Tukaram Bidkar

Tukaram Bidkar (also spelled Tukaram Birkad; died 13 February 2025) was an Indian politician and actor. He was a member of the Nationalist Congress Party and served as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Murtizapur Assembly constituency from 2004 to 2009. He also chaired the Vidarbha Statutory Development Board.

Background Tukaram Bidkar was born in Tolangabad, Maharashtra. He was a kabaddi player and received an award from President Giani Zail Singh. He also mentored athletes through the Jai Bajrang Vyayamshala.

Political career Bidkar began his political career as a member of the Zilla Parishad. In 2004, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Murtizapur Assembly constituency.

He was associated with Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. After the Nationalist Congress Party split, he aligned with the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Film career Bidkar also appeared in Marathi films. He played a notable role in Debu, a film that he also produced, based on the life of Sant Gadge Maharaj. He later appeared in Khairlanjichya Mathyawar (2014), Zari (2017), and Tu Fakt Ho Mhan (2022). He also had a role in Aasud (2019), a Marathi film addressing farmer suicides.

Filmography + Year Film Notes 2010 Debu Based on Gadge Maharaj's life; also producer 2014 Khairlanjichya Mathyawar 2017 Zari Also producer 2019 Aasud 2022 Tu Fakt Ho Mhan