Name Jatin Kanakia Role Actor | Children Drupad Kanakia | |
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Movies Similar People Sanjay Chhel, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sooraj Barjatya | ||
Jatin Kanakia (28 June 1952 – 18 July 1999) was an Indian actor. Best known for comedy roles, his career ranged from working in Gujarati plays, Hindi television shows and Hindi Bollywood movies. His skill and success earned him the informal title of being the "Prince of Comedy."
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Early life
Jatin Kanakia was born in a Gujarati family in 1952. He moved from his family home in Gujarat to Mumbai, home to India's Hindi film and television industry. His early career was spent working as an actor and playwright in Gujarati and Hindi theatre.
Career
Jatin Kanakia first major television role was in the comedy series, Shrimaan Shrimati, where he played the lead role of Keshav Kulkarni, a married, middle-class house-holder who develops a crush on his movie star neighbour, played by Archana Puran Singh, and a rivalry with her husband, played by Rakesh Bedi, who in turn is drawn to Kulkarni's housewife Reema Lagoo. Broadcast on the national television network, Doordarshan, the series became one of India's most popular television shows. Kanakia also starred in shorter comedy series produced on Doordarshan and played cameos in other comedy series. He worked in many shows produced by the Adhikari Brothers production company. Kanakia's success on television led to minor roles in big-budget Hindi films such as Hum Saath Saath Hain.
Death
Kanakia's career was cut short in 1999 when he died from pancreatic cancer, after a brief period of hospitalisation. According to reports, he had continued working even after he was diagnosed with the disease.
Awards
Jatin Kanakia was honoured with a posthumous award at the Indian Telly Awards in 2001 for his contribution to Indian cinema and television.