Veteran actor-director of Marathi cinema, Ravindra Mahajani, has been discovered deceased in a leased flat located in the vicinity of Talegaon Dabhade, near Pune.
Authorities stated on Saturday that the 77-year-old artist’s body was discovered on the previous Friday evening. Initial investigations indicate that he likely died about three days before his body was found.
A senior official from Talegaon Dabhade police station explained how they were alerted to the situation: “We received a call from the neighbours of the apartment where Mahajani resided alone. They reported a foul smell coming from his residence. Upon arriving, we had to force entry into the flat, where we unfortunately discovered him deceased.”
The officer further suggested that Mahajani likely passed away three days prior to them finding him. Despite owning a house in Mumbai, Mahajani had been living in Talegaon Dabhade for the past eight months, according to police reports.
The police have sent his remains to a hospital for an autopsy. Mahajani was known for his extensive work in the Marathi film industry, particularly from the late 1970s through to the mid-1980s.
Ravindra Mahajani left a remarkable mark on the Marathi film industry with notable performances in films like “Mumbaicha Fauzdar”, “Zunj”, and “Kalat Nakalat”. His legacy continues with his son, Gashmeer Mahajani, who is also a well-regarded actor in Marathi cinema.
The news of Mahajani’s passing has elicited condolences from prominent figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shinde paid a heartfelt tribute saying, “Veteran Marathi actor Ravindra Mahajani, who won the hearts of audiences with his formidable acting talent, has departed from this world. May his soul find eternal peace and may God provide the strength needed for the Mahajani family to endure this profound loss.”
The president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sharad Pawar, also paid his respects to the actor. He remarked that Mahajani’s untimely death represents a significant loss to the Marathi film industry. “Our sympathies are with the Mahajani family during this difficult time. A sincere tribute to Ravindra Mahajani,” Pawar expressed in a tweet.
