A Nationalist actor whose electrifying oratory ignites Youth with the Spirit of Nation and Dharma

Despite earning fame for his stellar performances in Marathi films and television, Mr Sharad Ponkshe chose not to remain confined within that identity. Instead, he has relentlessly dedicated himself to the cause of Hindu Dharma, Nation, and society. Sharad Ponkshe is one of the rare personalities who refuse to compromise on his fierce nationalism and Hindutva ideology despite being a successful actor. In the face of attacks, threats, and even legal action, Mr Ponkshe has remained undeterred, continuing his mission of spreading awareness on Nation and Dharma. Because of his bold, nationalist, and uncompromising stance, a large section of youth follows him. In this article, let us understand the work of this Shiledār of Hindutva,who kindles within the youth a burning sense of duty toward Nation and Dharma through the sheer force of his words and actions.

Special Column

The sacrifice by the soldiers and generals for the Hindavi Swarajya as envisaged by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is supreme. Similarly, in the present times, many devout Hindus and patriotic citizens of this country have been striving to protect the Nation and Dharma. The ‘Warriors of Hindutva’ is a series of articles that sheds light on their life and their struggle to protect Hindu Dharma. We hope that it serves as a catalyst for the mission of establishing Hindu Rashtra and inspires many others. – Editor

1. Birth and education

Mr Sharad Ponkshe was born in Miraj, where he studied tillClass6. His family then moved to Mumbai, where he completed his schooling at Abhinav Vidya Mandir, Bhayander. After Class 12, he pursued a three-year diploma course and subsequently worked at BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport).

2. Journey into acting

After completing his higher secondary education, he enrolled in a theatre school in Mumbai, where he received formal training in acting. His talent was soon recognised, and he began receiving opportunities in Marathi cinema.

He acted in numerous Marathi films and stage plays. His portrayal of Nathuram Godse brought him widespread attention, but also drew criticism from certain quarters. Over the years, he has acted in more than 100 roles across television and cinema.

A fighter who successfully fought cancer and inspired society

In 2019, Mr Sharad Ponkshe was diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis often leads people to lose all hope. But for 10–11 months, Shri Ponkshe fought bravely against this formidable illness and emerged victorious.

During this difficult period, he cultivated even greater positivity and resilience within himself, but most importantly, he inspired society through his example. There are those who learn from the hardships but rare are the ones who guide the society through their struggle and motivate people towards national service.

He says, “No matter the battle, it is first fought in the mind. In a country where several towering personalities have existed, its citizens should never live in fear. The real issue is that our younger generation has never been taught the lives of our national heroes and Saints. That is the failure of our education system.”

3. Spreading Hindutva through lectures in India and abroad

Since the year 2000, Mr Sharad Ponkshe has delivered lectures across India and abroad on topics such as Hindutva, Swatantryaveer Savarkar, the invincible Bajirao Peshwa, India-Past, Present and Future, Shriram, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Through these lectures, he has rekindled nationalism and Hindutva among citizens. His words have carried the valour of India’s national heroes to millions of youths, igniting in them a powerful urge to serve the Nation.

Sharad Ponkshe’s work towards making country’s youth aware of real history of India despite threats to his life!

(Sharad Ponkshe on left) Performing in the play Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy (This is Nathuram Godse speaking)

1. Notwithstanding threats, 1,200 performances of a play that revealed Gandhi’s true face completed

To reveal Mohandas Gandhi’s double standards towards the Hindu community and to convey Nathuram Godse’s fierce nationalism to society, the play Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy (This is Nathuram Godse speaking) was staged.

Gandhians, who are so-called followers of truth and non-violence, attempted to stop this play through violence. That in itself was a clear defeat of Gandhi’s hollow ideology of non-violence. Buses were burned, actors were attacked on stage during live performances, casteist and filthy abuses were hurled, and Ponkshe’s wife received death threats.

When opposition to the play grew intense, a legal battle ensued. The High Court and the Supreme Court delivered verdicts in favour of the play. Even after this, performances continued amid threats and violence, such as bus arson and public intimidation.

During a time when Congress was in power both in Maharashtra and at the Centre, there was immense pressure to stop the performances of this play. Yet Mr Sharad Ponkshe stood firm and successfully took the play across the State.

To express the intense and electrifying ideology of Nathuram Godse, the actor portraying him had to possess equal conviction toward nationalism. Mr Sharad Ponkshe embodied that intensity through his performance like none other. As a result, millions of youths across the country were exposed to an objective, fact-based historical narrative and were also inspired toward national service. His remarkable fusion of art and fierce patriotism has set an example for every artist in the country.

2. Spreading awareness on Nation and Dharma using media

To effectively propagate the cause of Nation and Dharma using modern platforms, Mr Sharad Ponkshe mastered the nuances of digital technology. He went on to launch his own YouTube channel called ‘Rāṣṭrāya Swāhā’, through which he now delivers sharp rebuttals to various attacks and misinformation targeting Hindu Dharma. Through this channel, he is effectively promoting Hindu Dharma and nationalism.

3. Supporting the financially underprivileged

While advocating for Hindutva, Mr Sharad Ponkshe has also extended financial support to economically weaker sections of society. Despite his commitments in the film industry, he has consistently dedicated time and energy to Hindutva outreach and social work.

He has provided medical and financial assistance to countless poor Hindus, thereby remaining active in social work. He also offers counselling to cancer patients to help instil confidence and mental strength. Many cancer patients have benefitted from this noble initiative.

Mr Sharad Ponkshe is one such figure.