MUMBAI MIRROR (December 18, 2019)

Film and theatre great Shriram Lagoo — whose filmography scintillates with prolific Marathi and Hindi titles — breathed his last at his residence in Pune last night. He was 92 years old. Lagoo was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease since last few years. Lagoo was born in Satara on November 16, 1927. He turned to acting in 1972 and worked in over 100 movies and plays. Remembered as ‘Natsamrat’, after he played the protagonist in the play of the same name written by Kusumagraj, his career is embossed with such titles, setting a high bar for generations to come.

Lagoo went on to play prolific roles like that of Surya Pahilela Manus based on Socrates and made his presence felt in films like Saamna, Sinhasan and Pinjara. He played the character of Gopal Krishna Gokhale in Richard Attenborough’s film Gandhi.

Lagoo was a rationalist and worked with Narendra Dabholkar. A proclaimed atheist, he has supported Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti and wrote essays titled ‘It is time to retire God’. Lagoo is remembered by his contemporaries for his unwavering persona.

Noted playwright Satish Alekar said, “He always supported us during crucial times. His would take a clear stand on many issues — and would often ensure that we got to perform even the controversial plays.”

In his twilight years, as Parkinson’s firmed its grip on his health, he had to stay away from the limelight. This year, he even had to skip the Tanveer Sanman programme — an award that Lagoo and his wife had started in the memory of their late son Tanveer.

On Tuesday, he returned home in Karve Nagar after an evening outing on his wheelchair. After he had his dinner, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, “My tributes to the all-time great artiste Shriram Lagoo. We lost a versatile personality. He was a unique theatre actor, who dominated silver screen and created an impact. He was a social activist as well.”

Cultural minister of Maharashtra Subhash Desai said, “We have lost a person who took Marathi theatre and acting to new heights.”

Lagoo is survived by his wife and son. His last rites will be performed on Thursday after his son arrives from the US.

Playwright Ramu Ramanathan said: “Dr Lagoo was a true professional. One example of that was how in a single day, he would perform the lead roles of Natsamrat in the morning, Himalaychi Savli in the afternoon, and Gidhadhe in the night. It is an extraordinary testimony to his stamina and mental alertness.”

Actor Om Katare said he was in awe of Lagoo. “I have watched Natsamrat though I’m not fluent in Marathi. His acting left me speechless,” Katare said.

Inputs: Reema Gehi