Versatile actor Sadashiv Amrapurkar dies at 64

Mumbai: Veteran actor Sadashiv Amrapurkar died on Monday after battling lung infection. Known for his iconic roles in movies Ardh Satya and Sadak, his death has cast a pall of gloom over the film and theatre industry.

Amrapukar, who was 64, was suffering from interstitial lung disease. For several days, he was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital in critical condition. He breathed his last at 2.45 am. The body of Amrapukar was kept at Bhaidas Auditorium, Vile Parle west, where several prominent personalities turned up to pay their respects. Amrapukar’s last rites will be performed at his hometown in Ahmednagar district on Tuesday, said his daughter Rima.

In 1984, he won the Filmfare Award for the best supporting actor for Ardh Satya, in which he played a villain and in 1991, for his portrayal of ruthless eunuch in Sadak. His other memorable works included Aankhen, Ishq, Coolie No. 1 and Gupt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and megastar Amitabh Bachchan have condoled the death of Amrapukar.

“We will remember Sadashiv Amrapurkar as a versatile actor, popular across generations. RIP. My deepest condolences to his family,” Mr Modi tweeted.
Bachchan, who is currently shooting in Kolkata, posted in Twitter, “Waking up in Kolkata to the sad news of the passing away of Sadasiv Amrapurkar.. A colleague and a gifted talent.. Prayers! When a colleague suddenly passes away there is a sudden vacuum, of times spent together, of acknowledgement of their work..”

Though Sadashiv Amrapurkar instilled fear with his negative roles on-screen, the actor was a true gentleman in real life and was involved in many social activities. Amrapurkar was last seen on the big screen in 2012 film Bombay Talkies.