Early Life and Education
Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe was born on September 18, 1980, in Narayangaon, Pune, Maharashtra. He attended Apte School in Pune from 9th to 12th grade. After high school, he earned an MBBS degree from King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai
Acting Career and Shift to Politics
Dr. Amol Kolhe is a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). He has held various significant positions throughout his political career:
Dr. Kolhe rose to fame portraying iconic figures from Maharashtra’s history, which connected him deeply with the people of Maharashtra. In 2019, he joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after a brief association with Shiv Sena. His political journey began with his election as the Member of Parliament from Shirur, where he won by a considerable margin. His shift from Shiv Sena to the NCP and his immediate success highlighted his popularity and the trust voters placed in his leadership.
Political Career and Roles in Parliament
As an MP, Kolhe actively contributes to policy discussions as part of the Standing Committees on Agriculture and Health and Family Welfare. His involvement in the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism allows him to influence key areas that align with his commitment to Maharashtra’s well-being. These roles have allowed him to advocate for Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, agricultural reforms, and improved healthcare.
Major Achievements and Initiatives
Dr. Kolhe has been proactive in his constituency, focusing on agricultural development, rural health initiatives, and heritage conservation. His background on the Agriculture Committee has fueled his advocacy for farmers’ rights and sustainable agricultural practices. His efforts to improve public healthcare, especially in rural Maharashtra, are also part of his broader vision for uplifting his constituency and the state.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Personal Life and Legacy
Dr. Kolhe, married with two children, maintains a close connection to his Marathi cultural roots. His celebrated performances as Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj reflect his personal pride in Maharashtrian heritage, and his political career is viewed as a continuation of his dedication to Maharashtra. His dual legacy—as an actor who brought history to life and a politician working toward regional development—makes him a respected figure in both cultural and political spheres.
Controversies
Role as Nathuram Godse: In January 2022, Dr. Amol Kolhe faced criticism for portraying Nathuram Godse in the movie “Why I Killed Gandhi.” This role sparked controversy, especially among his party members, including NCP leader Jitendra Awhad and Congress state unit president Nana Patole. (Indian Express)
Poem on Ayodhya Ram Temple: In February 2024, Dr. Kolhe’s poem on the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony went viral. The poem, which took a jibe at the central government over the alleged politicization of the event, was widely shared on social media and sparked discussions. (Hindustan Times)
Seclusion Announcement: In November 2021, Dr. Kolhe announced that he was going into “seclusion” due to mental and physical stress. This announcement fueled speculations about his next political move and generated significant media attention. (Hindustan Times)
Promises and Future Commitments
MP Dr. Amol Kolhe has requested urgent approval from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for the Nashik Phata to Chandoli Elevated Corridor, emphasizing the completed tender process. Dr. Kolhe also highlighted the need for fast-tracking the Pune-Shirur and Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur elevated corridors, now under Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation. Gadkari assured Kolhe that the Nashik Phata-Chandoli corridor will soon be approved. (The Bridge Chronical)
MP Amol Kolhe urged Parliament to update red zone laws around defense areas, suggesting a reduction from 2,000 yards to 500 meters. He highlighted that this change would allow authorized construction, benefiting thousands of families affected by outdated restrictions near defense sites in Maharashtra and other states. (TOI)
MP Dr. Amol Kolhe voiced strong support for onion, milk, and cotton farmers, highlighting their struggles due to central government policies. He cited Mahatma Phule’s legacy to call for a “Farmers’ protest” against what he described as inadequate agricultural policies, aiming to bring justice to struggling farmers. Kolhe also raised concerns over low job placements for IIT graduates and mentioned his brief suspension from Parliament for advocating farmers’ rights, emphasizing his commitment to standing up for agricultural and educational reforms. (Pune Mirror)
Videos and Interviews