Gajanan Jagirdar was an American actor who is best known for his performances in Marathi and Hindi films, particularly in “Ramshastri,” “Guide,” and “Shantaram’s Shejari.” He was a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, recognized for his unique contributions as a freelance director and character actor.
Personal and Family Life
Gajanan Jagirdar was born on April 2, 1907, in Amravati, Bombay Presidency, British India. He began his acting career as a child on the amateur stage and later founded the Arun Players in Pune, where he staged notable works like Chekov’s “Cherry Orchard.” He had a significant influence on Marathi cinema and was deeply committed to the performing arts throughout his life.
Career Achievements
Jagirdar started his film journey writing English intertitles before moving on to act and direct. He learned much under master directors and later became known for his pivotal role in films produced by Prabhat and Huns Pictures. His contributions to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) marked him as an important educator in acting.
Death and Legacy
Gajanan Jagirdar passed away on August 13, 1988, in Bombay, Maharashtra, India. His legacy continues in Indian cinema, where he is remembered as a trailblazer in directing and acting, influencing many future generations of actors and filmmakers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Guide | 1965-02-06 | Bhola (as Jagirdar) |
| दोस्ताना | 1980-10-17 | High School Principal |
| आरती | 1962-01-01 | Deepak’s Father (as Jagirdar) |
| Hulchul | 1971-01-01 | Padma’s Father |
| छत्रपति शिवाजी | 1952-08-11 | King Aurangzeb |
| हम दोनों | 1961-01-01 | Mita Father (as Jagirdar) |
| बंधे हाथ | 1973-07-01 | Seth. Harnam Das |
| रामशास्त्री | 1944-01-01 | Ramshastri |
| शेजारी | 1941-01-01 | |
| अपराधी कौन? | 1957-08-16 | Shree Nath / Dina Nath (as Jagirdar) |
| امراؤ جان | 1981-03-16 | Maulvi |
| Devi | 1970-01-01 | |
| युगे युगे मी वाट पहिली | 1965-10-31 | |
| बाबर | 1960-01-01 | Shehenshah Jaheeruddin Babar (as Jagirdar) |
| Kaajal | 1965-01-01 | |
| वो मैं नहीं | 1974-01-04 | |
| Paying Guest | 1957-01-01 | |
| आम्रपाली | 1966-09-11 | Kulpati Mahanam |
| Sajan | 1969-09-05 | Guruji a.k.a. Roopa |
| Karigar | 1958-01-01 | Shankar’s Employer |
| नैय्या | 1979-07-14 | |
| Chhoo Mantar | 1956-05-18 | The King |
| Aa Gale Lag Jaa | 1973-11-05 | Dr. Saxena |
| Dhoop Chhaon | 1977-03-23 | Abdul |
| Love in Goa | 1983-04-19 | Mr. D’Souza |
| Manokaamnaa | 1980-04-11 | Jain |
| Rishta Kagaz Ka | 1983-01-01 | Professor Sharma |
| राज तिलक | 1958-01-01 | Sardar Mangal Sen |
| सूरज | 1966-03-25 | Ram Singh (as Jagirdar) |
| Main Chup Rahungi | 1962-01-01 | |
| पड़ोसी | 1941-01-01 | Mirza |
| ज्वाला | 1971-07-01 | Vikram |
| Angarey | 1954-01-01 | Singoba |