Ranjana Deshmukh (1955 – 3 March 2000) was an Indian actress known for her work in several popular Marathi films productions in 1970s & '80s. She has won Filmfare Marathi for Best Actress twice, first for her film Sushila (1979) and then for her film Savitri (1983).
She is the daughter of Vatsala Deshmukh. Her aunt, Sandhya was married to V. Shantaram, who introduced her to the screen in Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jaali (1975). She then starred in the lead role in Shantaram's next film, Zunj. Ranjana won the state government award for best actress twice : Are Sansar Sansar (1980) and Gupchup Gupchup (1983).[1] Her other key films include Sushila, Gondhalat Gondhal, Mumbaicha Faujdar, Bin Kamacha Navra, Khichdi, Chaani, Zakhmi Waghin, Bhujang and Ek Daav Bhutacha.
Ranjana made hit pairs at the box office with several noted Marathi film actors including Ashok Saraf, Avinash Masurekar, Shriram Lagoo, Kuldeep Pawar, Nilu Phule, Ravindra Mahajani, Raja Gosavi and others. Ranjana Deshmukh's career came to an abrupt end in 1987 in a car accident while she was on her way to Bangalore to shoot for Jhanjhaar. Ranjana's legs were paralysed in the accident. She was engaged to Ashok Saraf earlier.[2] After her accident she was in a play named Fakt Ekdaach.[3]
Ranjana died of a heart attack[4] at her residence at Parel in central Mumbai, India. She was 45. She is survived by her mother Vatsala Deshmukh, a noted character actress of her time and her aunt Sandhya, Hindi film actress and wife of V. Shantaram.[5]
Zee Talkies paid tribute to Ranjana by showcasing her select movies on 3 March 2011.[6] The government of Maharashtra has instituted an award in her memory.
पण त्यांच्या मृत्यूच्या काही वर्षं आधी त्यांनी फक्त एकदाच या नाटकात काम केले होते. या नाटकातील त्यांची भूमिका ही त्यांची शेवटची भूमिका ठरली.