Marathi cinema mourns the loss of one of its legendary faces, Jyoti Chandekar, who passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at a private hospital in Pune. She was 69 years old and the mother of acclaimed actress Tejaswini Pandit.
According to family sources, Chandekar had been on ventilator support for the past three days. Despite medical efforts, her health deteriorated, and she breathed her last at around 4:30 pm.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Jyoti Chandekar began her acting journey at the age of 12 and went on to earn immense respect in films, television, and theatre. Over her remarkable five-decade-long career, she won more than 200 awards and became a household name through roles in Marathi films such as Dholki (2015), Mi Sindhutai Sapkal (2010), Ticha Umbartha, Paulat (2011), Salaam, and Sanjparv.
Her role as “Purna Aaji” in the TV show Tharla Tar Mag brought her into every Marathi household. She also gained love for her performance in Tu Saubhagyavati Ho.
Emotional Reactions from Fans and Industry
The news of her sudden demise left fans and fellow actors in shock. Many fans expressed disbelief, with some commenting, “Purna Aaji cannot leave us.” Actress Jui Gadkari shared that Chandekar’s death is “a huge loss for the entire team.”
Celebrities and co-stars took to social media to share heartfelt tributes, remembering her as a mentor, friend, and inspiration in the Marathi entertainment industry.
A Special Bond with Daughter Tejaswini Pandit
In 2015, Jyoti Chandekar and her daughter Tejaswini Pandit received the prestigious Jeevan Gaurav Award together. Interestingly, in the film Ticha Umbartha, Jyoti played the role of Tejaswini’s mother-in-law, marking a memorable on-screen collaboration between the iconic mother-daughter duo.
