Ghanshyam Darode – popularly known as Chota Pudhari- has emerged as a compelling figure who is known in Maharashtra’s socio-political and entertaining landscape. The young Marathi, who is just 23 years old, hails from a small village, but his journey from being a young local boy to being a recognized actor and political commentator has inspired several people. He is known for his fiery speeches on sensitive topics like farmers’ issues and is also known for his stint on Bigg Boss Marathi 5. Ghanshyam has managed to capture public attention with his authenticity matched with a raw, yet bold voice.
This guest post will explore his life, his career, and the impact he has left on people. It will delve into key aspects like Ghanshyam Darode’s date of birth, his age, and much more.
Overview of Ghanshyam Darode (Chota Pudhari) Biography
| Full Name | Ghanshyam Dattatreya Darode |
| Famous as (Nick Name) | Chota Pudhari |
| Age (2025) | 23 years old (approximately) |
| Birthdate | Not disclosed (2002) as per some media sources. |
| Place of Birth | Shrigonda, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Political activist, actor, and TV reality show personality, |
| Social media | Active on Instagram |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Net Worth (2025) | INR 3 to 5 crores (approximately) |
Chota Pudhari Age & Physical Statistics
Chota Pudhari date of Birth and real age is something that has led people to be quite curious about, but unfortunately, this piece of information is not available publicly. So the true figure of Chota Pudhari’s Age is unknown, but due ot some sources available online, stated that he was born in 2002, and on the basis of that, he is around 23 years old as of 2025.
Apart from this, his short height has been a pain point for him throughout his life.
He has a height of 3 feet and 7 inches, which is equivalent to 112 cm. He has black eyes and black hair, and he is a devout Hindu follower.
| Height | 3 feet 7 inches (112 cm) |
| Weight | Not disclosed |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Early Life and Family Background
Ghanshyam Dattatreya Darode – better known as Chota Pudhari – was born in Shrigonda, in Maharashtra, and was raised in a middle-class family whose primary business was farming. He grew up in a rural setting but was raised by loving parents despite the challenges they faced. This later shaped his activism, and his father, Dattatraya Darode, is a farmer. His mother and sister’s name is not disclosed, but Ghanshyam grew up with an elder sister.
Health Issues and Life Challenges
- During an interview, Ghanshyam had mentioned, rather emotionally, that he had spent his childhood basically in the hospital and that he was in the hospital till he was 6 years old.
- He was born with some issues, but he has mentioned that he grew up with kidney and liver issues, and he still suffers from them.
- Apart from that, when he was younger and he noticed his peers growing taller while he did not, he found out from the doctor that it was a genetic issue with him. That’s why at the age of 23, his height is just 3 feet 7 inches.
- He got to know that he suffers from thyroid issues and also has a swollen lung.
- Ghanshyam takes injections regularly to purify his blood, and he has also mentioned that his kidneys, liver, and lungs are not functioning properly as of 2025.
- Overall, Ghanshyam Darode’s journey has not been without challenges – and this is the case in 2023 as well, when he survived a car accident on the Pune-Solapur highway when he was travelling with his family members. The incident ended up damaging his vehicle, but his resilience was tested and also highlighted.
Ghanshyam Darode Qualification
Ghanshyam’s education started out at an Ashram school in Ghargaon (present-day Shrigonda), and he completed his higher studies from Maharaja Jivarijao Shinde Mahavidyalaya, where he pursued a degree in the arts. He secured 51% marks in his 10th-grade exams, and his academic journey reflected that he wanted to become a District Magistrate.
Career as a Political Commentator: The True Making of Chota Pudhari
- Ghanshyam Darode’s nickname – Chota Pudhari literally means young leader, and it was earned because he made an unexpected and wildcard entry into public life during the assembly election campaign.
- This included him campaigning for Rahul Jagtap from the National Congress Party, against the former minister Babanrao Pachpute.
- It was Ghanshyam’s articulate and heartfelt speeches that helped in securing the victory for Jagtap and his party, and this moment instigated the former to consider public speaking, as it had pushed him into the spotlight.
- He thus became a beacon for Maharashtra’s farmers, especially since his ability to connect with audiences was what became his unique selling point.
- In terms of his career, that involved Ghanshyam’s resonating and heartfelt speeches, often tackling sensitive issues like farmer suicides, drought, and the rising market prices, thus throwing light on practical solutions to the State Government.
- His authenticity and connection with the struggles of rural people have certainly positioned him as a trustworthy voice, a relatable figure, and a messiah for those who don’t have a fearless voice like his in Maharashtra’s socio-political sphere.
Acting Career: Marathi film Debut
- In 2018, when he was just 16, Ghanshyam made his acting debut in the Marathi film ‘Me Yetoy…Chhota Pudhari’, directed by Nitin Aswar, a title that actually reflected his public personality.
- The film was mostly about him, thus showcasing his ability to portray a lead role – Chhota Pudhari, a character that he himself was – heavily invested in societal issues. This led to him earning high praise for the authenticity of his character.
Chota Pudhari TV show: Bigg Boss Marathi 5
- His acting career rose and surged further in 2024 when he participated in Bigg Boss Marathi 5, with other contestants including Nikki Tamboli, Paddy Kamble, Manasi Naik, Abhijeet Sawant, Irina Rudakova, Arbaz Patel, Varsha Usgaonkar, Vaibhav Chavan, Jahnavi Killekar, Dhananjay Powar, Ankita Prabhu-Walawalkar, Suraj Chavan(winner of BB marathi 5), Aarya Jadhao, and Purushottam Dada Patil.
- The show, which aired on Colors Marathi and streamed on JioCinema, was hosted by actor Riteish Deshmukh and premiered on July 28, 2024.
- Chota Pudhari was known for portraying a candid demeanor, thus making him a fan favorite immediately and a standout contestant of Bigg Boss Marathi house.
- Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the 6th week, but he had managed to leave an impact on the audience and the hosts of the show.
- During his time in Bigg Boss, Ghanshyam was known for his interactions, particularly with a controversial contestant, Nikki Tambol, whom he considered like a sister.
- However, this caused controversy, and it only got worse when Nikki showed a public display of affection, leading to public debates on their relationship.
- Despite the trolling he received, Bigg Boss inevitably boosted Ghanshyam’s visibility and overall fanbase.
Ghanshyam Darode Net Worth 2025
Chota Pudhari’s net worth is not officially disclosed publicly, but based on media reports and his continued presence in entertainment and media, he has an estimated net worth of INR 3 to 5 crores as of 2025. This figure is primarily derived from his acting roles in Marathi films, television appearances, and earnings from political commentary gigs on news channels and YouTube, and other sources such as brand endorsements and paid promotions.
Chota Pudhari’s wife & Personal Life
As of 2025, he is not yet married and is not dating anyone. Despite his small stature of 3 feet 7 inches, Ghanshyam’s personal life has been met with a lot of challenges, which he fought back with absolute positivity and resilience. He didn’t disclose his personal life and relationship publicly.
Is Ghanshyam Darode (Chhota Pudhari) dead or alive?
- In June 2025, fake death rumors of Ghanshyam Darode, also known as “chhota pudhari,” spread on social media.
- To clarify the truth, Chhota Pudhari himself posted a video on social media and stated that Ghanshyam Darode is alive and well, thanking his fans for their concern.
- Some News and media sources like TV9 Marathi and Saam TV have reported on these events, confirming he is alive.
- Ghanshyam has also filed a police complaint with the Shrigonda police station against the individuals who spread the false news of his death.
Social Media Presence
Ghanshyam Darode is active on his Instagram, with a verified profile @chotapudari_official. He has a huge number of followers and is popular for his logical commentary and his philanthropic works and activities.
| Social Media Platform | Handle | Followers |
| @chotapudari_official | 2.5L+ followers |
Conclusion
Ghanshyam Darode’s life is a testament to the power of authenticity and full resilience. Born in 2002, and his short height regardless, Chota Pudhari has made an impact on a lot of people, and his career has been manifold as an actor, political commentator and an advocate for farmers. He is seen as a source of inspiration for several people, and his promising future is one that will include his voice, which will resonate loudly in Maharashtra and possibly even beyond.
FAQs
How old is Chota Pudhari?
Although his actual date of birth is not known, but as per media sources stated that he was born in 2002 and he is currently around 23 years old as of 2025.
What is his height?
Interestingly, Chota Pudhari has a small height of 3 feet 7 inches.
What is his net worth?
He has a net worth of approximately INR 3 to 5 crores.
Does Ghanshyam Darode participate in Bigg Boss Marathi season 5?
Yes, he participated in Bigg Boss Marathi 5 aired on July 28, 2024.