Arun Sarnaik

Sarnaik was born on 4 October 1935 into a family with a rich musical and artistic heritage. He was the son of Shankarrao Sarnaik, a noted musician, and the nephew of Nivruttibuwa Sarnaik, a renowned classical singer. This familial background provided him with a strong foundation in the performing arts from an early age.^[7]

Before establishing himself as an actor, Sarnaik achieved proficiency in playing musical instruments, specifically the harmonium and tabla. His deep-rooted interest and skill in music eventually served as a gateway into the broader world of arts and entertainment.^[8]

Sarnaik pursued his formal education in Mumbai, where he earned his graduation degree from Ramnarain Ruia College. After graduation, he did some work in engineering factory at Ichalkaranji. ^[7]

Sarnaik entered the acting profession in 1956 as a stage actor in the Marathi play Bhatala Dili Osri by Mo. Ga. Rangnekar. In 1961 he made his movie debut with Shahir Parshuram made by Anant Mane. Later, he acted in few films like Vardakshina by Dinkar D. Patil and Vithu Maza Lekurwala by Datta Dharmadhikari. He subsequently had lead roles in many Marathi movies starting in the black-and-white film era, and color. His song "Pratham Tuj Pahta" in the Marathi film Mumbaicha Jawai became popular.^[9]

Sarnaik had a musical background from his father and uncle. Arun Sarnaik was also an accomplished Tabla and Harmonium player. He also was very active with the Anandagram Charitable institution. Bal Thackeray was a great fan of Sarnaik's tabla-playing skills. His role of Chief Minister in the movie Sinhasan (1979) which was directed by Jabbar Patel was a milestone for the Marathi film industry.

He was closely associated with NGO Anandgram where he helped needy people.^[1]

Sarnaik was married with Anita Sarnaik and had two children. On 21 June 1984, while returning from a film shoot for Pandharichi Vaari, he, his wife, their son were killed in a road accident. His daughter survived.^[10] Sarnaik’s daughter, Dr. Savita Sarnaik Naiknavare, survived the tragic accident that claimed the lives of her parents and brother in 1984. She went on to become a paediatrician, practicing medicine before giving up her medical career to focus on social causes. In 1991, she married Ranjit Naiknavare, who belongs to a prominent builder family in Pune. Together, they have a daughter and a son. Later in life, she produced a documentary tribute to her father entitled Pappa Sanga Kunache... (“Papa, tell whose…”), which reflects his legacy through archival research and personal storytelling.^[11][12]

Arun Sarnaik died in a road accident on 21 June 1984 along with his wife and one of his two children while he was going from Kolhapur to Pune. He was heading to Pune for first day of his shooting of the movie Pandharichi Vaari in which he was cast for the lead role. After his sudden death the movie was then completed by offering the lead role to another artist.^[14][15][16]