On August 16, 2025, the Marathi entertainment world lost a shining star, Jyoti Chandekar, who passed away at the age of 68. She was a beloved actress known for her warm smile and powerful roles. Her journey in acting touched many hearts. This article tells the story of her life, career, and the love she shared with her family and fans. Written in simple words, it celebrates a woman who lived with grace and passion.
Early Life And Beginnings
Jyoti Chandekar was born in Maharashtra, India. Her exact birth date is not widely known, but she grew up in a simple family that loved stories and culture. As a young girl, she enjoyed watching plays and films. Her love for acting started early. She dreamed of being on stage, making people laugh and cry with her performances. In those days, acting was not an easy path for women, but Jyoti was brave. She worked hard to follow her dreams.
She spent her childhood in a small town, surrounded by family. Her parents supported her love for the arts. They saw her talent and encouraged her to perform. Jyoti joined local theater groups in her teens. She practiced her lines and learned to act with heart. Her early days in theater shaped her into a strong performer. Mumbai and Pune, the centers of Marathi culture, became her playground. She started small but aimed big.
Jyoti Chandekar Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Husband, Daughter, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jyoti Chandekar Pandit |
| Date of Birth | Around 1957, born in Maharashtra, India |
| Date of Death | August 16, 2025, at age 68 |
| Place of Death | Pune, Maharashtra (Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital or at home) |
| Family | Husband: Ranjit Pandit Daughters: Tejaswini Pandit, Poornima Pandit |
| Early Life | Grew up in a small town in Maharashtra Loved stories and plays as a child Joined local theater groups in teens |
| Career Start | Began acting in Marathi theater at age 12 |
| Theater Career | Performed in Marathi plays in the 1970s & 1980s Played strong women roles Worked with talented directors and actors |
| Film Career | Started Marathi films in late 1990s Notable films: Bindhaast (1999), Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (2010), Ticha Umbartha (2016), Bhikari (2017), Guru (2016), Dholki (2015), Shyamchi Aai (2023) |
| TV Career | Famous as Poorna Aaji in "Tharla Tar Mag" on Star Pravah |
| Awards | Zee Gaurav for Best Supporting Actress for Ticha Umbartha Bal Gandharva Jeevangaurav lifetime achievement award |
| Health Struggles | Spine and gallbladder surgeries in 2023 ICU stay in 2023 Low sodium levels in 2024, took a two-month break |
| Personal Interests | Loved writing poetry Shared poems on Instagram (@jyoti.chandekar) |
| Legacy | Inspired young actors, especially women Remembered for warm smile and strong roles Left mark in Marathi theater, films, and TV |
| Last Rites | Held on August 17, 2025, at Vaikunth Crematorium, Pune |
Career
Jyoti’s career began in Marathi theater. She was only 12 when she first stepped on stage. Her natural talent made people notice her. She acted in many plays, telling stories of love, family, and society. Her voice was clear, and her expressions were real. Audiences loved her because she made every character feel alive. Theater was her first love, and she never forgot it, even when she became famous.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Marathi theater was growing. Jyoti was part of this exciting time. She performed in bold plays that talked about big ideas. Her roles were often strong women who faced challenges. People admired her ability to make every character special. She worked with many talented directors and actors. Her theater work made her a respected name in Maharashtra.
Marathi Cinema
Jyoti’s talent took her from stage to screen. In the late 1990s, she started acting in Marathi films. Her first big movie was *Bindhaast* in 1999. She played a role that showed her depth as an actress. The film was a hit, and Jyoti became a known face in Marathi cinema. She acted in many films, each one showing her versatility. From serious roles to funny ones, she could do it all.
Some of her popular films include *Guru* (2016), *Bhikari* (2017), and *Ticha Umbartha* (2015). In *Guru*, she played a wise mother figure, guiding the hero. Her performance was full of warmth. In *Bhikari*, she showed the struggles of a woman in a tough world. Fans loved her in *Ticha Umbartha*, where she acted with her daughter, Tejaswini Pandit. Their mother-daughter bond on screen felt so real because it came from their real-life love.
Jyoti also worked in *Mee Sindhutai Sapkal* (2010), playing an older version of the main character. Her acting was so touching that it won her awards. She shared the screen with Tejaswini, who played the younger version. Together, they told a powerful story of a woman’s strength. Jyoti’s films were not just entertainment; they carried messages of hope and courage.
Breakthrough Role
Jyoti Chandekar became a household name with her role as Poorna Aaji in the TV show *Tharla Tar Mag*. This serial, shown on Star Pravah, was loved by millions. Poorna Aaji was a loving grandmother who gave wise advice. Her dialogues were full of humor and life lessons. People felt like she was their own grandmother. Jyoti’s acting made the character unforgettable.
Even when she faced health problems, Jyoti worked hard on the show. She had knee surgery and other health issues, but she never gave up. The show’s team supported her, filming scenes in ways that helped her. Fans missed her when she was away, but her return brought joy. Poorna Aaji was more than a role; it was a symbol of Jyoti’s love for acting
Family Life
Jyoti was not just an actress; she was a loving mother and wife. She was married to Ranjit Pandit, who supported her career. Together, they raised two daughters, Tejaswini Pandit and Poornima Pandit. Tejaswini followed her mother’s path and became a famous Marathi actress. Jyoti was proud of her daughter’s success. They shared a special bond, both at home and on screen.
Jyoti was a private person, but her love for her family was clear. She often spoke about her daughters with pride. Tejaswini once shared how her mother taught her to be strong and kind. Jyoti also loved poetry. On her Instagram (@jyoti.chandekar), she shared her poems, showing her creative side. Her posts had over 2,400 followers who loved her words and wisdom. home, Jyoti was a cheerful woman. She loved to laugh and make others smile. Even during tough times, she stayed positive. Her family was her strength, and she was theirs. She balanced her busy career with her family life, showing that love and hard work can go together.
Health Struggles
Jyoti faced many health challenges in her later years. In 2023, she was in the ICU for two weeks. Her daughter Tejaswini shared that Jyoti had spine and gallbladder surgeries. In 2024, while shooting for *Tharla Tar Mag*, her sodium levels dropped suddenly. She had to take a two-month break. Jyoti herself said she felt like she came back from the brink of death. Despite this, she returned to work with courage.
Sadly, her health did not improve. On August 16, 2025, Jyoti passed away in Pune. She was 68. Reports say she was in Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, fighting a long illness. Some say she passed away at home with her family. Her death was a shock to everyone. Her daughter Tejaswini shared the sad news, saying her mother lived with a cheerful heart. The family planned her last rites for August 17, 2025, at Vaikunth Crematorium in Pune.
Legacy And Impact
Jyoti Chandekar’s life was a gift to Marathi entertainment. She worked for over five decades, starting at age 12. Her roles in theater, films, and TV showed her talent. She won many awards, including the Zee Gaurav for Best Supporting Actress for *Ticha Umbartha*. Her work inspired young actors, especially women, to follow their dreams.
Fans loved her for her honesty and warmth. On social media, they shared clips of her scenes, calling her Poorna Aaji with love. Her co-stars, like Jui Gadkari and Amit Bhanushali from *Tharla Tar Mag*, praised her kindness. The Marathi industry mourned her loss, calling her a true icon.Jyoti’s legacy lives on through her daughter Tejaswini, who continues to act. Her films and shows are still watched by fans. She showed that hard work and passion can make dreams come true. Her life teaches us to face challenges with a smile and to live with love.
Conclusion
Jyoti Chandekar was more than an actress. She was a storyteller, a mother, and a poet. From her early days in theater to her famous role as Poorna Aaji, she touched many lives. Her health battles showed her strength, and her family showed her love. On August 16, 2025, she left us, but her work will stay forever. Her smile, her roles, and her poetry will keep inspiring us. Rest in peace, Jyoti Chandekar, a true star of Marathi culture.