Veteran Marathi actor Kolhatkar dies at 86

Veteran Marathi actor Chittaranjan Kolhatkar died early on Sunday of a heart attack at Pune’s Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital. He was 86.

Kolhatkar was admitted to the hospital on October 13 after suffering a fall while on an evening walk. The last rites were performed at the Vaikunth crematorium.
Born on January 14, 1923, Kolhatkar was a staunch supporter of Hindutva and never missed casting his vote.

He began his film career with Garibanche Rajya in 1944. His theatre debut was with Bhavbandhan by the late Ram Ganesh Gadkari. Before that, he worked with Kalaniketan Theatre as a prompter.

Kolhatkar acted in more than 100 films, including Pedgavche Shahane, Mohityanchi Manjula, and Meeth Bhakar. He was part of acclaimed Marathi plays like Oshala Mrutyu, Ashroonchi Zhali Phule, and Vishavrukshachi Chhaya.

In 2007 he had told DNA: “I have written two books on my career. Now, I will write one on directors, including the great Bhalji Pendharkar and Dadasaheb Torane.”