Devdatta Nage Reveals David Warner’s ‘Jai Malhar’ Moment

Marathi actor Devdatta Nage, best known for portraying Lord Khandoba in the blockbuster television serial Jai Malhar, has shared a memorable incident involving former Australian cricketer David Warner during a film shoot in Melbourne.

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Speaking in a recent interview, Nage revealed that Warner became curious after noticing the sacred Bhandara on his forehead. What began as a simple question eventually turned into a unique cultural moment, with the Australian cricket star chanting “Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar.”

David Warner Asked About the Bhandara

Recalling the incident, Devdatta Nage said he never begins his day without applying the sacred Bhandara from Jejuri.

“We were shooting in Melbourne. I had applied the Bhandara before reaching the set. David Warner noticed it and asked me, ‘Is this turmeric?’ I told him it wasn’t turmeric but Jejuri’s sacred Bhandara. Then I requested him to say ‘Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar,’ and he happily repeated it, even if it was in his own style.”

Nage described the moment as a blessing, saying it was remarkable to hear someone from another country chant ‘Jai Malhar’ with respect.

‘Jai Malhar’ Changed My Life

The actor also reflected on how Jai Malhar transformed his career and life.

According to Nage, portraying Martand Khandoba remains the biggest turning point of his career. He continues to wear the sacred Bhandara every day as an expression of gratitude and devotion. During the serial’s shoot, the Bhandara used on the set was brought directly from the holy shrine at Jejuri.

Fans Still Treat Him Like Khandoba

Devdatta Nage revealed that many fans still become emotional after meeting him and often try to touch his feet.

However, the actor politely refuses such gestures.

“I am an ordinary person. If people want to bow before Khandoba, they should fold their hands towards Jejuri. Their prayers will reach God. I never allow anyone, even children, to touch my feet. Instead, I hug them.”

Initially Refused Mythological Shows

Interestingly, Nage admitted that he had initially declined to work in a mythological television series. However, director Mahesh Kothare convinced him to take up the role, a decision that eventually became the defining moment of his acting career.

Latest Work

Devdatta Nage has appeared in several Marathi, Hindi and South Indian films, including Tanhaji, Adipurush, and Robinhood, the film that also featured David Warner. His latest Marathi film Ghubadkund has now been released.

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