Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar are one of the most loved couples in Marathi cinema. Sachin made his debut in Marathi cinema as a child artiste in Haa Mazha Marg Ekla (1963) when he was just three. He had already had a successful run in Hindi cinema with films like Balika Badhu (1976), Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978) and Nadiya Ke Paar (1982) when he turned to direction in Marathi cinema.
For his second Marathi directorial, Navri Mile Navryala (1984), Sachin cast newcomer Supriya Sabnis opposite himself. The actress, almost 11 years his junior, was quick to learn the craft and won the hearts of the audience. Her comic timing, shrill voice and lively presence made the film and the pair a hit.
The duo fell in love while shooting for the film but could not muster the courage to admit it to each other. "I wanted to propose to her during the making of the movie, but somehow didn't summon the courage to do so," Sachin later said in an interview.
"However, after the movie was completed I proposed to her and all she said was, 'Mala vaatla ki tumhi lagna kela aahe [I thought you are already married].' I felt she was being funny, but she was pretty serious and I had to tell her I was very much single," he recalled.
The couple got married on 21 December 1985 when he was 27, and she 17.
Their next film, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi (1988), with an ensemble cast and riddled with comedy-of-errors situations, also became a huge hit. Mazha Pati Karodpati (1988) followed and also had the audience guffawing, with Supriya playing a servant's niece who builds up a mountain of lies to wed the master's son.
The couple also appeared together in hits like Aaytya Gharat Gharoba (1991), Navra Mazha Navsacha (2004) and Amhi Satpute (2008).