Suryakant was born on 2 June 1926 in
Kolhapur, Maharashtra. He was raised in a traditional household by his parents, Tanubai and Tukaram Narayan Mandhare, alongside his elder brother,
Chandrakant Mandare. He completed his primary and secondary education at Saraswati Vidyalaya and subsequently at Harihar Vidyalaya in Kolhapur. Influenced by his father’s emphasis on fitness, he engaged in regular physical training from a young age, which contributed to his athletic build. Mandre’s entry into cinema occurred in 1938 when, at the age of twelve, he was noticed by the filmmaker
Bhalji Pendharkar. He made his screen debut that same year in the film
Dhruva. While he initially balanced his studies with acting, his interest increasingly leaned toward the arts. In 1943, he concluded his formal education and began training in painting under the artist Baba Gajbar. He later secured the role of "Balshivaji" in the film
Bahirji Naik, also directed by
Bhalji Pendharkar. It was during the production of this film that Pendharkar suggested he adopt the screen name "Suryakant." The name was officially adopted for his filmography, and he remained professionally known as Suryakant thereafter. His well-developed physique and rugged personality became his trademark, making him particularly suited for roles in rural-themed
Marathi cinema. == Career ==