Well known marathi Stage and film actor Chttranjan Kolhatkar pased away in Pune on Sunday 25th October 2009. He was 87.Mr. Kolhatkar is survived by his wife, son and three daughters. Born on 15th January 1923 in Amrawati, Mr.Chittaranjan, who was gifted with acting talent from his father Chintamanrao Kolhatkar, began his acting career with ‘Bhavbandhan’ in 1944. With his rich voice and perfect diction he soon became a popular stage actor. Mr. Chittaranjan was known for his comedy and negative roles and went on to bag various awards including the prestigious Maharashtra state award for his performance in ‘Hirva Chuda’. His dual performance in play ‘Bhavbandhan’ was highly praised by people. In this play he played the villain- Ghanashyam and also a comedian- Kamanna very efficiently .

It did not take much time for the Marathi film industry to recognize his talent. With a small role in Bhlaji Pendharkar’s ‘Garibanche Rajya’, he went on to play lead role opposite Shantabai Apte in ‘Kunkwacha Dhani’. Some of his popular films were : ‘Gyanba Tukaram’, ‘Shabbas Sunbai’, ‘Mohityanchi Manjula’, ‘Pedgaoche Shahane’, ‘Shevgyachya Shenga’. As an actor, his performances in stage plays like ‘Ekach Pyala’ and Vijaya Mehta’s ‘Mudrarakshas’ were most memorable. Mr. Kolhatkar tried his best to promote theatre groups in Pune and worked hard especially during vacation time, setting up temporary structures for open theatres. He has also served his term as a President of All India Dramatics Federation.

With his sad demise, Marathi film and theatre industry has lost a great actor. Marathi Movie world pays sincere tributes to this thespian with a prayer that his soul rest in peace.