Ashok Saraf Reveals Why He Stopped Working with Dada Kondke: “He Shifted to Double-Meaning Films”

Veteran Marathi cinema icons Ashok Saraf and the late Dada Kondke formed one of the most successful comedic duos of their era, delivering massive box-office hits like Pandu Havaldar, Tumcha Amche Jamla, and Ram Ram Gangaram. However, despite their proven chemistry, their collaboration came to a sudden end.

In a recent interview, Ashok Saraf opened up about why he didn’t appear in more films with Kondke, reflecting on how their creative paths diverged.

A Shift in Cinematic Genre

Saraf explained that after their success with Ram Ram Gangaram, Kondke began shifting his signature style toward heavy adult humor and double entendres.

“I did three films with him. After Ram Ram Gangaram, his genre changed, and his double-meaning films started,” Saraf shared. Clarifying that there was no personal fallout, he added, “There was no question of me refusing—they simply didn’t cast me.”

“It Was Good They Didn’t Take Me”

Reflecting back, the veteran actor admitted he had no regrets about the break in their collaboration.

“It’s actually good that they didn’t take me; otherwise, I would have had to work in them. They asked me about several projects back then—I don’t even remember the names of those films anymore,” Saraf said.

Selectivity Over Screen Roles

Saraf emphasized that throughout his career, maintaining quality and character substance always took precedence over sheer volume.

“Before choosing a role, I always look at the story, what I’ve played previously, and what the new character offers,” he stated. “If a role felt inferior to something I had done earlier, I would turn it down straight away.”