Upendra Limaye

Upendra Limaye (born 8 November 1969 in Pune, Maharashtra) is a celebrated Indian actor whose career spans theatre, Marathi parallel cinema, mainstream Hindi movies, and South Indian films. Raised in the culturally rich Sadashiv Peth neighbourhood, he attended Bharti Vidyapeeth and New English High School before immersing himself in the world of experimental theatre. In 1988, he co‑founded the avant‑garde stage platform Parichay, where he honed his craft through a series of bold, innovative productions that earned him recognition among Maharashtra’s theatrical elite. Over the decades he has collaborated with visionary directors such as Madhur Bhandarkar, Ram Gopal Verma, Amol Palekar, Jabbar Patel, and Satish Alekar, delivering nuanced performances that blend naturalism with a deep emotional resonance. His versatility shines in both intimate stage roles and larger‑than‑life screen characters, allowing him to navigate seamlessly between the gritty realism of Chandni Bar and the poetic restraint of Marathi classics like Jogwa and Bangarwadi. Limaye’s portrayal of the tormented protagonist in Jogwa garnered the Best Male Actor award at the 56th National Film Awards (2010), making him the first Marathi actor to receive this honor, and secured a place on Forbes’ “25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema” list in 2013. This landmark performance cemented his status as a trailblazer in Indian cinema, inspiring a new generation of actors to pursue depth and authenticity.

Beyond his award‑winning roles, Limaye has appeared in numerous National award‑winning films such as Mukta, Sarkarnama, Dhyasparva, Page 3, and Traffic Signal, showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse storytelling styles. His contributions to television include memorable serials that reached a wide audience across the subcontinent. Off‑screen, Upendra maintains a grounded family life with his wife, Dr. Swati, and their two children, balancing a demanding artistic schedule with personal commitments. Continually active in the industry, he remains a vital presence in contemporary Indian arts, championing experimental narratives while honoring the rich traditions of Marathi theatre and cinema.