Avinash Bhanuasha Ghodke is an accomplished Indian screenwriter, lyricist, and storyteller with over two decades of experience in the film industry. Known for his provocative and thought-provoking narratives, Avinash has contributed to some of Bollywood's most memorable films.
Extensive experience in screenwriting for films, web series, and television
Recognized for exceptional screenplay and dialogue writing
Screenplays, lyrics, articles, and thought-provoking content
Avinash Ghodke is a versatile creative force in the Indian film industry, known for his exceptional storytelling, evocative lyrics, and compelling screenplays. With a career spanning over two decades, he has crafted some of the most memorable dialogues and narratives in Bollywood, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
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Explore the cinematic world of Avinash Ghodke through his iconic works.
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Born and raised in the vibrant city of Mumbai, Avinash Bhanuasha Ghodke was destined to be a storyteller. From an early age, his artistic instincts found expression through drawing, a skill that hinted at his innate visual imagination. Growing up in a household where creativity thrived — his father, a state excise officer, and his mother, a theatrical producer who later created the Marathi television serial 'Vaibhav' — Avinash was immersed in the world of performance and storytelling. Witnessing the intricate process of filmmaking firsthand laid the foundation for his cinematic journey.
Avinash's professional career began behind the lens as a still photographer. His first assignment was for a television serial directed by none other than the legendary Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian parallel cinema. This experience led him to further work in Marathi television, capturing the essence of storytelling through his camera. Eager to deepen his understanding of the filmmaking process, he spent two years working with his elder brother's Beta camera setup. This hands-on experience in cinematography provided him with a ground-level perspective on visual storytelling, reinforcing his passion for the medium.
Avinash's formal introduction to performance arts came during his college years when he attended an acting workshop led by veteran theatre trainer Shri Jaideoji Hattangdi. His association with the theatre group 'Yavanika', led by the late Mahesh Obhan—an IPTA veteran—proved to be a turning point. Here, he honed his craft, writing and directing one-act plays that explored complex human emotions and narratives.
Avinash's journey as a screenwriter began with 'Jeevan', a Marathi mini-serial directed by Anand Shishupal. Recognizing his potential, Shishupal entrusted him with writing his debut feature film 'Devdasi', a powerful story tackling the complexities of the Devadasi tradition. Their creative collaboration extended to the critically acclaimed Marathi film 'Thimaan'.
His breakthrough in Bollywood came when late director Satish Kaushik showed interest in one of his scripts. However, fate had other plans. During this period, Avinash narrated a script to filmmaker Karan Malhotra, who was looking for a debut project. While Malhotra appreciated Avinash's distinctive narrative style, the script's dark themes were not the right fit. However, this interaction led to a pivotal opportunity — Malhotra later invited Avinash to contribute as an additional dialogue writer and improviser for 'Agneepath', his directorial debut under Dharma Productions.
The 2012 blockbuster 'Agneepath' marked a defining moment in Avinash's career. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Rishi Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra, the film was a massive commercial success, crossing the coveted ₹100 crore mark. Avinash's significant contribution lay in shaping the dialogues of the menacing antagonist, Kaancha Cheena, whose twisted interpretations of religious philosophy added a chilling depth to the character. Notably, 'Agneepath' was the last Bollywood film shot on traditional celluloid film, making it a landmark project in Indian cinema.
Avinash continued his storytelling journey with films that explored deep-rooted social and spiritual themes. His Marathi film 'Pindadaan', a cross-cultural narrative on reincarnation and spirituality, was screened to a packed audience at the Marathi Film Festival in Goa's iconic Kala Academy.
His screenplay credits include: 'Devdasi' – A poignant drama about a chief minister's daughter who defies societal norms to uplift Devadasi women. Starring Alka Kubal, Vikram Gokhale, and Shreyas Talpade. 'Thimaan' – A tragic tale of a mill worker's son who turns to crime, featuring Milind Gunaji. The film was nominated for Best Screenplay. 'Pindadaan' – A deeply spiritual story delving into reincarnation, starring Siddharth Chandekar and Manwa Naik.
Beyond screenwriting, Avinash has penned lyrics for several Marathi films, including 'Devdasi', 'Thimaan', and 'Tata Birla Laila', bringing poetic depth to cinematic storytelling. His writing extends to web series, documentaries, and thought-provoking articles in leading magazines and newspapers.
With a career spanning two decades, Avinash Bhanuasha Ghodke has established himself as a screenwriter who blends cinematic finesse with thought-provoking narratives. Whether through hard-hitting dramas, commercial blockbusters, or spiritually profound tales, his work continues to shape contemporary Indian cinema.