Upendra Limaye is an Indian actor recognized for playing the role of Tayappa in the Marathi movie Jogwa (2009). Starting in 1994, he has been in the film industry for over two decades, appearing in 25 films across Marathi, Hindi, and Tamil cinema.
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Wiki/Biography
Upendra Limaye was born on Saturday, 8 November 1969 (age 54 years; as of 2023) in Sadashiv Peth, Pune. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He attended New English High School, Tilak Road, Pune and Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune. Later, he pursued an acting course at Lalit Kala Kendra, Centre for Performing Arts, New Delhi. He was the first family member to pursue a career as a stage, television, and screen actor. Growing up, he experienced a mix of traditional values and a more open-minded approach. His father’s side adhered to traditional customs, while his mother’s family embraced openness and liberalism. He used to find co-curricular activities more engaging than academics. As a child, he dreamt of becoming a cricketer, but his parents preferred him to play kabaddi instead. Eventually, he understood that the financial situation of his family was the actual obstacle. His passion for theatre began with the school’s social gathering plays. After finishing 12th grade, he informed his parents about his desire to join Lalit Kala Kendra and pursue acting. He adopted acting as his primary profession at Lalit Kala Kendra in Pune. He started working at Pune’s Alurkar Music House to earn money. After completing his time at Lalit Kala Kendra, he, along with his friends Sanjay Pawar, Subodh Pande, and Abhay Godse, established an Experimental Theatre platform called ‘Parichay.’
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 10″
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
Wife & Children
Upendra is married to Swati Limaye, who is a homoeopathic doctor. Together, they have two children, a son, Ved Limaye and a daughter, Bhairavi Limaye.
Upendra Limaye with his family
Career
From 1990 onwards, he engaged in numerous Grips Theatre plays for five years. In an interview, he mentioned that this experience was highly beneficial. In these plays, actors in their 30s took on the roles of 8 or 9-year-old children, posing a challenging task. This process aided in the development of both mental and physical flexibility. Additionally, it contributed to the demanding roles he undertook. In 1999, after a decade of experience with the ‘Parichay’ group, he came to Mumbai to act in a mainstream commercial play titled ‘Dr Aap Bhi.’ During this period, he crossed paths with Sachin Khedekar, who was actively participating in various TV serials. This encounter with Sachin Khedekar resulted in a positive shift that paved the way for further advancements in his career. In the early 2000s, he explored Marathi television as well. Even though he got offers for Hindi shows, they didn’t align with the dream he wanted to pursue. He teamed up with Vinay Apte, and later, through Vinay Apte’s connection, he got his first chance in Bollywood in 2002 from Madhur Bhandarkar. It was a small role in the movie ‘Chandani Bar.’ Meanwhile, he continued working in TV serials, handling minor roles. However, the turning point arrived in 2004 when Madhur Bhandarkar offered him a significant role as Inspector Bhosale in a film. During his appearance as a guest on The Kapil Sharma Show in 2019, he mentioned that the 2001 Hindi film Chandni Bar was his first commercially successful film.
Upendra Limaye as a guest on The Kapil Sharma Show
Film
Upendra made his acting debut with the film Mukta in 1994 and played the role of a social activist.
Upendra Limaye in the film Mukta (1994)
He appeared in various Marathi films including Sarkarnama (1998) as Contractor/Decorator, Blind Game (2006) as Karamchand, Urus (2008) as Mahadev, Tuhya Dharma Koncha? (2013) as Kavadu, and Jaggu Ani Juliet (2023).
Upendra Limaye in the film Jaggu Ani Juliet
He appeared in Hindi films like Page 3 (2005), Traffic Signal (2007), My Name is 340 (2011), 200 – Halla Ho Suresh Patil (2021), and Antim: The Final Truth (2021).
Poster of the film 200 – Halla Ho Suresh Patil
In 2023, he played the role of Freddy in the Bollywood movie “Animal,” featuring Ranbir Kapoor, along with Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Tripti Dimri.
The poster of the 2023 film ‘Animal’
Television
Upendra made his television debut with the show Tara From Satara (2019–2020) as Sachin Mane on Sony TV.
Upendra Limaye in the television show Tara From Satara
In 2022, he appeared in the Marathi TV series ‘Mi Punha Yein,’ and in 2023, he became part of the show ‘Gemadpanthi.’
Upendra Limaye featured on the poster of the show Mi Punha Yein
He played the role of Sandeep Shinde in the TV series “Criminal Justice: Adhura Sach” on Disney Hotstar.
Awards
- 1996: Natya Gaurav Award for best actor for the play Jallai Tuzi Preet
- 1996: Kalnirnaya Award for best actor for the play Jallai Tuzi Preet
- 2005: Maharashtra Times Award for best actor for the film Page 3
- 2005: Hamlog Award for best actor for the film Page3
- 2006: Rashtriya Ratna Award for best actor for the film Page 3
- 2009: Kalarang Award for best actor for the film Sarkar Raj
- 2009: National Film Award for Best Actor for the film Jogwa
- 2009: Shivaji Ganeshan Award for Best Actor for the film Jogwa
- 2009: V. Shantaram Award for Best Actor for the film Jogwa
- 2009: Baburao Painter Award for best actor for the film Jogwa
- 2009: Sanskriti Kaladarpan Award for best actor for the film Jogwa
- 2009: Maharashtra Times Award for Best Actor for the film Jogwa
- 2010: Maharashtra Ratna Puraskar for outstanding contribution to his profession
- 2010: Ninad Puraskar for outstanding contribution to his profession
Facts/Trivia
- In 2020, he was featured in the TV show ‘Tara from Satara,’ playing the role of a Kathak teacher. In an interview, he talked about his role and said,
I prefer characters that challenge me as an actor. I believe as an artiste there are two aspects to a role, the outer value, which is the costume and look, these are taken care of by the creative department. Then there is the inner personality, here is what I enjoy the most. I like to experiment with the character, get the body language right. I try to bring in as much authenticity possible. We have Kathak experts on the set for me to get the layers right.”
- When he was young, Nilu Phule and Arun Sarnaik were his favourite actors.
- He has worked with film directors like Madhur Bhandarkar, Ram Gopal Verma, Amol Palekar, Rajiv Patil, Jabbar Patel, Satish Alekar, Vinay Apte, Waman Kendre, Chandrakant Kulkarni, Anant Mahadevan, and Karupaniannan.
- In an interview, he discussed his thought process when selecting a script. In an interview, he said,
When offered a script, I want to be able to utilise it in the right way. When I heard the one-liner of this show, I immediately knew that I have to be a part of it. It is one of those projects that help me justify my work. It is a fantastic story. What else can an actor ask for?”
