He married twice. He was married to Irawati M. Bhide,[3] a gynaecologist and obstetrician.[4] His first marriage was childfree and ended in divorce. He subsequently married a much younger Kanchan, the daughter of Marathi actress Sulochana Latkar. This marriage was harmonious, and after his death, Kanchan penned a biography titled Nath Ha Maza, meaning "such was my husband".[5][6]
Career
Ghanekar was the first superstar of the Marathi stage with a lot of glamour, and he was the highest paid star from the years 1960 to 1980.[7] He appeared in Marathi films[8] in the 1960s. In addition to Marathi stage and movies, he appeared in Hindi movies such as Abhilasha opposite Nanda and Dadi Maa where he played the role of the son of Ashok Kumar and Bina Rai.
The role that made him a popular actor was that of Sambhaji in the play "Raigadala Jevha Jaag Yete" (When Raigad awakens) written by the play writer, Vasant Kanetkar. Most notable character ever played by him was "Lalya" in the play Ashroonchi Zhali Phule. Some of the other noted plays he acted in are - Ithe Oshalala Mrutyu, Garambicha Bapu, Anandi Gopal, Shitu, Tujhe Aahe Tujpashi, Sundar Mi Honar, Madhumanjiri etc.[9]
The film Madhuchandra (in 1968) made Ghanekar, a noted stage actor, a major Marathi film star.[10]
One of his most popular films in Marathi is the mystery movie Ha Khel Savlyancha with Asha Kale.
Death and legacy
Ghanekar died of a heart attack during one of the tours of his plays, at his hotel room at Amravati.
The Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, a modern theater with an auditorium, was built by the Thane Municipal Corporation.[11]
