Ashok Saraf’s niece surprises him with in-flight tribute after Padma Shri honour
Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, a popular artist in Marathi cinema, received a unique and emotional salute just days after being conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. While returning to Mumbai from Delhi, Saraf was greeted with a surprise mid-air tribute by his niece, Captain Aditi Paranjpe, who happened to be piloting the flight. Saraf had been in the capital to receive the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 27, 2025. The honour was bestowed on him for his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Marathi and Hindi films. He was accompanied by his wife and fellow actor, Nivedita Saraf. What awaited them on the return journey was a gesture rooted in family pride. As the flight prepared for takeoff, passengers were greeted by Captain Paranjpe’s voice over the intercom. Known for occasionally delivering her announcements in Marathi, she took a personal turn this time. "Today’s journey holds a very sp...