Jyoti Chandekar Death: Marathi Cinema Loses a Familiar Voice
Pune, August 17 — The Marathi film industry woke up to silence on Saturday evening. News spread quickly, almost too quickly, that Jyoti Chandekar — the actress who carried the warmth of a grandmother and the weight of theatre on her shoulders — had breathed her last in Pune. She was 68.
Her daughter, actress Tejaswini Pandit, confirmed it through an Instagram note. A handful of words, typed with a daughter’s shaking hands, were all it took to leave thousands of hearts heavy with grief.
Who is Jyoti Chandekar?
For many, the question almost feels out of place. Her face was familiar — a presence in countless homes through television, on stage in Marathi theatre, and on the big screen where she stepped effortlessly into roles that felt real and lived.
She began her journey with Marathi theatre — that demanding stage where even a single missed pause can unravel a performance. She conquered it, before moving into films and later television, where her presence became steady, grounding, almost comforting.
And for those still curious — What is the real name of Purna Aaji? — it is Jyoti Chandekar, the actress who breathed life into the role and etched it into memory.
Tejaswini Pandit and Jyoti Chandekar: A Bond Beyond Just Mother and Daughter
The bond between Tejaswini Pandit and Jyoti Chandekar was not just of family, but of art. Tejaswini often spoke about her mother’s influence on her craft. But nothing captures that relationship better than her recent Instagram post — raw, unfiltered grief. She wrote of losing her “I” — in Marathi, “आई.” A word so ordinary, yet when lost, it leaves a void no camera can frame.
Her final journey began this morning, with the family announcing that the cremation would be held at Pune’s Vaikunth Crematorium.
Jyoti Chandekar’s Journey and Legacy
Jyoti Chandekar age: 68
Early Life: Born and raised in Pune, she grew up in a city where theatre was more than entertainment — it was almost a duty.
Film & TV Work: From tight family dramas to light-hearted serials, she balanced roles with ease.
Recognition: Colleagues often said she gave dignity even to the smallest characters.
Jyoti Chandekar Wikipedia: Her digital footprint now reads like a career summary, but those who watched her know it was so much more.
Even when illness kept her weak, she still appeared on screen. Until she simply couldn’t anymore.
Industry and Fan Reactions
The news of Jyoti Chandekar death was met with a flood of tributes.
Samruddhi Kelkar called her “a co-star who never let nervousness stay on set.” Actor Sameer Paranjpe wrote that she had “the rare quality of making silence meaningful.”
Social media, meanwhile, filled with fans’ words — short, aching, heartfelt.
- “Purna Aaji will always live in our hearts.”
- “This feels like losing someone from home.”
Television channel Star Pravah, which aired her last serial, posted: “She was irreplaceable. A talent that carried both weight and tenderness.”
Veteran Marathi actress #JyotiChandekar, widely recognized for portraying Poorna Aji in the popular show Tharala Tar Mag, passed away in Pune on Saturday, August 16, at the age of 68. Her demise has deeply saddened and shocked the Marathi entertainment industry. pic.twitter.com/fQA8u9yihU
— Filmfare (@filmfare) August 17, 2025
Jyoti Chandekar: Glimpses of Her Personal Life
Since the news of her passing, interest in her personal life has grown once again.
Jyoti Chandekar husband: He was someone who chose a life away from the spotlight, rarely appearing at public events or industry functions, preferring to remain in quiet anonymity.
Jyoti Chandekar daughter: Her only child, actress Tejaswini Pandit, now carries her mother’s artistic legacy forward — a bond of blood and craft that feels both emotional and enduring.
Jyoti Chandekar and Seema Chandekar relationship: Despite rumours, there’s no confirmed relation.
Jyoti Chandekar birth date: While not widely cited, her Pune upbringing shaped her career in theatre and film.
Why Her Passing Hurts More Than Most
Bollywood often takes the spotlight, but it is artists like Jyoti Chandekar who quietly remind us why Marathi stories still hold their own — powerful, rooted, and unforgettable.
She was never just “acting.” She was being the grandmother you could lean on, the stern mother you argued with, the neighbour who always knew your secrets. That’s why the loss stings.
A fan wrote online: “She wasn’t acting, she was just being one of us.” Maybe that’s the best obituary she could get.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is compiled from publicly available news sources, media reports, and social media updates. While every effort has been made to present accurate details, the exact facts (such as personal information or dates) may vary. This article is intended for informational purposes only, and our platform does not claim responsibility for the authenticity of third-party data.
Check more blog
