New Delhi: Veteran Marathi actor Ravindra Mahajani was found dead in a rented flat close to Talegaon Dabhade. The actor-director's body was found in his Pune flat, leaving the Marathi cinema industry and fans in shock. He was 77.
When concerned neighbours smelled something awful from the flat, they immediately called the police. The renowned actor-director's body was reportedly found by the authorities after an investigation. In the Ambi neighbourhood of Talegaon Dabhade, Mahajani's body was found in a locked flat at Xrbia Housing Society. According to a police officer, Mahajani is believed to have passed away three days before his body was found. The veteran actor's body would be given to the family for final rites after his autopsy, the officer added.
According to senior police inspector Ranjit Sawant of the Talegaon MIDC police station, a police team responded to complaints from the neighbourhood and broke down the door of the flat.
The police official stated that Mahajani, who has an apartment in Mumbai, had been staying in Talegaon Dabhade for eight months prior to the incident. Police also reported that his mortal remains were sent to a hospital for post-mortem.
According to reports, the actor's son Gashmeer Mahajani had been calling his father but didn't get a response. Hours before his body was found on Friday, Gashmeer requested a friend in Pune go to Talegaon Dabhade to check on his father.
Eknath Shinde, the chief minister of Maharashtra, offered condolences on Mahajani's death and said, "Veteran Marathi actor Ravindra Mahajani, who ruled the hearts of the audience through his impressive acting skills, has passed away. May God give eternal peace to his soul and give strength to Mahajani family to recover from this grief. A heartfelt tribute."
Ravindra Mahajani had humble beginnings before earning a name for himself in the film industry. Up to the late 1980s, he was widely recognised for his contributions to Marathi cinema. He appeared in numerous Marathi films, with 'Mumbaicha Fauzdar', 'Zunj', and 'Kalat Nakalat' among his best-known performances.