Madhukar Toradmal, noted Marathi film and theatre veteran, passes away aged 85

Renowned Marathi writer and actor Madhukar Toradmal, best known for his performances in films like Jabbar Patel’s Simhasan (1979), Neelkanti Patekar’s Atmavishwas, passed away on 2 July. [caption id=“attachment_3771023” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Dr Madhukar Toradmal. Image via Facebook[/caption] Toradmal also worked in Aamir Khan’s Raakh (1989) and a popular TV serial Sangharsha. As per a report by Mumbai Mirror, the 85-year-old veteran was suffering from a kidney ailment and was admitted to the Asian Heart Institute a few days ago. He succumbed to kidney failure after his condition worsened over the last two days. He passed away around 5.30 pm. His body will be kept at Yashwant Natyagruh in Matunga on the morning of 3 July before the funeral, so that his numerous fans and admirers can pay their tributes. He was an English professor in a college in Ahmednagar. He quit his job to pursue a career in acting. He was fondly called ‘Mama Toradmal’ by his Maharashtrian fans. He had been active in the Marathi theatre and cinema circuit for more than 50 years. He created history in Marathi theatre when his play Tarun Turk Mhatare Ark, which he had written as well as acted in, finished 5000 shows. He essayed the significant role of a college professor (Professor Bartakke) in the play. Following this, his name appeared in the titles as Prof Toradmal. He had also played the memorable role of Bheeshma in the play Matsyagandha. His other plays include Rinanubandh, Kinar, Gaganbhedi, Gulmohar, Jhunj, Bhowara, Love Birds, among others. Toradmal also translated the works of Maharashtra’s eminent social reformer RD Karve. He had translated Buddhipramanyawad, which was originally written by Dr Anant Deshmukh on Karwe. He is also credited with translating 27 novels of Agatha Christie into Marathi. He himself has authored around twenty books, according to a report by marathimovieworld.com. Madhukar Toradmal was also conferred with the Govind Ballal Debal lifetime achievement award in 2005 along with Ashalata, reports The Times of India. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis tweeted offering his condolences.

ज्येष्ठ रंगकर्मी प्रा. मधुकर तोरडमल यांच्या निधनाने मराठी रंगभूमी, चित्रपटसृष्टी समृद्ध करणारे एक अष्टपैलू व्यक्तिमत्त्व आपण गमावले आहे.

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 2, 2017

प्रा. मधुकर तोरडमल यांनी नाट्यलेखनाबरोबरच कादंबरी, चरित्र असे साहित्यप्रकारही ताकदीने हाताळले. त्यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली!

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 2, 2017

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