Marathi theatre loses a doyen in Daji Bhatavdekar's death

Mumbai, Dec 28 (UNI) Legendary Marathi theatre personality actor-director Daji Bhatavdekar died here on Tuesday night.

He was 86. He is survived by his son, daughter and their families.

The funeral at the Chandanwadi crematorium yesterday, was attended by large number of admirers from the Marathi film and theatre world.

Bhatavdekar, a scholar in English and Sanskrit languages, was a supporter of theatre musicals.

To connoisours of Marathi theatre, he was famous as Kakaji in popular play 'Tuz Aahe Tuz Pashi'. He took training under Nanasaheb Phatak and K Narayan Kale.

'Savshaykallol', 'Mruchkatik', 'Sangit Saubhadra', 'Amaldar', 'Manapman', 'Ekach Pyala', 'Vaje Paool Aapule', 'Sundar Mi Honar', 'Bhaubandki' are some of his famous plays.

Throughout his career, he acted in about 80 plays in Marathi, Sanskrit, Hindi and English.

He was conferred the padamshri for his contribution to theatre.

Mr Bhatavdekar had authored a 750-page essay on Sanskrit theatre and the Mumbai University had honoured him with a doctorate for his effort. He was also a member of the Censor Board and worked on the Maharashtra government's theatre scrutiny board for sometime.

Bhatavdekar acted in several Marathi films as well. But, his memorable role was in 'Tochi Ek Samarth', in which he played the role of the 'Akkalkot Swami'. He was a a devotee of the Swami in real life too.

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