PUNE: On Tuesday, veteran actor Dr Shreeram Lagoo, who worked on stage and in both Hindi and Marathi films, passed away at a private hospital in the city following age-related health issues. Lagoo, who was 92, was known for playing memorable characters in several plays and films including Natasamrat, Himalayachi Sawali, Saamna, Simhasan, Ek Din Achanak, Laawaris and others.
Film and theatre celebrities from Bollywood and Marathi film industry took to social media to mourn the passing away of the veteran actor.
Speaking to Sakal Times, actress Vibhawari Deshpande said she had been lucky to have had the chance to work with Lagoo in her first commercial play, Prema Chi Goshta. “As a child, I had seen his work but I got a chance to work with him when I was 15 to 16 years old. Working with him during those one-and-half years was a beautiful training not just as an actor but I got a beautiful perspective about life. We were working with stalwarts like Nilu Phule and Dr Lagoo. He used to always say, ‘An actor needs to be an athlete philosopher’. I will never forget those words. He used to say, ‘Your body is your tool and you need to be fit in every way, whether it’s your body, mind or voice’. As a philosopher, you have to open your mind and heart and there should a deep sense of spirituality. We learned in so many ways by being around him,” said Deshpande.
She added that Lagoo was extremely disciplined about his work and health. “I remember, till a few years back when I used to go for a run at ARAI hill, I used to see him sitting there every day.”
Theatre, film and TV personality Shrirang Godbole called Lagoo the ‘don’ of Marathi theatre. “He was an important figure when the new theatre movement started post independence. He was not just a great actor but a philosopher.
Most importantly, he was very clear about his values. He was modern and supported progressive ideologies and it showed in his theatre work. He started his journey from Progressive Drama Group, a non-commercial amateur theatre group in Pune. After realising his passion for the stage, he left his medical practice and started working as a full-time actor,” he said.
He added that everything that he did became a book of rules for other actors. “He was a guide for us especially when it came to upholding our values. While doing theatre, he was always aware about the socio-political situation around him and would always take a stand on the issue through his work. He was politically wrong for many people but right for many of us because he had the courage to stand up and voice his opinion,” added Godbole.
Filmmaker Jabber Patel who directed the film Saamna said, “Dr Lagoo was one such personality who is rarely seen. He lived his life with utmost honesty and would take everyone along as he knew the value of the people around him. His craft was unparalleled and all the characters he played was well researched. The way he would portray his characters would remain in the minds of the people. His work in plays like Me Jinklo, Me Harlo, Macbeth, Himalayachi Sawali and Natasamrat will remain unforgettable.”
