Veteran Marathi Actress Jyoti Chandekar Passes Away at 68 | Tharala Tar Mag Fame Poorna Aaji

Veteran Marathi Actress Jyoti Chandekar Passes Away at 68

The Marathi entertainment industry is grieving the loss of actress Jyoti Chandekar, who died in Pune on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the age of 68. She was best known for her role as Poorna Aji in the popular Star Pravah serial Tharala Tar Mag. Chandekar succumbed to a long illness after receiving treatment for several days.

Reports indicate that she had been unwell for a while before she passed away in Pune. Her funeral will be held at Vaikunth Crematorium in Pune at 11 am. Family, friends, and colleagues from the industry are expected to attend to say their goodbyes.

Industry in Shock Over Chandekar's Demise

The unexpected passing of Jyoti Chandekar has left her fans and colleagues heartbroken. Star Pravah, the channel that aired Tharala Tar Mag, honored the actress with an emotional post in Marathi:

“Heartfelt tribute to everyone’s beloved Poorna Aji, i.e. senior actress Jyoti Chandekar.”

Her daughter, actress Tejaswini Pandit, is also a notable figure in Marathi cinema. The mother-daughter duo delivered strong performances together in Dipti Ghonsikar’s award-winning film Ticha Umbartha, where Chandekar portrayed Pandit’s mother-in-law. Their chemistry on screen received acclaim from both critics and audiences.

Health Struggles During Tharala Tar Mag

In 2024, while filming Tharala Tar Mag, Chandekar faced a health scare related to low sodium levels and collapsed on set. She was hospitalized and took a two-month break from acting before making a remarkable return. In a later interview, she recalled:

“It felt like I literally came back from the brink of death. No production waits for two months for one actor, but the team waited for me. They managed everything so beautifully that viewers still felt Poorna Aaji was always present.”

A Glorious Five-Decade Career

Jyoti Chandekar began her acting career as a child at 12 and enjoyed a remarkable journey spanning over five decades. She is remembered for her impactful roles in Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (2010), where she played Sindhutai’s mother, and Guru (2016). She also shone in films like Dholki (2015), Paulwaat, Duniya Kari Salaam, and Ticha Umbartha (2015).

In 2023, she took on a deeply emotional role in the remake of Shyamchi Aai, based on Sane Guruji’s autobiography. On television, besides Tharala Tar Mag, she won hearts with her performances in Tu Saubhagyavati Ho (2012) and Chhatriwali (2018).

Awards and Recognition

Her outstanding talent earned her several Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar awards for Best Supporting Actress, especially for her roles in Sukhant, Paulwaat, and Ticha Umbartha. Over the years, Chandekar gained a reputation for her emotional depth, strong screen presence, and unforgettable performances that resonated with audiences.

Remembering Jyoti Chandekar

With her passing, Marathi cinema and television have lost one of their most respected and cherished artists. Jyoti Chandekar’s legacy will endure through her memorable characters, inspiring performances, and the significant impact she made on Indian entertainment. Fans will always remember her as the affectionate Poorna Aaji who brought warmth and life to every screen she graced.