Dhananjay Mane

Dhananjay Mane
Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi character
Ashok Saraf as Dhananjay Mane
First appearance	Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988)
Created by	Vasant Sabnis Sachin Pilgaonkar V. Shantaram
Portrayed by	Ashok Saraf
In-universe information
Gender	Male
Occupation	Salesman
Family	Shantanu Mane (brother)
Spouse	Madhuri (real) Parvati (fake)
Home	Pashan road
Nationality	Indian

Dhananjay Mane is a fictional character from the 1988 Marathi-language film Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, played by Ashok Saraf. He works as a salesman in a cosmetics store in Pune and is secretly in love with his boss, Madhuri (played by Ashwini Bhave). Throughout the film, he faces humorous challenges while living with his thrifty landlord, Vishwasrao Sarpotdar (portrayed by Sudhir Joshi), and hosting his unemployed friends. Dhananjay Mane has become a beloved figure in Marathi cinema, amassing a devoted fanbase.

The character of Dhananjay Mane was developed through collaboration of Sachin Pilgaonkar, Vasant Sabnis, and V. Shantaram, aiming to create a relatable protagonist reflecting the struggles of common man. The surname "Mane" was inspired by Kisan Mane, V. Shantaram's chartered accountant, during a brainstorming session. Portrayed with depth and humor by Saraf, Dhananjay has become an iconic figure in Marathi cinema, embodying the challenges of job hunting and financial insecurity.

Fictional biography

Dhananjay Mane is a clever salesman working in a Pune cosmetics store, harboring a secret love for his boss, Madhuri. Living with his frugal landlord, Mr. Sarpotdar, Dhananjay is joined by his brother Shantanu, a medical student. They secretly host their childhood friends, Sudhir and Parshya, who are struggling to find work. After a drunken confrontation with Sarpotdar, they face eviction and desperately seek new housing.

They find an elderly widow, Leelabai, who offers rooms but insists they must be married couples. To comply, Dhananjay and Shantanu persuade Sudhir and Parshya to dress as women, creating comedic chaos. As they settle in, romantic entanglements unfold: Sudhir falls for Leelabai's niece, Manisha, while Shantanu concocts a story to appease his girlfriend Sushma.

Their deception is threatened when Tanu, Leelabai's servant, uncovers their secret. After a series of misunderstandings and confrontations, Leelabai ultimately accepts the friends as her own sons, recognizing their intentions were pure. The film concludes with joyous marriages and a heartfelt family photo, celebrating their newfound bonds.

Development

The character of Dhananjay Mane was meticulously crafted through a collaborative process that aimed to create a relatable protagonist embodying the struggles and aspirations of everyday people. The team, led by Sachin Pilgaonkar, sought to ensure that Dhananjay resonated deeply with viewers. Initially, there was no need for a surname for the character, but when the character Parsha needed to address him, it became essential. The choice of the surname "Mane" was inspired by V. Shantaram's CA, Kisan Mane, who happened to visit the office during a brainstorming session, finalized Pilgaonkar and by writer Vasant Sabnis. The decision added authenticity and a real-world anchor to the character. The dialogue "Dhananjay Mane Ithech Rahatat Ka?" by portrayal Parshya (played by Laxmikant Berde) is also come during this session.

In popular culture

The character Dhananjay Mane, portrayed by Ashok Saraf, has left a lasting impact on popular culture, evoking nostalgia among fans with his memorable lines and comedic scenarios.

One of the most famous dialogues from Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi —"Dhananjay Mane Ithech Rahatat Ka?" (Does Dhananjay Mane live here?)— delivered by Parshya (played by Laxmikant Berde) has become a cultural milestone in Marathi cinema. Viewers connected with his sincerity and the hilarious situations he encountered, solidifying his status as a beloved character. The Marathi play "Dhananjay Mane Ithech Rahtat Ka?" is named after this iconic line. Another notable dialogue, "Ha Majha Baiko Parvati," was improvised by Saraf and not part of the original script. In interviews, he mentioned that his close friendship with Laxmikant Berde to refer to characters in a familiar manner, resulting in a spontaneous line that became immensely popular, inspiring numerous memes and merchandise in Marathi culture. Other memorable lines include "Pannas Rupaye Varale", "Aamchya Shejari Rahate, Navaryane Taklay Tila", and "Limbu Colour Chi Sadi."