Mahesh Kothare

Mahesh Ambar Kothare (Marathi pronunciation: [məɦeːʃ koʈʰaːɾe]; born 28 September 1953) is an Indian film actor, director and producer of Marathi and Hindi films. He started his acting career as child artist. Kothare acted in well-known movies such as Raja Aur Runk, Chhota Bhai, Mere Laal, and Ghar Ghar ki Kahani. The well known Hindi song Tu Kitni Achhi Hain from the film Raja Aur Runk features Kothare as Master Mahesh.

Considered a revolutionary figure in the Marathi film industry, he began his directorial career with the groundbreaking Dhoom Dhadaka (1985) and has since delivered many box office hits over a period of 20 years. Kothare's films are known for their technical nuances and fantasy concepts. He is one of the few Indian film makers who have made successful films in the fantasy genre. Kothare made the first Marathi film in true 3D, Zapatlela 2 (2013) which was the sequel to Zapatlela (1993).

In most of his hit films, he played the fictional character of Inspector Mahesh Jadhav, and his catchphrase, "Damn it!" is popular among Marathi audiences. He wrote autobiography named "Damn It Ani Barach Kahi".