Popular Marathi actor Nilu Phule came from the clan of the noted social worker Jyotiba Phule. His real name was Nilkanth Krushnaji Phule. Phule's first job got him a salary of Rs 80 per month. At the young age of 17, he worked as a gardener at the Armed Forces Medical College. Due to lack of financial support, he could not pursue his gardening career forward.