Astitva(2000)
Astitva is a 2000 Indian drama film directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, made simultaneously in Marathi and Hindi. The film stars Tabu, Sachin Khedekar, Mohnish Bahl, and Namrata Shirodkar. The story follows Aditi Pandit, a married woman whose past resurfaces when she inherits a fortune from her former music teacher. Her husband discovers the secret and forces a confrontation that unravels their family. Set in Pune, the film explores themes of hypocrisy, gender inequality, and personal identity. Tabu's performance earned her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. It was released on 6 February 2000.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Apple TV, Eros Now
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2000
- Director
- Mahesh Manjrekar
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Rating
- 5.5/10
Storyline
Aditi Pandit is a devoted wife and mother. But a letter from a dead man changes everything. She inherits a fortune from her old music teacher. Her husband Shrikant gets suspicious. He digs into her past and finds a secret she has kept for 25 years. Now Aditi must face the consequences of one mistake. And she must decide who she really is.
“Her secret. Their judgment. Her freedom.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Astitva
Cast reunions in this film: Sachin Khedekar & Smita Jaykar (4 films together), Sachin Khedekar & Mahesh Manjrekar (4 films together), Namrata Shirodkar & Mahesh Manjrekar (3 films together), and Tabu & Mohnish Bahl (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally shot in Marathi and later remade in Hindi by the same director.
- Tabu won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for her role as Aditi.
- The movie's title 'Astitva' means 'identity' in Hindi, reflecting its theme of self-discovery.
- It was one of the early Indian films to openly address themes of extramarital affairs and women's autonomy.
- Director Mahesh Manjrekar also played a supporting role as Aditi's husband in the film.
- The soundtrack was composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, marking one of their first major film projects.
- Despite critical acclaim, the film had a limited theatrical release and found a wider audience on home video.