His death has created a void that's hard to fill: Ambika Soni

Updated on: 14 July,2009 09:59 AM IST |
Agencies |

Marathi actor Nilu Phule passed away yesterday in Pune after a prolonged illness.

Marathi actor Nilu Phule passed away yesterday in Pune after a prolonged illness. He was 78. Phule was suffering from cancer of the oesophagus and was admitted to the hospital on July 5. He is survived by his wife Rajani and daughter Gargi.

More than an actor
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni condoled his death saying that the void created by his demise would be hard to fill. Phule was one of the finest actors in performing arts, the minister said in a statement. She conveyed her condolences to the family of the veteran actor and said he would be long remembered for his strong social commitment apart from his contribution to Marathi theatre and movies.

Born in 1931, Phule is best remembered for his performance in Vijay Tendulkar's famous play Sakahram Binder.

He began his film-career in 1968 with Anant Mane's hit Ek Gaon Bara Bhanagadi and went on to act in nearly 250 Marathi and Hindi films.

Phule's most memorable roles in Hindi films include Saaransh, Coolie and Mashal.

Phule was the only actor to win Maharashtra government's best actor award consecutively for three years. He was also honoured by Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Actor Sachin Pilgaonkar who worked with the actor as a child artiste in 1971 in a film called 'Ajab Tuzhe Sarkar' produced by his father and directed by Raja Thakur was saddened by his death. "I had the privilege of directing him in Maza pati Karodpati. It was a pleasure to direct an artist whose tremendous contribution to stage and cinema is unparalleled," said Sachin.