Virendra Pradhan
Virendra Pradhan is an Indian writer, director, and producer, known for his work in Marathi theatre, television, and film. He has written and directed several acclaimed television serials and stage plays, and served as creative head at Colors Marathi (Viacom18). He is best known for the serial Unch Maaza Zoka and the play Amhi Sau Kumud Prabhakar Apte for which he received the MICTA Best Writer Award.
Early life
Details about his early life are not widely documented in published sources. He began his career in theatre and television, eventually becoming active in both regional Marathi and national Hindi entertainment industries.
Career
Theatre
Virendra Pradhan has been active in Marathi theatre as a writer, director, and actor. His notable plays include:
- He Vayach Asa Asta – produced by Mohan Wagh
- Blank Call – produced by Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh
- Amhi Sau Kumud Prabhakar Apte – produced by Prasad Kambli (Bhadrakali Productions), for which he won the MICTA Best Writer award
As an actor, he has performed in numerous plays including:
- Blank Call
- He Vayach Asa Asta
- Gharoghari
- Satalota
- Hello Inspector
- Tu Tar Chafekali
He has acted alongside leading Marathi theatre personalities such as Vikram Gokhale, Vinay Apte, Bhakti Barve-Inamdar, Suhas Joshi, Dilip Kulkarni, Kavita Lad, Ratnakar Matkari, and Asha Kale.
Television
Pradhan has written, directed, or produced several Marathi and Hindi TV serials. His credits include:
- Shriman Shrimati – writer, with Adhikari Brothers
- Mungerilal Ke Bhai Naurangilal – writer, with Prakash Jha
- Kabhi Idhar Kabhi Udhar – writer, starring Shekhar Suman
- Khel – producer, writer, director (Sony TV)
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Dhoom – writer/director (Star Plus)
- Vahinisaheb
- Ya Sukhano Ya
- Bhagyalakshmi
- Savitri
- Bhagyachi Hi Maaherchi Saadi
- Sant Dnyaneshwar (Awaz)
- Radha Prem Rangi Rangali
- Kunku, Tikli ani Tattoo
- Yashoda – Goshta Shyamchya Aai Chi
- Sau Pratap Manasi Supekar
- Ashi Bayko Havi
He gained critical acclaim for the historical drama serial Unch Maaza Zoka, which portrays the life of Ramabai Ranade.
Film and Production Work
Pradhan worked as a production associate with directors Ram Gopal Varma and Rajkumar Hirani. He has had writing associations with the following films:
- Ferrari Ki Sawaari
- Ventilator
- Thackeray
He also served as Creative Head at Colors Marathi (Viacom18), overseeing fiction content development.
Writing and Journalism
Pradhan has contributed thought-provoking write-ups on social issues in major publications such as:
He has also contributed to magazines like Chitralekha and Maharashtra Times.
Awards
Virendra Pradhan has received multiple awards for his contributions to television and theatre, including:
- MICTA – Best Writer (Amhi Sau Kumud Prabhakar Apte)
- Maharashtra Times Sanman (MATA Sanman)
- Zee Marathi Award
- Rajya Natya Spardha
- Lions Club Award
Selected Interviews
Pradhan has been featured in multiple televised and online interviews, including:
- Amche He Amchi Hi – Sahyadri Channel (aired 9 July 2025)
- Loksatta interview
- Amhi Sau Kumud Prabhakar Apte – Interview (2014)
- Hunch Media interview
- All India Radio FM Rainbow Short Interview
- Lokmat Filmy interview (published 21 February 2023)
During the show’s success celebration, Pradhan remarked: “This show became part of our family…”.[1]
- Zee 24 Taas on-set interview during the making of Unch Maaza Zoka (published 7 March 2013)
In a 2023 group discussion hosted by The Kcraft, Virendra Pradhan joined other cast and crew members to reflect on the creative and cultural impact of Unch Maaza Zoka, which has become one of Marathi television’s most talked-about shows.[2]
In recognition of the widespread popularity and social impact of Unch Maaza Zoka, Zee Marathi initiated the Unch Maaza Zoka Puraskar—an annual award honoring exemplary women across Maharashtra for their courageous and inspiring work. The award ceremony, which continued annually through at least 2025, featured Virendra Pradhan being felicitated for his contribution to the show and its legacy.[3]
See also
- Marathi theatre
- Unch Maaza Zoka
- Colors Marathi
- Ferrari Ki Sawaari
- Ventilator (2016 film)
References
- ↑ “Uncha Maaza Zoka success celebration”, *Zee 24 Taas*, published <date>, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MiWM-9qHEs.
- ↑ <VIDEO_ID> Group discussion on Unch Maaza Zoka, The Kcraft, YouTube, published 23 September 2023.
- ↑ Unch Maaza Zoka Puraskar ceremony honoring Virendra Pradhan, Zee Marathi, YouTube, published 2025.
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