Ramesh Deo’s six-decade odyssey in Indian cinema, marked by 285 Hindi and 190 Marathi films, plus ad and theater triumphs, cements him as an enduring icon. Born January 30, 1929, in Kolhapur, his cinematic baptism was pure destiny: helping director Raja Paranjpe win at a horse race sealed his entry with an instant role offer.
From ‘Patalchi Por’ cameo to leading ‘Andhala Magto Ek Dola’ in 1956, Deo conquered Marathi cinema swiftly. Hindi foray via 1962’s ‘Aarti’ led to gems like ‘Anand’ (Amitabh Bachchan), ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ (Rajesh Khanna), ‘Mere Apne’ (Shatrughan Sinha), and pairings with Dharmendra and Hema Malini.
His face graced 250+ ads, infiltrating households, while Marathi plays showcased his theatrical prowess. Romancing co-star Seema on ‘Vardakshina’ in 1962 culminated in marriage; together they lit up screens. Sons Ajinkya (actor) and Abhinav (director) perpetuate the legacy.
The 11th Pune International Film Festival’s 2013 Lifetime Award was a fitting tribute. Deo departed on February 2, 2022, aged 93, from Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai. Film and stage worlds grieved, but his indelible imprints across mediums promise his legend lives on.