- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ajit Pawar Death: Ajit Pawar is one of Maharashtra’s most influential political leaders. He was Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister as he passed away this morning (January 28) in a horrific plane crash in his birthplace of Baramati. The 66 year-old leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was travelling with five other individuals who died in the collision. While his political career and public life are widely discussed, very little is known about his family background especially his father, who had an unexpected connection with Indian cinema.
Ajit Pawar’s Early Life And Family Background
Ajit Pawar was born in Devlali Pravara in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district. He belongs to a family that later became deeply rooted in state politics, particularly through his uncle Sharad Pawar. However, before politics became the Pawar family’s primary identity, Ajit Pawar’s father followed a very different professional path. His parents were Ashatai Pawar and Anantrao Pawar. Ajit Pawar lost his father at a very young age, but Anantrao Pawar’s life and work left a lasting influence on the family.

Who Was Ajit Pawar’s Father, Anantrao Pawar?
Unlike many members of the Pawar family, Anantrao Pawar was not associated with politics. He worked in the Indian film industry during its formative years and was employed at Mumbai’s famous Rajkamal Studios, which was owned by legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. Anantrao Pawar was involved in production-related work at the studio. While detailed records of his exact responsibilities are limited, his association with Rajkamal Studios places him among the many behind-the-scenes contributors who helped shape early Indian cinema.
Rajkamal Studios played a significant role in the golden era of Indian films, and being associated with such an institution was considered prestigious. Anantrao Pawar’s work reflected a time when cinema was evolving as a powerful medium of storytelling and social commentary. Although Anantrao Pawar passed away early, his exposure to disciplined studio work, creativity, and organisation is believed to have influenced the family’s work ethic.

Who Was Filmmaker V. Shantaram?
V. Shantaram is regarded as one of the pioneers of Indian cinema. He directed and produced several landmark films, including Do Aankhen Barah Haath and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje. His work was known for blending social messages with strong storytelling and technical innovation. Working at Rajkamal Studios during Shantaram’s era meant being part of a culturally significant movement in Indian film history.
