Vikram Gokhale in a still from Anumati. (courtesy: YouTube)
Veteran actor Vikram Gokhale, who was on life support at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, died due to multi-organ failure on Saturday. He was 77. After his death, the hospital issued a statement that read, “We are saddened to announce that the noted actor Mr Vikram Gokhale passed away today at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to multi-organ failure. Our deep condolences.” The thespian was being treated for various age-related illnesses at the hospital, where he was admitted earlier this week. His health condition remained critical for the past few days.
Vikram Gokhale, in his career spanning five decades, aced roles from all genres – be it a comedy film, a drama or one shedding light on social issues. He has portrayed versatile characters onscreen – of a doctor, a father, a businessman, a police officer and a villain. Let's take a look at the best performances of Vikram Gokhale to remember him by.
Anumati
This 2013 film fetched Vikram Gokhale National Award for Best Actor in a Marathi film. He co-starred with Neena Kulkarni in this Gajendra Ahire directorial. Because of his performance and the storyline, Vikram Gokhale earned praise from critics and fans alike. The story is about a man who is ready to go to any length to pay the hospital bills of his wife who has slipped into a coma.
Aaghaat
After proving his mettle as an actor, Vikram Gokhale ventured into direction with Aaghaat, a 2010 Marathi film. He played the lead role in the film, which showcased how most private hospitals treat patients and their families in the interest of their own profits.
Agneepath
Mukul Anand-directed Agneepath marked Vikram Gokhale's collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan after Parwana. The late actor garnered much praise for essaying the role of commissioner MS Gaitonde in the 90s crime-thriller, which starred Big B in the lead role.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Vikram Gokhale co-starred with Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn in this romantic musical drama. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, revolves around a man who helps his wife reunite with her lover after he learns about the truth post their marriage. Vikram Gokhale appeared as Nandini's (played by Aishwarya) father, music maestro Pundit Darbar, in the film.
Natsamrat
Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, Natsamrat starred Vikram Gokhale as Rambhau. The adaptation of a legendary play by VV Shirwadkar featured Nana Patekar in the lead role and Vikram Gokhale as his dearest friend. He was highly praised for bringing the character of Rambhau, who helped his friend adapt the new phase of his life after retirement, alive onscreen.
Virrudh
One of the best performances of Vikram Gokhale is his portrayal of Dhirendra Raisinghania in the TV series Virrudh. The lead role was played by Smriti Irani who featured as his daughter in the soap opera that aired from 2007-2008. He was a renowned face in the television industry.