Arvind Rathod, the veteran Indian actor known for his work in Gujarati cinema and theatre as well as the Hindi film industry, died on Thursday at his residence in Ahmedabad due to age-related ailments.
He was 83.
A native of Bhavnagar in Saurashtra, Rathod began his career as a photojournalist and then went on to act in both Gujarati films and theatre. He also worked in Hindi cinema, where his filmography includes Agneepath (1990), Toofan Aur Bijlee (1975), Kora Kaagaz (1974), Badnaam Farishte (1971), Johny Uska Naam (1970), Ab Toh Aaja Saajan Mere (1994), Maa Tera Aangan Nagara Baje (1990), Jig Sanjog (1980), Mahasati Savitri (1973), Bhadar Tara Vaheta Pani (1976), and Khuda Gawah (1992), among others.
Rathod was famous for his villain roles in Gujarati films like Bhadar Tara Vehata Paani (1976), Mota Gharni Vahu (1978), Alkhane Oatle (1980), Kanku Ni Kimat (1983), Maa Khodal Taro Khamkaro (1989), Shetal Tara Unda Pani (1990), Jagya Tyathi Sawaar (1981), Sone Kansari (1977), and Hu Tari Meera Ne Tu Maro Shyam Re (2011), among several others.
His theatre work includes Preet Piyu Ne Panetar in 1967-68, Mari To Aarji, Baki Tamari Marji, and Hindi and Gujarati actor Aruna Irani’s play Mota Gharni Vahu, among several others.
The Gujarati film fraternity and theatre industry mourned Rathod’s demise.
Speaking to Silverscreen India, Pratik Gandhi, the Gujarati theatre personality and actor who starred in the web series Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, said he was speechless and did not know how to react to the news. “He was a legendary actor. We all grew up watching his work. It is a big, big loss,” he added.
Though Gandhi did not get the opportunity to work with Rathod or meet him personally, the actor said he had the opportunity to watch Rathod live on stage. “He was such an icon with his style and the hat that he used to wear,” said Gandhi.
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Mentioning how difficult it is to watch Rathod’s films now, Gandhi said, “Archives from before the 90s are either not available at all or in some dispute. So it is getting difficult to restore these films.”
Gujarati film and television director Saandeep Patel also paid his tribute to Rathod through an Instagram story.
The 2018 Gujarati film Tension Thai Gayu (2018) was the last film Rathod acted in before falling ill.
Rathod was unmarried. He is survived by his niece-in-law Jagruti and her son Rhythm.