Sachin Pilgaonkar (Marathi: सचिन पिळगांवकर), often known by his first name as just Sachin, is an Indian movie and TV actor as well as producer. He has acted in a substantial number of Marathi and Hindi movies as well, and has produced and directed some successful comedy shows on Indian television.

Early life

Born 17 August 1957 in Mumbai, Maharashtra in a Marathi family. He started his film career as a child artist in the film Ek Aur Suhagan. As a child actor he appeared in prominent films such as Jewel Thief and Brahmachari and Mela.

Lead roles

He switched to playing lead roles for a brief time with Rajshri Productions' Geet Gaata Chal. In this he paired with Sarika and the films unexpected success made them a lead pair for other films. Some of his roles as the lead were Balika Badhu, College Girl and Rajshri Productions Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se.

Character roles

With Trishul, he switched back to support roles and was part of successful movies such as Sholey and Satte Pe Satta but as roles dried up he took to direction, making Marathi movies and producing TV serials.

Television

Sachin turned to Indian Television in the 90s, when he directed a superhit comedy show, Tu Tu Main Main which starred his wife Supriya Pilgaonkar and Reema Lagoo. Following the success of that show, he directed another sitcom, Hudd Kar Di, which too initially did well, but later was pulled off. In the meantime, he also anchored music shows like Chalti Ka Naam Antakshari and various other events and Marathi film award ceremonies. In 2006, he, along with his wife, Supriya, won the Nach Baliye show, pocketing Rs.40 lakh {approx.$100,000}, beating nine other celebrity contestant pairs. In late 2007, he started a new programme on Zee Marathi, known as Eka Pexa Ek, which is based on dance contests.

Marathi films and direction

Sachin has also been directing Marathi films since the 80s. He started directing with Mai Baap which received critical acclaim, but started tasting commercial success only with 1984's Navri Mile Navryala, which also starred his future wife, Supriya. Further movies like Gammat Jammat and Maza Pati Karodpati cemented his place in the Marathi film industry. However, he tasted major success in 1988's Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, which starred himself and the two reigning superstars of Marathi cinema, Ashok Saraf and Laxmikant Berde. The movie was a runaway hit, establishing Sachin as a hitmaker. He then changed track to experimental cinema with the next two films, but returned to comedy with Amchyasarkhe Aamhich which proved to be yet another hit.
Actor:

1. Aamhi Saatpute (2008)
2. Hee Porgi Kunachi (2006) (Guest)
3. Navra Mazha Navsacha (2004)
4. Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai (1996)
5. Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991)
6. Amchyasarkhe Aamich (1990)
7. Eka Peksha Ek (1990)
8. Atmavishwas (1989)
9. Bhutacha Bhau (1989)
10. Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988)
11. Mazha Pati Karodpati (1988)
12. Gammat Jammat (1987)
13. Navri Mile Navryala (1984)
14. Ashta Vinayak (1979)
    

Director:

1. Aamhi Saatpute (2008)
2. Navra Mazha Navsacha (2004)
3. Kunku (1994)
4. Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991)
5. Eka Peksha Ek (1990)
6. Amchyasarkhe Aamich (1990)
7. Atmavishwas (1989)
8. Bhutacha Bhau (1989)
9. Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988)
10. Mazha Pati Karodpati (1988)
11. Gammat Jammat (1987)
12. Navri Mile Navryala (1984)
13. Savvasher (1984)
14. Mai Baap (1982)