Ranjana Deshmukh

Ranjana was born on 23 July 1952 in Mumbai. She came from a family with a strong background in the performing arts; her father, Govardhan, was a well-known figure on the Gujarati stage, often referred to as the "Bal Gandharva" of that medium and her mother was a Marathi actress Vatsala Deshmukh. Following her parents' divorce, Ranjana and her younger brother moved in with their maternal aunt, the noted actress Sandhya.^[1]

Ranjana attended Parel English School for her primary and secondary education. Although she grew up surrounded by the film industry, her mother initially opposed the idea of her daughter pursuing an acting career. Respecting her mother's wishes, Ranjana focused on her studies and earned a degree in Philosophy and Literature from Ramnarain Ruia College. During this time, she also completed several vocational courses at the Davar Institute, including secretarial practice, beauty culture, baking, and catering.^[2]

Her first experience in front of the camera happened as a child artist. At the age of five, she appeared in the film Harishchandra Taramati, followed by a role in the bilingual film Ladki Sahyadri Ki. Despite these early appearances, she did not intend to become a full-time actress as an adult. Her professional career began unexpectedly when filmmaker V. Shantaram offered her a role in the 1975 film Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jali. She accepted the role, marking the formal start of her career as a leading lady in Marathi cinema.^[3]

She is the daughter of Vatsala Deshmukh. Her aunt, Sandhya was married to V. Shantaram, who introduced her to the screen in Superhit Movie Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jaali (1975), Where she played supporting role. She then starred in the lead role in Shantaram's next film, Zunj. opposite Ravindra Mahajani. Ranjana won the state government award for best actress twice : Are Sansar Sansar (1980) and Gupchup Gupchup (1983).^[4] Her other key films include Sushila (1979), Gondhalat Gondhal (1981), Mumbaicha Faujdar (1985), Bin Kamacha Navra (1984), Khichdi (1985), Chaani (1978), Zakhmi Waghin, Bhujang (1982) and Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982).

Ranjana made hit pairs at the box office with several noted Marathi film actors including Ashok Saraf, Avinash Masurekar, Shriram Lagoo, Kuldeep Pawar, Nilu Phule, Ravindra Mahajani, Raja Gosavi and others. Ranjana Deshmukh's career came to an abrupt end in 1987 in a car accident while she was on her way to Bangalore to shoot for Jhanjhaar. Ranjana's legs were paralysed in the accident. She was engaged to Ashok Saraf earlier.^[5] After her accident she was in a play named Fakt Ekdaach.^[6]

Ranjana died of a heart attack^[7] at her residence at Parel in central Mumbai, India. She was 45. She is survived by her mother Vatsala Deshmukh, a noted character actress of her time and her aunt Sandhya, Hindi film actress and wife of V. Shantaram.^[8]

Zee Talkies paid tribute to Ranjana by showcasing her select movies on 3 March 2011.^[9] The government of Maharashtra has instituted an award in her memory.

• Marathi cinema