Veteran Marathi and Hindi film, stage and television actor Vikram Gokhale passed away today (26th November) in the afternoon due to multiple organ failure, at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. He was 77 and was cremated in Pune at the Vaikunth crematorium. Subodh Bhave, Mukta Barve and Kishore Kadam attended his cremation. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Vikram Gokhale had been ailing since almost three weeks. In fact, rumours about his demise had been circulating on social media since two days, following which several stars even expressed their condolences to his family and paid him rich tributes on social media. His wife then clarified that Vikram Gokhale was not dead but was critical.
Vikram Gokhale, who was the son of late actor Chandrakant Gokhale, had acted in a number of films including Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Agneepath (Amitabh Bachchan starrer), Mission Mangal, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hichki, Aiyaari, and others. He made his film debut with Parwana. Before that, he had started doing Marathi stage-plays. The last film he was seen in was the recent Nikamma. Among the Marathi films he acted in are Natsamrat, Bhingri,Godavari, Bala Gau Kashi Angai, Kalat Nakalat, Lapandav and Aamhi Bolato Marathi. He had won the National Award for the best actor for his work in Marathi film Anumati. He also directed a Marathi film, Aaghaat. Vikram Gokhale’s grandmother, Kamlabai Gokhale, was the first female child actor of Indian cinema. His great-grandmother, Durgabai Kamat, was the first female actor of the Indian screen.
Many actors and filmmakers tweeted about his demise today, soon after news of his passing away was broken. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted in praise of the veteran: “Vikram Gokhale ji was a creative and versatile actor. He will be remembered for many interesting roles in his long acting career. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti.”