Shriram Lagoo (English: Shriram Lagoo, born- November 16, 1927; death- December 17, 2019) was a veteran actor of Indian cinema and theatre. Apart from Hindi films, he also worked in Marathi cinema. Shriram Lagoo worked in more than 100 Hindi and 40 Marathi films in his film career. Apart from cinema, Shriram Lagoo, who was associated with Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati theatre, also directed more than 20 Marathi plays.
In Marathi theatre, he was counted among the best artists of the 20th century. He played the role of Ganpat Belwalkar in the play ‘Natsamrat’, which is considered a milestone for Marathi theatre. The role of Ganpat Belwalkar is considered so difficult that many theater actors playing this role fell seriously ill. After the role of Natsamrat, Shriram Lagoo also suffered a heart attack. Shriram Lagoo was born on November 16, 1927 in Satara district, Maharashtra. He was a veteran artist of Marathi theatre. The special thing was that before coming into films, Shriram was a doctor by profession. He was an ear, nose and throat surgeon. He received both MBBS and MS medical degrees. Dr. Lagoo developed a passion for acting during his medical studies. He started his career with theatre. He started his career as an actor in Hindi cinema with Aahat – Ek Ajeeb Kahani in 1971. He played many types of characters in his career.
Very few people know that Dr. Shriram Lagoo, besides being an excellent actor, was also an ENT surgeon. Apart from films, he also directed 20 Marathi plays in his career. In the eighties and nineties, Dr. Lagoo had become a well-known face in films. During this period, he played different roles in about sixty films of Hindi and Marathi cinema. After 1990, his presence on screen reduced, but he remained active in theatre.[1]
Shriram Lagoo, who studied in Pune and Mumbai, was fond of acting since childhood. He chose medical for studies but the series of plays continued there also. The medical profession took him to many countries, including Africa. He continued working as a surgeon but his mind was stuck in acting. Then at the age of 42, he entered the world of theater and films. In 1969, he became completely associated with Marathi theatre.
Shriram Lagoo started his career with ‘Woh Aahat: Ek Ajeeb Kahani’. This film came in the year 1971. After this, he worked in many great films in Bollywood like ‘Pinjra’, ‘Mere Saath Chal’, ‘Saamna’, ‘Daulat’. Apart from this, Shriram Lagoo also worked in Marathi films and drama.
Shriram Lagoo is still remembered for his brilliant acting in these films. Shriram Lagoo worked in more than 100 Hindi and 40 Marathi films in his film career. In 1978, Dr. Shriram Lagoo was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film Gharaunda.
Shriram Lagoo was the first hero of the famous play ‘Nat Samrat’. This play was written by the famous writer Kusumagra. His acting in this play is still remembered today. He played the role of Appasaheb Belwalkar in the play Nat Samrat, which is considered a milestone for Marathi theatre. After his brilliant performance in this play, he came to be known as Nat Samrat. Actor Naseeruddin Shah once said that – “Shriram Lagoo’s autobiography ‘Laman’ is like a Bible for any actor”.
In 1978, Shriram Lagoo was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film Gharaunda. In 1997, he was awarded ‘Kalidas Samman’. In 2006, Dr. Lagoo was honored by ‘Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratisthan’ for his contribution to cinema. At the same time, in 2010 he was awarded the ‘Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship’. Dr. Shriram Lagoo, a versatile talent, also wrote an autobiography titled ‘Laman’.
Shriram Lagoo died on December 17, 2019 (Tuesday) at the age of 92 in a private hospital in Pune.
On his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute by tweeting. The PM wrote – “Dr. Shriram Lagoo’s personality reflected diversity and intelligence. In his long journey, he dazzled with brilliant performances. His work will be remembered for many years to come. I am saddened by the news of his demise. Condolences to his fans. Om Shanti”.[1]
Rishi Kapoor had written on the death of Dr. Shriram Lagoo – “Tribute, Dr. Shriram Lagoo, one of the most spontaneous actors, has left us. He did many films. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to work with him in the last 25-30 years. Found. He was living a retired life in Pune. Love you very much.