Anant Balwant Dhumal (29 March 1914 – 13 February 1987), popularly known asDhumal, was an actor inBollywood films known for playing character roles. He acted in many movies and was active from the mid 1940s till the late 1980s. He started his acting career fromMarathi theatre, which paved way forMarathi cinema and later he moved toHindi cinema, where he mostly played comedy roles and later in his career, character roles.^[1][2][3] He worked in notable films such asHowrah Bridge (1958),Bombai Ka Babu (1960),Kashmir Ki Kali (1964),Gumnaam (1965),Do Badan (1966),Love in Tokyo (1966) andBenaam (1974).

His career in acting began when he joined a drama company, where he served drinks and washed utensils. There would be occasions when artistes playing minor roles failed to turn up; this would give the spot boys an opportunity to fill in for them. This was how Dhumal landed up with bit roles in plays.

During this period, he metP. K. Atre and Nanasaheb Phatak, both big names in the drama world. Soon, he started getting recognised and bigger roles came his way. Although he eventually became famous as a comedian in films, he was more well known as a villain. He played major roles in famous plays such asLagna Chi Bedi andGhara Baher.

From the stage, he shifted his focus to the silver screen. He worked in big movies such asWoh Kaun Thi,Ankhen,Gumnaam,Arzoo andSasural. His first movie was aMarathi film calledPedgaonche Shahane (1952) in which he played the role of a South Indian.^[4]

He paired with fellow comediansMehmood andShobha Khote in numerous Hindi films, such asSasural (1961).^[5]

Dhumal died on 13 February 1987 due to a massive heart attack.^[4]

• Dhumal atIMDb
• Dhumal atBollywood Hungama (archived)

• 1914 births
• 1987 deaths
• Male actors in Hindi cinema
• 20th-century Indian male actors
• Male actors in Marathi theatre
• Male actors in Marathi cinema
• Indian male comedians
• 20th-century Indian comedians

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