Altaf Dadasaheb Shaikh
Altaf Dadasaheb Shaikh is an Indian Hindi and Marathi filmmaker, director, writer, screenwriter, lyricist, and actor. He is widely recognized for his contribution to socially relevant cinema and for achieving national and international recognition, including entries in the Guinness World Book of Records. He has directed and creatively led multiple feature films, handling story, screenplay, dialogues, and lyrics across his projects.
Born on 10 February 1983 in Nandeshwar, Solapur district, Maharashtra, Shaikh has been actively associated with the Indian film industry for over a decade and is regarded as a prominent voice in contemporary Marathi cinema.
Early Life and Background
Altaf Dadasaheb Shaikh was born in Nandeshwar village of Solapur district, Maharashtra. He spent his early years in Maharashtra and later lived and worked in Mumbai and Pune, where his exposure to theatre, literature, and cinema shaped his artistic sensibilities.
Career
Shaikh made his directorial debut with the Marathi feature film Veda B. F., which established him as a filmmaker known for strong narratives and cultural themes. The film received critical acclaim and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi.
Following the success of his debut, he directed several films including Come On Vishnu, Dharavi Katta, Betuka, and Breakdown. His works are noted for addressing social harmony, grassroots realities, and human relationships.
One of his most ambitious projects, Karmayogi Abasaheb, a biographical film based on the life of freedom fighter and 11-time MLA Abasaheb Deshmukh of Solapur, achieved significant commercial success. The film reportedly recorded a box office collection exceeding ₹25 crore, marking a major milestone in Shaikh’s career.
Awards and Records
Altaf Dadasaheb Shaikh has received multiple national and international recognitions, including:
- National Film Award – Best Feature Film in Marathi for Veda B. F.
- Guinness World Book of Records – for cinematic and musical achievements
- High Range Book of World Records
- London Book of World Records
- Bravo International Book of World Records
- Zee Gurukul Award
- Nominations and recognition at international film festivals, including Thailand
Filmography
- Veda B. F.
- Come On Vishnu
- Dharavi Katta
- Betuka
- Breakdown
- Karmayogi Abasaheb
A notable highlight of his career was the inclusion of the Marathi qawwali “Hey Maze Durvesh Baba”, sung by Altaf Raja in Veda B. F.. The qawwali earned multiple world record recognitions and contributed to the film’s widespread popularity. Veda B. F. also featured actor Nagesh Bhosle and focused on themes of communal harmony.
Recognition and Public Image
Shaikh is known for his grounded personality and humility. One widely reported incident involved him accepting a world record certificate delivered by a postman, which drew public appreciation and media attention for its simplicity and respect for everyday contributors.
Future Projects
Altaf Dadasaheb Shaikh continues to work on feature films and content-driven cinema, with a focus on biographical and socially relevant subjects in both Marathi and Hindi film industries.