Veteran Marathi cinema and theatre actor Madhu Kambikar, also known as Karnik, has passed away in Pune at the age of 73 following a prolonged illness. She had earlier suffered a paralytic stroke and battled multiple health complications during her final years.
Born on July 28, 1953, in Malegaon Khurd within Maharashtra's Beed district, Kambikar began her artistic path by performing alongside a travelling tamasha troupe before moving into mainstream entertainment. Over a versatile career spanning more than forty years, she left a lasting mark across films, folk theatre, commercial stage productions, and television serials.
Kambikar was especially celebrated for her mastery of Lavani and her study of Kathak, earning widespread acclaim as a dancer. She was widely recognized for preserving and popularizing rural folk arts by combining acting and dance on both the stage and the silver screen.
Her extensive film credits featured memorable roles in notable movies such as Hech Maazan Maheer, Raghumainaa, Ek Hota Vidushak, Zapatlela, Debu, Yeu Ka Gharat, and Shaapit.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing the news as heartbreaking. He highlighted her extensive contributions to traditional performing arts and noted that her iconic cinematic roles would remain permanently etched in the memories of audiences.
The Maharashtra government's Directorate General of Information and Public Relations also issued a statement honoring the late actress, offering condolences to her grieving family and fans while praising her dedication to maintaining the legacy of the region's folk arts.