Last Update: 5 June 2026
Who was Pandhari Sheth Phadke? Pandhari Sheth Phadke was a wealthy and legendary bullock cart race enthusiast from Maharashtra who became famous for his passion for bull racing, his massive gold collection, and his business acumen—until his sudden death in February 2024.
Quick Stats Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pandhari Sheth Phadke |
| Known As | “Goldman” (due to his gold jewelry) |
| Hometown | Panvel, Maharashtra |
| Main Profession | Bullock Cart Race Enthusiast & Businessman |
| Notable Bull | “Badal” (famous racing bull) |
| Number of Racing Bulls | 40–50 |
| Monthly Feed Cost | Lakhs of rupees |
| Political Affiliation | Shiv Sena Farmers’ Wing, later BJP |
| Key Position | President, Maharashtra Bullock Cart Race Association |
| Date of Death | February 21, 2024 |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack while driving |
| Age at Death | Not officially confirmed (estimated 60s) |
Who Is Pandhari Sheth Phadke? The Man Behind the Legend
Let me tell you about someone who was as much a part of Maharashtra’s culture as the monsoons themselves. Pandhari Sheth Phadke wasn’t just a name—he was an entire ecosystem of bullock cart racing, wealth, and controversy rolled into one colorful personality.
Phadke came from Panvel in the Raigad district near Mumbai. His family’s connection to bullock cart racing dates back decades, specifically to 1986, when his father started the tradition. But Pandhari Sheth Phadke didn’t just inherit a hobby; he transformed it into a lifestyle, a business, and eventually, a symbol of old Maharashtra charm meeting modern glamour.
What made Pandhari Sheth Phadke truly unique wasn’t just his bulls or his business—it was his persona. He was famously called “Goldman” because he wore so much gold jewelry that he’d literally shine when standing in sunlight. At bullock cart races, he’d be seen wearing thick gold chains, gold rings, and gold bracelets while dancing on his cart. This became his trademark, and everyone in Maharashtra knew who he was.
The Bullock Cart Racing Empire: Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s Passion
Here’s the thing about Pandhari Sheth Phadke net worth—most of it came from his obsession with bullock cart racing. He owned somewhere between 40 and 50 racing bulls, and these weren’t ordinary cattle. These were premium, championship-winning animals.
His most famous bull was named “Badal.” This wasn’t just any bull; Badal was a legend. The bull had won numerous races, including one massive competition with a prize of 11 lakh rupees. In a culture where bullock cart racing still holds significance, owning Badal was like owning a Ferrari in modern times.
How did Pandhari Sheth Phadke maintain these bulls? The answer is money—and lots of it. Each month, his stable would spend lakhs of rupees on feed alone. We’re talking about premium nutrition: peanuts, cashews, almonds, dal (lentils), pistachios, and coconut. Every bull in his care was fed like royalty. This wasn’t just about keeping the animals healthy; it was about giving them the edge to win races consistently.
The Secret Behind Every Victory: Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s Formula
One question that local racing enthusiasts always asked: What was Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s secret to winning every race?
The answer wasn’t mysterious at all. It was a combination of three things:
1. Exercise Routine—The bulls were exercised regularly and scientifically. Pandhari Sheth Phadke understood that muscles needed conditioning, just like human athletes.
2. Nutrition Timing—It wasn’t just about what the bulls ate; it was about when they ate. Precise feeding schedules meant the bulls had maximum energy during race day.
3. Care & Monitoring—He monitored every bull’s health obsessively. If a bull showed any sign of weakness or illness, it was pulled from races until fully recovered.
Because of this approach, Pandhari Sheth Phadke became synonymous with winning. When his bull stepped into a race, everyone watching knew they were witnessing a champion. Wherever Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s bulls competed, victory was almost guaranteed.
The Political Side: Pandhari Sheth Phadke Beyond Racing
Pandhari Sheth Phadke wasn’t just a businessman and race enthusiast. He was also a political figure in Maharashtra.
He served as a leader in the Shiv Sena Farmers’ Wing (Shetkari Kamgar Paksha) before later joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His political involvement gave him even more visibility across Maharashtra.
However, Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s political career came with controversy. In 2022, he was arrested in connection with a shooting incident involving Rahul Patel in Kalyan. He later received bail after spending time in custody. Additionally, in 2020, during a cricket match in Panvel, Pandhari Sheth Phadke fired shots in the air—four rounds—while entering the ground. His supporters showered him with currency notes during this incident, which drew police attention.
These controversies didn’t diminish his popularity locally; instead, they added to his mystique as a larger-than-life figure.
Family Background & Personal Life
Details about Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s family and children are limited in public records, as he kept much of his personal life private. What we know is that his dedication to bullock cart racing often took precedence in his life. His wife and family supported his passion, though they remained largely out of the spotlight.
His home in Panvel became a hub for bullock cart racing enthusiasts and politicians alike. The property housed his stable of bulls and served as a gathering point during racing season.
The Man Who Fought for Bullock Cart Racing
One of Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s most significant contributions to Maharashtra culture was his fight to keep bullock cart racing alive.
When the government imposed restrictions and bans on bullock cart races, citing animal welfare concerns, Pandhari Sheth Phadke stood at the forefront of the movement to reverse the ban. As president of the Maharashtra Bullock Cart Race Association, he filed petitions, appeared in courts, and lobbied with government officials.
For Pandhari Sheth Phadke, bullock cart racing wasn’t just entertainment—it was a cultural heritage that needed preservation. He believed these races connected modern Maharashtra to its rural roots and agricultural traditions.
How Did Pandhari Sheth Phadke Die? The Final Chapter
On February 21, 2024, Pandhari Sheth Phadke passed away suddenly. He suffered a severe heart attack while driving his car from his office to his home around 1:30 PM.
What happened to Pandhari Sheth Phadke? He was alone in his vehicle when the cardiac episode struck. By the time help arrived, it was too late. His sudden death shocked the bullock cart racing community and Maharashtra’s political circles alike.
How did Pandhari Sheth Phadke die? The official cause was a heart attack—a common killer that doesn’t discriminate between rich and poor, famous and unknown.
His death marked the end of an era. No more would people see him dancing on his cart in gold jewelry. No more would his bulls dominate every race they entered.
TL;DR Summary Box
| Key Point | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Who | Legendary bullock cart racer from Panvel, Maharashtra |
| Fame | Known as “Goldman” for wearing excessive gold jewelry |
| Business | Owned 40-50 championship racing bulls |
| Most Famous Bull | “Badal“—won races worth 11+ lakhs |
| Controversy | Arrested in 2022 (shooting incident); fired shots in the air in 2020 |
| Legacy | Fought to preserve bullock cart racing in Maharashtra |
| Death | Heart attack on February 21, 2024, while driving |
FAQs About Pandhari Sheth Phadke
1. What was Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s net worth?
While his exact net worth was never publicly disclosed, estimates suggest he was worth several crores of rupees. His wealth came from owning racing bulls, real estate, and various business ventures. The monthly feed costs for his bulls alone (lakhs of rupees) give you an idea of his financial capacity.
2. Why was Pandhari Sheth Phadke called “Goldman”?
Pandhari Sheth Phadke earned this nickname because he famously wore tons of gold jewelry—gold chains, rings, bracelets, and necklaces. He’d wear these gold ornaments while dancing on his bullock cart at races, making him instantly recognizable. The gold was his signature style.
3. How many bulls did Pandhari Sheth Phadke own?
He owned between 40 and 50 racing bulls in his stable. Each bull was carefully selected, trained, and fed to compete at championship levels. His most famous bull was named “Badal,” which won numerous major races.
4. What happened with the shooting incident involving Pandhari Sheth Phadke?
In 2022, Pandhari Sheth Phadke was arrested for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident targeting Rahul Patel in Kalyan. He was later granted bail. Additionally, in 2020, he fired four shots in the air during a cricket match in Panvel, for which a case was registered against him.
5. When did Pandhari Sheth Phadke die, and what was the cause?
Pandhari Sheth Phadke passed away on February 21, 2024. He suffered a fatal heart attack while driving his car from his office to home around 1:30 PM. He was alone in the vehicle when the cardiac episode occurred.
6. What was Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s role in the Maharashtra Bullock Cart Racing Association?
He served as the president of the Maharashtra Bullock Cart Race Association. In this capacity, Pandhari Sheth Phadke fought tirelessly to preserve bullock cart racing as a cultural tradition and worked to reverse government bans on the sport.
Conclusion: Remembering Pandhari Sheth Phadke’s Legacy
Pandhari Sheth Phadke was more than just a man who loved bullock cart racing. He was a symbol of Maharashtra’s rural traditions, a self-made businessman, a controversial political figure, and ultimately, a cultural icon who kept a centuries-old sport alive in the modern era.
Whether you knew him as the “Goldman” dancing on a bullock cart, the wealthy businessman with championship bulls, or the politician fighting for traditional racing rights, Pandhari Sheth Phadke left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s culture. His death in 2024 left a void that the bullock cart racing community continues to feel.
The legacy of Pandhari Sheth Phadke—his passion, his wealth, his controversy, and his dedication—will continue to be discussed in Maharashtra for generations to come.
Thank You & Further Reading
Thank you for reading about this fascinating figure from Maharashtra!
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Author Byline & Disclaimer
Written by: Kanak
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from news sources, including Esakal (Marathi news outlet). While we’ve made every effort to provide accurate and fact-checked information about Pandhari Sheth Phadke, some details—particularly about his private life and exact financial figures—may not be fully verified. This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered a definitive biography. For legal matters related to Pandhari Sheth Phadke, please consult official court records and government documents.
Research Methodology: Information gathered from Marathi news outlets, public records, and verified news reports about bullock cart racing in Maharashtra.
