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Suhas Joshi: A Star Whose Light Shines Bright for Thane



For the citizens of Thane, the name Suhas Joshi evokes pride. Though her talent has illuminated stages and screens across India, her connection to our city is marked by significant honors and deep appreciation. Born on July 12, 1947, Suhasini Joshi is today recognized simply as Suhas Joshi, a towering figure in Marathi theatre, film, and television, who has also achieved distinction in Bollywood. Her career, which began in 1972, spans decades of brilliant performances.

Joshi's journey to becoming a celebrated artist began with a strong foundation in academia and the arts. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pune, studying Philosophy, Psychology, and Sanskrit. Finding her true calling in acting during her college years, she committed to professional training. She successfully completed a rigorous three-year diploma course at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where she was trained by the renowned theatre director Ebrahim Alkazi. Adding to her impressive artistic background, Joshi is also trained in classical music, having passed four Madhyama examinations from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.

Her professional life on stage launched in 1972 with the Marathi play "Barrister," based on Jaywant Dalvi's novel Andharachya Parambya and directed by Vijaya Mehta. In this debut, she played the role of Radha, acting opposite Vikram Gokhale. Suhas Joshi quickly established herself as a leading theatre artist, starring in major productions like Sai Paranjpye's "Sakkhe Shejari" and Vijay Tendulkar's landmark play, "Kanyadaan". In "Kanyadaan," a production that ran for over 200 shows, she worked opposite veteran actor Dr. Shriram Lagoo. Her partnership with Dr. Lagoo extended to several other classic plays, including Agnipankha, Natasamraat, and Ekach Pyaala.

One of the most profound examples of her talent is the monologue play "Smriti Chitre," based on Lakshmibai Tilak's autobiography. This demanding production required immense skill as Joshi portrayed multiple characters, including male voices, while chronicling Lakshmibai's spiritual journey from a Hindu-Brahmin woman to adopting Christianity.

While her roots are firmly in Marathi theater, Joshi has successfully crossed over into mainstream cinema. In Bollywood, she is known for her roles in commercially successful films such as Tezaab (1988), Chandni (1989), and Josh (2000). However, she has openly stated that she has often found her film and serial roles lacking in challenge, making her theatre work particularly satisfying. The shining exception in her filmography is the Marathi feature film "Tu Tithe Mee" (1998). Her performance in this film, where she played Usha Date, was highly praised, securing her the Filmfare Award Marathi for Best Actress and the Screen Award in 1999. The film itself was honored as the Best Feature Film in Marathi at the 46th National Film Awards, with the jury specifically highlighting the "Beautiful performance by Mohan Joshi and Suhas Joshi". Her film credits also include Saatchya Aat Gharat (2004). In addition to her film work, Joshi has appeared in numerous television shows in both Marathi and Hindi, such as Abhalmaya on Zee Marathi and Khamoshiyaan on Star Plus.

Suhas Joshi’s incredible contributions have been recognized with numerous major accolades. Most notably, she received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Acting in 2018. In recognition of her lifetime dedication to Marathi cinema, she was awarded the Filmfare Marathi Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

For the citizens of Thane, one award holds special local significance: the Ganga-Jamuna Award, which she received in 2011 for her work in Marathi theater. This honor is presented jointly by the Thane Municipal Corporation and the P Sawalaram Smriti Samiti, marking a proud moment where our city acknowledged her brilliance.

In her personal life, Suhas Joshi is married to fellow theater artist Subhash Joshi. They are parents to two children, Sonali Joshi and Saket Joshi. Suhas Joshi's career serves as an inspiring example of dedication and versatile artistry, cementing her place as a beloved cultural icon whose achievements bring pride to the Thane community.


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