Sai Tamhankar (pronunciation: [səiː t̪aːmɦəɳkəɾ]) is an Indian actress known for her work in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam language films and television.
She is the recipient several awards including a Filmfare Award and three Filmfare Marathi Awards.
1974
The film was loosely inspired by the 1974 Hollywood classic Chinatown.
She appeared as a sexy, sophisticated woman who desired to be free of her cheating spouse.
The film and her role were praised by critics, with a review carried by DNA mentioned her as "who surprises with a very crisp, controlled performance."
Her next release was the acclaimed Anumati, directed by Gajendra Ahire.
Generally, critics had mixed reviews about her not-so-glamorous role.
Following this, she was in a supporting role in Mahesh Kothare's horror comedy Zapatlela 2 and Sameer Vidwans' romantic comedy Time Please.
Her eighth release of that year was the romantic musical comedy Mangalashtak Once More, she depicted the role of a focused office colleague.
1986
Tamhankar was born on 25 June 1986 in Sangli, Maharashtra, India, and studied at Swatrantya veer Savarkar Pratisthan, Pradnya Prabhodhini Prashala Vishrambaug Sangli.
She was a state level Kabaddi player and has an orange belt in karate as well.
She got into acting through a play directed by her mother's friend.
Her second play, Aadhe Adhure, won her the Best Actress award, at an inter-college theater competition.
2003
After her stint in plays, Tamhankar made her television debut with side roles in Tuzyavina in 2003.
But she was recognised in the ETV Marathi daily soap Ya Gojirvanya Gharat.
She played a tolerant wife opposite Avishkar Darvhekar.
2005
Next, she played the role of Bipasha Basu's character from No Entry (2005) in the Marathi remake titled No Entry Pudhe Dhokha Aahey.
She played the role of a bargirl who acts as the wife of two men.
As per the character requirement, she wore a two-piece bikini in the film, which was new and very rare in the Marathi industry.
The Times of India critic called "Tamhankar is the USP of this movie" but criticised her bikini scene and wrote, "She has shown remarkable guts to adorn two piece bikini in Marathi movie, but she lacks the figure and attitude to carry such bold attire."
Her other three releases of that year were Dhagedore, Baburao La Pakda and Aaghor.
2007
Further, she was seen in a few more daily soaps, including a supporting role in Ekta Kapoor's Kasturi and a surrogate role in Anubandh (both in 2007).
2008
In 2008, she made her film debut with a supporting role in Subhash Ghai's crime thriller Black & White, and Aamir Khan starred Ghajini. The same year, she paired opposite Subodh Bhave and Shreyas Talpade in Sanai Choughade.
This also marked her debut in the Marathi industry.
Critic Ullas Shirke of Marathi Movie World noted, "Twice or thrice Sai’s inexperience can be noticed but in her debut movie she is much promising."
She had received Favourite Actress nomination at Maharashtracha Favourite Kon.
The following year, she was seen in the ensemble Haay Kaay...Naay Kaay, Sumbaran, and Be Dune Saade Char.
Next, she appeared in Renuka Shahane's critically acclaimed Rita.
Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India remarked on her performance as "effective."
2010
In 2010, she portrayed Lady Don opposite Umesh Kamat in the comedy Ajab Lagnachi Gajab Gosht, the plot revolving around Rajeev and Priya, who are diametrically opposite to each other, and their whimsical 'Marriage'.
She also had a brief appearance in Mahesh Manjrekar's political thriller bilingual film City of Gold.
2011
Tamhankar in 2011 essayed a helpless wife in the suspense comedy Don Ghadicha Daav, the remake of B. R. Chopra's 1973 film Dhund, which was inspired by Agatha Christie's 1958 play The Unexpected Guest.
Her next release was Rahul Thackeray directed Raada Rox.
Both films were poorly received by critics and audiences.
Her final release of that year was Ankush Chaudhari directed and starred Zhakaas.
The film was a super hit at the box office.
The film gained her an MFK Award for Favourite Supporting Actress nomination.
2012
Tamhankar got engaged to Amey Gosavi, a visual effects artist on 7 April 2012.
2013
They got married on 15 December 2013, but divorced in 2015.
In 2013, Tamhankar had ten releases, including Balak Palak, Ashach Eka Betavar, and Tendulkar Out. She featured in Nikhil Mahajan's directorial debut thriller film Pune 52, alongside Girish Kulkarni and Sonali Kulkarni.
