Biography / Profile:

• Born : 4 August
• Occupation : Actor

Dilip Prabhavalkar is one of the finest artistes having an experienced over period of 30 years in the field of experimental stage to professional Marathi theatre, television serials and films in various languages.

Talking about academicals achievement he has gained a Master’s degree in Biophysics and a diploma from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, before working for a pharmaceutical company and as a partner in a video production unit. During this period, he performed as an actor in several children’s plays and experimental plays staged at Chhabildas. His first major performance was in ‘Lobh Nasava Hi Vinanti‘ a play written by Vijay Tendulkar.

In children’s and amateur theatre, Prabhavalkar was associated with Ratnakar Matkari’s group and performed in all the plays staged by the troupe. His performances in Prem Kahani and Vidur in Aranyak which got awarded at the Maharashtra State Drama Festival were unique because of his systematic and studied approach to the role, the understanding of the character he had to play and his spontaneity. His brilliant performance as ‘The Witch‘ in ‘Albatya Galbatya‘ is still remembered by those who saw it then.

From the experimental stage, Prabhavalkar moved to the professional stage in 1976, and since then has given several brilliant performances in a variety of plays of different categories – from slapstick to light comedy, family drama and melodrama, to serious discussion plays dealing with contemporary issues. To name a few no one cant forget Double role as Anna and the mother-in-law in Pradeep Dalvi’s farce ‘Vasuchi Sasu‘ or the lovable senile Nana of the old lonely couple in Jaywant Dalvi’s ‘Sandhyachhaya‘.

But the milestone was set in Marathi theatre by six different characterizations in ‘Hasvaphasvi‘ – a laugh riot corral and directed by Prabhavalkar himself. The characters are been appreciated by all types of audiences with 712 performances so far.

In 1977-79 his career took a turn and made him a household name because of his role as Chimanrao in the television serial ‘Chimanrao Gundyabhau‘ based on a series of short stories by C.V. Joshi.

A serious actor by nature he has an attitude of making an in-depth study of the character he wants to portray and then taking pains to build up each part of the character systematically. That’s why in 1992 his work was well appreciated by Maharashtra State award for best actor for his portrayal of a mentally retarded boy in the film ‘Chaukat Raja‘.

He possesses the quality of good observation. He gets the largest audiences and from all strata of society- rural, urban, young, old, labourers, intellectuals. Prabhavalkar has been honoured with many, Natyadarpan and Natya Parishad awards for his work in Theatre.

Dilip Prabhavalkar achieved nation-wide recognition when he portrayed the role of Mahatma Gandhi in 2006 Bollywood movie ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai‘.The film created a nation-wide awareness of Gandhian thoughts through this film.He reprised his role in Telugu remake of this movie called ‘Shankar Dada Zindabad‘. No one can forget his acting in a Marathi TV Serial ‘Shreeyut Gangadhar Tipare‘, based on a novel penned by himself.

Prabhavalkar writing is remarkable for its wit and deft comic touches and ironic satirical attitude. This stance is reflected in his newspaper column writing where he deals with the issues around, including political ones, in a humorous manner, yet exposing the hypocrisy of politicians. Three of his nine books published so far- ‘Googly‘, ‘Hasgat‘ and ‘Kagdi Baan‘- have won literary awards.

Even though famous actor he is very down to earth and a socially conscious personality who is always ready to give his share for a good cause. He has been working for the Poona Blind Men’s Association and has helped them by lending his voice to prepare a number of audio cassettes for their ‘Talking Book Libraries’. He has also been associated with Kamayani, the institution working for mentally retarded children. The ties that he developed with them at the time of ‘Chaukat Raja‘ have become permanent and he is always ready to help them in any way he can. Needless to say, Prabhavalkar does all that without accepting any remuneration – ‘an actor must give back to society at least a part of what he achieves with the help of the society’ is his attitude.

Filmography:

• Marathi Movie(s)
• Pimpal (2018)
• Bucket List (2018)
• Dashakriya (2017)
• Faster Fene (2017)
• Zala Bobhata (2017)
• Family Katta (2016)
• Ganvesh (2016)
• Poshter Boyz (2014)
• Jayjaykar (2014)
• Vitti Dandu (2014)
• Zapatlela 2 (2014)
• Narbachi Wadi (2013)
• Golaberij (Feb. 2012)
• Shala (2012)
• Deool (2011)
• Moraya (2011)
• Dhoosar (2011)
• Jhing Chik Jhing (2010)
• Bokya Saatbande (2009)
• Nishani Dava Angatha (2009)
• Sundar Majha Ghar (2009)
• Shevari (2009)
• Valu (2008)
• Full 3 Dhamal (2008)
• Aga Bai Arrechya (2006)
• God Gupit (2006)
• Ratra Aarambh (1999)
• Sarakarnama (1998)
• Aapali Manase (1993)
• Zhapatalela (1993)
• Ek Hota Vidushak (1992)
• Chaukat Raja (1991)
• Dharala Tar Chawatay (1990)
• Lapawa Chapawi (1990)
• Chhakke Panje (1985)
• Ek Daav Bhutacha (1981)
• Chimanrao Gundyabhau (1979)
• Hindi Movie(s)
• Dus Tola (2011)
• Sankat City (2010)
• C Kompnay (2009)
• Sarkar Raj (2009)
• Shiva (2006)
• Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006)
• Paheli (2005)
• Chupke Se (2003)
• English Movie(s)
• God Knows Only (2005) English Movie
• Serial(s)
• Shriyut Gangadhar Tipre  (Zee Marathi)
• Zopi Gelela Jaga Zala
• Kaam Phatte
• Chiranjeev
• Salsood (Doordarshan)
• Raja Raje (Doordarshan)
• Chimanrao (Doordarshan)
• Play(s)
• Vasuchi Sasu
• Chook Bhool Dyavi Ghyavi
• Jawai Maza Bhala
• Sandhyachhaya
• Ek Zunj Waryashi
• Natigoti
• Hasvaphasvi
• Ek Dav Bhutacha

Award(s):

Bal Gandharva award in June 2006
Best Amateur Actor (“Prem Kahani”) Maharashtra State Award.
Maharashtra State award for best actor
Filmfare Best Actor Award(Marathi) for the film Ratraaarambh
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Suvarnaratna Awards- 2015 (Best Actor)

Interview(s):

Dilip Prabhwalkar, Actor, Writer