Dilip Kulkarni

Dilip Kulkarni: Actor and Director of Marathi and Hindi Theatre. He acted in Hindi films like: Parinda (1989), Vinashak - Destroyer (1998) and Sarvasakshi (1978) Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaaye, Mere Biwi Ki shaadi. His Television series 100 (by B.P.Singh- CID fame), Sirf Chaar Din which became a Hit in the 80's. From then he was known to be the strict police officer for the audience. He also acted in many Marathi films like: Mahesh manjrekar's Aai, Smita Talwalkar's Chaukat Raja, Ajay Phansekar's Ratra Arambh. Aai won him the start award for best actor that year. A few of his popular TV shows were Nayak on Zee Marathi, Samantar on ETV Marathi, Chaal Naavachi Vachal Vasti on Doordarshan. Early life and education: Born and brought up in Deolali Camp, Nashik district, in 1947. Actor/Director started his journey as an artiste after he shifted to Mumbai after graduation. Brought up by a single parent (father) and baring the responsibility of 3 younger siblings, Dilip forfeit his dream to seek education from Sir J.J. institute of Art, at a young age, and became a banker to earn for the family. But the acting bug never gave up squirming within him. He started acting and then directing plays through the group formed at the bank he was working at. In those days, co-operative banks held inter-bank 'one act play' competitions which Dilip enthusiastically managed along with his personal/professional responsibilities. Career: Actors Amol Palekar, Chitra Palekar along with Dilip, started a theatre company which produced experimental and commercial plays. Dilip later directed and adapted The Marathi play - Madhu Rey's Aani Mhanun Konihi won several Awards (State Award) and attained stardom. This play was later remade into - Ha Shekhar Khosla Kon Ahe? He directed and acted in Girish Karnad's NaagMandal in Marathi. He directed plays for Pandit Satyadev Dubey's theatre unit and the theatre company Rangayan (Vijaya Mehta). Gochi, Majha Kaay Chukla, Satalota to name a few plays. Personal Life: Dilip married Actress Neena Kulkarni in 1980 after a 5-6year courtship period. It was a cinematic Love story of - A boy and a girl from different backgrounds fall in love regardless of their upbringings, sharing a common passion of love for theatre and acting. They became a family of four after the birth of their 2 children who are also Media Professionals today. Dilip suffered from a severe heart disease and later passed away on 22nd December 2002. His work and contribution to Marathi Theatre and films is still fondly remembered.