due to a failed marriage, blamed impotency and his struggle to make a second marriage work.
In 2010 other Marathi films that Sandeep enacted in include – ‘Khel SaatBaracha’ and ‘Pratisaad’. Other films in the pipeline scheduled for release in 2011 include – ‘Nirvana 13’ and ‘Paranoia’ (underproduction).
He has acted in three National Award willing Films, namely, "Shwaas" (2004), a film that was India's official entry to the Oscars, "Dombivali Fast" (2006) and "Traffic Signal" (2007). He has won three Maharashtra State award in the Best Actor category for Shwaas in 2004, Dombivali Fast in 2006 and Adhantari in 2005. He won the best actor award in the Nigerian Film Festival for his critically acclaimed performance in the film, "Ek Daav Sansaracha" in 2009. His remarkable contributions were steps in the positive direction to uplift Marathi movies at an international platform.
Early life and background
Born in Pune, Sandeep was raised in a Maharashtrian middle class ‘Kayasth’ family by father Shrikanth Kulkarni and mother Lata Kulkarni. Though an introvert during his early schooling in Mumbai, he expressed his thoughts through the power of sketches and colours. Further on towards High School, he decided to become an 'Artist’ while envisioning graduation from the best arts school in Mumbai – Sir J. J. School of Arts.During his journey of becoming an artist at Sir J. J. School of Arts, he was blessed with the mentorship of professors such as Prabhakar Kolte and Atul Dodia, both leading Indian painters. These mentors recognized the spark in Sandeep and helped him discover the flame of Visual Art. This nurturing and influence evolved Sandeep as a painter which eventually saw him participate in group monsoon show – a first exhibition of his work at the Jehangir Art Gallery (1986). Staying focused, eventually Sandeep completed his graduation (Bachelor of Fine Arts) from Sir J. J. School of Arts, 1986.
While pursing painting, Sandeep was also exploring acting till he met Pandit Satyadev Dubey, the much respected and admired theatre thespian. Heavily influenced and inspired by his teachings, Sandeep found himself perfectly fit to be an actor.
Career
After intense theatre for 4 years in English, Marathi and Hindi, his career started to take shape with Television. He played varied roles such as that of a young Muslim Lawyer Salim in love with a local Muslim Girl on "9 Malabar Hill" on Zee TV, A press reporter in "Farz" on DD Metro, an underworld don who deals with drugs in "Swabhiman" on DD, A counselor in "Nyay" on DD Metro. He also played the role of a cop who solves the mystery behind an old couple refusing to accept the dead body of their son in the much talked about one hour suspense thriller such as ‘First Kill’ directed by Shriram Raghavan.Sandeep’s career in films began with his first role in the movie 'Mammo' (1994) directed by none other than the legendary Shyam Benegal, set in the backdrop of India Pakistan Partition (1947). He was seen playing the role of an immigration officer (Apte) who tries to help the immigrant protagonist - Mammo.
He played the role of a Gangster, Shankar who chases the hero all through the plot wearing a new pair of shoes that bite and eventually hurt him in "Is Raat Ki Subaah Nahin" (1996) directed by Sudhir Mishra. His role added to the black humor of the film.
He also played the role of a Naxalite who later becomes an activist, in spite of his colleagues being caught and killed in "Hazar Chaurasi Ki Maa" (1998) directed by Goving Nihalani.
‘Shwaas - 2004’, directed by Sandip Sawant, put Sandeep’s performance under spotlight. He played the role of an oncologist who attempts to convince the grandfather of the child suffering from eye cancer to agree on a life saving surgery although he is faced with the reality of child becoming permanently blind. Sandeep's biggest compliment of his career was earned for this film when after watching the film, the legendary actor Ms. Shabana Azmi asked him if he had studied medicine. ‘Shwass’ won Sandeep numerous awards, the State Award being one of them. The film won the National Award as well. The film was India's official entry to the Oscars.
In a 2005 film, "Hazaroon Khwaishein Aisi" directed by Sudhir Mishra Sandeep played the role of a Naxal Leader ‘Probir’, involved in spreading the naxalite movement from Bengal to various parts of India.
2005 saw another feather in Sandeep's career when a played a common man from downtown (Dombivali), on the edge of busy, frustrating, unimproved and deteriorating daily lifestyle who eventually starts reacting to straighten things around him in the critically acclaimed "Dombivali Fast" directed by Nishikant Kamath.
In 2005 Sandeep also played the role of Sane Guruji, a biopic teacher, poet, freedom fighter, also known as Gandhiji of Maharashtra in "Sane Guruji." Sandeep’s career includes other series of films such as - ‘Adhantari - 2005’, ‘Maay Baap’ – 2006, Rajkaran – 2007.
"Traffic Signal - 2006’ – a national award winning film, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, where Sandeep played the role of a NGO volunteer who is seen helping the street children.
In the Marathi film ‘Made in China - 2009’, he played the role of a young farmer who is literate and updated on technology and who challenges his Uncle, a politician who intends to bring in Special Economic zone(SEZ). 2009 also saw him enact a double role of a young businessman creating identity crisis for his wife, family and friends.
In 2009 Sandeep won the best actor award in the International Nigerian Film Festival for the film –‘Ek Daav Sansaracha’ where he plays the role of a husband with a complex due to a failed marriage, blamed impotency and his struggle to make a second marriage work.
In 2010 other Marathi films that Sandeep enacted in include – ‘Khel SaatBaracha’ and ‘Pratisaad’. Other films in the pipeline scheduled for release in 2011 include – ‘Nirvana 13’ and ‘Paranoia’ (underproduction).
Personal life
Sandeep married Kanchan Naik in 1999 who has completed her Masters of Fine Arts from Sir J. J. School of Arts. They have a son named Vrundar. Sandeep has one brother named Sachin Kulkarni who is working with Merchant Navy and located in Singapore with his family.Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Mammo Mammo Mammo is a film by Shyam Benegal released in 1994. The film stars Farida Jalal, Surekha Sikri and Rajit Kapur.The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 1995. Farida Jalal won Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance, while Surekha Sikri won the National Film Award... |
Inspector Apte | |
| 1996 | Is Raat ki Subah Nahin | Shankar | |
| 1998 | Hazaar Chowrasi ki Maa | Ritu | |
| 1999 | Shool | Gopalji | |
| 2004 | Shwaas Shwaas Shwaas is a Marathi film, released in 2004. The film was India's official entry to the 2004 Oscars and was ranked 6th in the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film category. Its storyline is based on real-life incident in Pune... |
Dr. Sane | Zee Award, State Award – Best Actor, Film won the National Award, Official entry for the “Oscars”. |
| 2005 | Dombivali Fast | Madhav Apte Madhav Apte Madhavrao Laxmanrao Apte is a former Indian cricketer who played in 7 Tests from 1952 to 1953.... |
Zee Awards, Maharashtra Times Awards, State Award – Best Actor, Film won the National Award. |
| Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, is an Indian movie made by director Sudhir Mishra in 2003, but released in 2005. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Emergency, the movie tells the story of three youngsters in the 70s, when India was undergoing massive social and political changes... |
Probir ("Naxalite") | ||
| Adhantari | State Award - Best Actor | ||
| 2006 | Sane Guruji | Sane Guruji | |
| 2007 | Traffic Signal | Khadi (A Social Worker) | Film won the National Award. |
| Rajkaran | |||
| 2008 | Maay Baap | Vishvanath | |
| Bedhund | Army Major | ||
| Ek Daav Sansaracha | Ajit Sawant | Nigerian International Film Festival – Best Actor | |
| 2009 | Ladies Special Ladies Special Ladies Special is a daily show that airs on Sony Entertainment Television . It premiered on May 25, 2009 along with a host of other new TV shows, as part of a major revamp by Sony TV... |
Shivam Shinde | TV Serial on “SONY”. |
| Made in China Made in China Made in China or Made in PRC is a country of origin label affixed to products manufactured in the mainland China, the People's Republic of China , excluding Hong Kong and Macau where all products made in those regions are labeled as "Made in Hong Kong" and "Made in Macau", respectively... |
Mohit Jagdale | ||
| Gaiir | Sameer Shroff | ||
| Waiting Room Waiting room A waiting room is a building, or more commonly a part of a building where people sit or stand until the event they are waiting for occurs.There are generally two types of waiting room. One is where individuals leave one at a time, for instance at a doctor's office or a hospital, or outside a school... |
Ghanshyam | ||
| 2010 | Pratisaad | Dr. Aditya Deshmukh | |
| Khel SaatBaracha | Khobragade | ||
| 2011 | Nirvana 13 | Naseer | Filming |
| Fakira Fakira Fakira is a 1976 Hindi movie produced by N.N. Sippy and directed by C.P. Dixit. The film stars Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Asrani, Aruna Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Asit Sen, Ramesh Deo, Madan Puri and Shetty. The music is by Ravindra Jain. The film became a box office hit. The film's team of... |
Filming | ||
| 2011 | Paranoia Paranoia Paranoia [] is a thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of irrationality and delusion. Paranoid thinking typically includes persecutory beliefs, or beliefs of conspiracy concerning a perceived threat towards oneself... |
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International Awards
Sandeep has received the Nigerian International Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his role in "Ek Daav Sansaracha".- 2008 - Nigerian International Film Festival Award - Best Actor, Ek Daav Sansaracha
- 2004 - Official entry for the "Oscars", ShwaasShwaasShwaas is a Marathi film, released in 2004. The film was India's official entry to the 2004 Oscars and was ranked 6th in the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film category. Its storyline is based on real-life incident in Pune...
National Awards
- 2004 - Film won the National Award, ShwaasShwaasShwaas is a Marathi film, released in 2004. The film was India's official entry to the 2004 Oscars and was ranked 6th in the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film category. Its storyline is based on real-life incident in Pune...
- 2005 - Film won the National Award, Dombivali Fast
- 2007 - Film won the National Award, Traffic Signal
State Awards
- 2004 - State Award - Best Actor, ShwaasShwaasShwaas is a Marathi film, released in 2004. The film was India's official entry to the 2004 Oscars and was ranked 6th in the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film category. Its storyline is based on real-life incident in Pune...
- 2005 - State Award - Best Actor, Dombivali Fast
- 2005 - State Award - Best Actor, Adhantari
Other Awards
- 2004 - Zee Award – Best Actor, ShwaasShwaasShwaas is a Marathi film, released in 2004. The film was India's official entry to the 2004 Oscars and was ranked 6th in the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film category. Its storyline is based on real-life incident in Pune...
- 2005 - Zee Award – Best Actor, Maharashtra Times Awards – Best Actor, Dombivali Fast