Legendary Gujarati actor Naresh Kanodi dies

Veteran Gujarati film star and ex-MLA Naresh Kanodia has passed away at 77 in an Ahmedabad hospital while undergoing treatment for coronavirus. He was known as the Amitabh Bachchan of the Gujarati film industry. He has worked in more than 300 films and won the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award in 2012 to mark the centenary of Indian cinema. Naresh Kanodia’s son Hitu Kanodia is also a Gujarati film actor and a BJP MLA from Idar, Gujarat constituency. He died two days after his elder brother and Gujarati singer Mahesh Kanodia died at his residence in Gandhinagar after a prolonged illness. A superstar of Gujarati cinema, Naresh Kanodia had worked in over 300 films in his career spanning several decades. He later joined politics and was elected as a BJP MLA from Karjan constituency between 2002 and 2007. The Kanodia brothers were popular Gujarati film personalities and performed together in several stage shows in India and abroad. Born on August 20, 1943, at Kanoda village near Mehsana, Naresh Kanodia started his film career in 1970 and went on to act in over 100 films, several of which were highly successful. Condolences poured in from all quarters following the veteran actor’s demise. Naresh Kanodia was hospitalised on October 20 after testing positive for COVID -19. Due to critical condition he had undergone bypass surgery, the official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Saddened by the death of veteran actor and former MLA Naresh Kanodia. His contribution to the field of entertainment and social service will always be remembered. Condolences to family members and fans. “In a span of two days, we have lost both Maheshbhai and Nareshbhai Kanodia. Their contributions to the world of culture, especially popularising Gujarati songs, music and theatre will never be forgotten. They also worked hard to serve society and empower the downtrodden,” Modi said in another tweet. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tweeted, “I am saddened by the sad demise of Gujarati film superstar and BJP leader Nareshbhai Kanodia. Gujarat will always feel the loss of an evergreen actor who won the hearts of Gujaratis by popularising Gujarati films through his leading performances. His invaluable contribution in social and art fields will inspire the new generation,” he said. edited by PK Chakravarty