Anand Abhyankar (2 June 1963^[1] – 24 December 2012) was an IndianMarathi film, television and theatre actor. He starred in films such asSpandan (2012),Balgandharva (2011),Matichya Chuli (2006),Vaastav (1999) andJis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain. On television, he is known for his roles inMala Sasu Havi,Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,Fu Bai Fu,Avaghachi Sansar andAsambhav. Abhyankar died on 24 December 2012 in a car crash.^[3][4][5]

Abhyankar developed his interest in acting while graduating from Pune, where he worked in a few plays performed in his college. Later, he joined various theatre groups. His first big break came with the commercial playKuryat Sada Tingalam. Written by Shivraj Gorle, this comedy play was produced by Rasikraj Productions and directed by Mangesh Kadam. The play also starred actorsMohan Joshi and Suhasini Deshpande. The play was successful and performed more than 1000 shows. Later, Abhyankar also performed in the Marathi playAai Retire Hotey,^[1] alongside actressBhakti Barve; this show was performed more than 950 times.^[6] He also played the notable roles of Paropkari Gampu and Gaja Khot for the theatrical adaptations of the bookVyakti Aani Valli, written byPu La Deshpande.

Abhyankar also played various cameo and side roles in manyMarathi as well asHindi films. His commercial hit Bollywood films includeVaastav (1999) andJis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain (2000), both directed byMahesh Manjrekar. He was seen in a few commercial advertisements as well. His film career in Marathi spanned from comedy, serious to character roles. In the 2006 filmMatichya Chuli, he replaced the deceased actorSudhir Joshi. The film thus has the same character played by two different actors. He also directed one Marathi film,Majhi Vithai Mauli.^[6]

Abhyankar starred in variousMarathi television shows. His earliest roles include the showGharkul that aired onDD Sahyadri. His recent role of Dinanath Shashtri from the serialAsambhav (2009) was of an 85-year-old man, almost double his age.^[7] His portrayal of a man suffering withParkinson's disease, with ashiveringbody language was highly appreciated and won him awards.^[6] He also participated in the comedy competitive showFu Bai Fu, paired with actressSupriya Pathare. Before his death in December 2012, Abhyankar was seen playing a character role in theZee Marathi's showMala Sasu Havi, alongside actressAsawari Joshi, which was later played by Rajan Bhise.^[8] His last Marathi filmGadbad Gondhal, directed by Yogesh Dattatraya Gosavi has released in 2018.

Abhyankar was born and brought up inNagpur, Maharashtra. He was born in a middle-class family to Moreshwar and Ashadevi on 2 June 1963. His father was a labour welfare officer and his mother worked in thePost and Telegraph department. Abhyankar did his education till12th standard from Nagpur and then moved toPune, Maharashtra. Hegraduated in Commerce from theGarware College. He also worked inBajaj Auto for over two years before turning to acting professionally.^[1]

Abhyankar died in a car crash onMumbai-Pune Expressway on 23 December 2012, when hisSuzuki Wagon R was hit by atempo (anIndian 3-wheel vehicle) coming from the opposite direction.^[9] He was returning toMumbai after finishing the shoot of his upcoming filmDuniyadari.^[10] Akshay Pendse, his co-star from the TV showMala Sasu Havi and his two-year-old son Pratyush Pendse, also died in the same crash.^[11] Abhyankar is survived by his wife Anjali, a daughter and a son.^[12] His family filed for compensation inMotor Accident Claims Tribunal and received₹72 lakh (US$82,000) in 2018.^[13]

• Anand Abhyankar atIMDb

• 1963 births
• 2012 deaths
• Male actors in Hindi cinema
• Indian male television actors
• Indian male soap opera actors
• Road incident deaths in India
• 20th-century Indian male actors
• 21st-century Indian male actors
• Male actors in Marathi theatre
• Male actors in Marathi television

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