Dinyar Contractor

Veteran comedian, theatre and film actor Dinyar Contractor, best known for his roles in films like Baadshah, Baazigar, Khiladi and 36 China Town, passed away at the age of 79 due to old-age related ailments. The actor was best known for his comic roles in films and was awarded a Padma Shri, earlier this year.

Contractor was an accomplished actor, comedian and was renowned for his work in Gujarati and English theatre, TV serials and films. He acted in several Gujarati, Hindi and English stage productions as well as Hindi movies.

Though he started acting while he was still in school, he began as a professional in 1966. Initially, he was seen on television programmes with the legendary Adi Marzban when Mumbai Doordarshan launched the DD-2 channel with Aao Marvao Meri Saathe, a Gujarati programme.