Versatile Marathi film and stage personality Nilu Phule died at a hospital here early today after a long battle with cancer. Phule was 79.
The actor breathed his last in the hospital where he had been admitted on July 5 for treatment of cancer of the oesophagus.
He is survived by his wife and a daughter.
The demise of Phule, described as the most "accomplished villain", drew the curtains on one of the most memorable chapters that spanned over four decades in Marathi films and stage.
He had acted in over 130 films that bore his stamp as a talented artiste. But Marathi film industry got its most celebrated villain in Nilu with his debut film Ek Gav Bara Bhangdi.
His roles in Saamna, Pinjra (directed by V Shantaram), Sinhasan were widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.
Starting his career in theatre with a notable performance in Katha Aklechya Kandyachi, a folk play, Phule later became a vital part of Marathi cinema with his portrayal of villains rooted in rural politics and displaying a rustic cunningness.
Clad in 'dhoti' and sporting a 'Gandhi cap', he immortalised his roles as 'village sarpanch' and the character he played against Shriram Lagoo in Saamna.
His Bollywood films include Coolie (with Amitabh Bachchan), Saraansh, Vo Saat Din, Naram Garam, Malmasala, So din Saas Ke, Bhayanak and Garibo ka Data among others.
Phule, who was also known for his social activism, has left an indelible mark on Marathi stage.
A recipient of many awards, Phule worked hard to promote the interests of folk artistes in various branches of the traditional art forms.
In Vijay Tendulkar's controversial drama Sakaharam Binder staged in 1972, he played the protagonist with a bold projection of social aberrations that invited wrath of the puritans who staged protests against it.
