Renowned Marathi stage-television and film actor Ramesh Bhatkar who also acted in Hindi serials and films is no more. He was 70. He breathed his last today evening at Elizabeth Hospital, Malbar Hill, Mumbai, where he was being treated for lung cancer. The youngest son of legendary music director & composer Vasudev alias Snehal Bhatkar, he had an artistic background from his early college days and even took active part in swimming for his college team besides playing Kho Kho at Vijay Club , Dadar.

Ramesh’s acting debut in films was through ‘Chandoba Chandoba Bhaglaas ka’ (1978) followed by AshtaVinayak (1978), Duniya Kari Salam,  Maaherchi Manasa, Aapli Maanasa and not to forget his memorable performance in lead role along with Alka Kubal through super hit film ‘Maherchi Saadi’ (1991). He also played a groom in the film Lek Chalali Sasarla. Since then, Ramesh had performed in 90 films including few Hindi films. He also had an opportunity to play the lead role in legendary Hindi film maker Kidar Sharma in his film ‘Saheme Hue Sitare’.

But, more than the films, Ramesh Bhatkar became more popular through his prosperous television career, which began with Hello Inspector (1990) and Damini (Marathi) on DoorDarshan followed by Commander (1992) on Zee TV, and Teesra Dola (1998) on DD2. He also appeared in Haddapaar, Bandini, Yugandhara. Marathi Theatre was Ramesh Bhatkar’s first love, having performed prominent lead roles in many plays. He played a lead role in ‘Ashroonchi Zaali Phule’ (1975) which ran in the Marathi theatre industry for many years. With his sad demise, Marathi entertainment industry has lost a talented actor.

His funeral will take place around 9.30 pm today at Shivaji Park Crematorium.