Anand Abhyankar (2 June 1963 – 24 December 2012) was an Indian actor who appeared in Marathi film, television and theatre. He starred in films such as Spandan (2012), Balgandharva (2011), Matichya Chuli (2006), Vaastav (1999) and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain. On television, he is known for his roles in Mala Sasu Havi, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Fu Bai Fu, Avaghachi Sansar and Asambhav.
Abhyankar died on 24 December 2012 in a car crash on the Mumbai-Pune expressway near the Urse toll booth.
Early life and education Abhyankar was born and brought up in Nagpur, Maharashtra in a middle-class family to parents, Moreshwar and Ashadevi, on 2 June 1963. His father was a labour welfare officer and his mother worked at the Indian Postal Service. Abhyankar completed his schooling from Nagpur and moved to Pune, Maharashtra to study commerce from the Garware College. He worked at Bajaj Auto for over two years before turning to acting professionally.
Career Abhyankar developed interest in acting while in college while performing in plays. Later, he joined various theatre groups. His first big break came with the commercial play Kuryat Sada Tingalam. Written by Shivraj Gorle, this comedy play was produced by Rasikraj Productions and directed by Mangesh Kadam. The play also starred actors Mohan Joshi and Suhasini Deshpande. The play was successful and performed more than 1000 shows. Abhyankar also performed in the Marathi play Aai Retire Hotey, alongside actress Bhakti Barve; this show was performed more than 950 times. He also played Paropkari Gampu and Gaja Khot for the theatrical adaptations of the book Vyakti Aani Valli written by Pu La Deshpande.
Abhyankar also played various cameo and side roles in many Marathi as well as Hindi films. His Bollywood films include Vaastav (1999) and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain (2000), both directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. He was seen in a few commercial advertisements as well. His film career in Marathi spanned from comedy, serious to character roles. In the 2006 film Matichya Chuli, he replaced the deceased actor Sudhir Joshi. The film thus has the same character played by two different actors. He also directed one Marathi film, Majhi Vithai Mauli.
Abhyankar starred in various Marathi television shows. His earliest roles include the show Gharkul that aired on DD Sahyadri. His recent role of Dinanath Shashtri from the serial Asambhav (2009) was of an 85-year-old man, almost double his age. His portrayal of a man suffering with Parkinson's disease was highly appreciated and won him awards. He also participated in the comedy competitive show Fu Bai Fu, paired with actress Supriya Pathare. Before his death in December 2012, Abhyankar was seen playing a character role in the Zee Marathi's show Mala Sasu Havi, alongside actress Asawari Joshi, which was later played by Rajan Bhise. His last Marathi film Gadbad Gondhal, directed by Yogesh Dattatraya Gosavi has released in 2018.
Death Abhyankar died in a car crash on Mumbai-Pune Expressway on 23 December 2012, when his Suzuki Wagon R was hit by a tempo (an Indian 3-wheel vehicle) coming from the opposite direction. He was returning to Mumbai after finishing the shoot of his upcoming film Duniyadari. Akshay Pendse, his co-star from the TV show Mala Sasu Havi and his two-year-old son Pratyush Pendse, also died in the same crash. Abhyankar is survived by his wife Anjali, a daughter and a son. His family filed for compensation in Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and received in 2018.
Filmography Films Year Title Role Language 1998 Tu Tithe Mee Marathi 1999 Ratra Aarambha Marathi 1999 Vaastav Hindi 2000 Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain Hindi 2001 Tera Mera Saath Rahen Hindi 2001 Akleche Kande Marathi 2004 Kunku Lavte Mahercha Dinkar Deshmukh Marathi 2006 Hi Porgi Kunachi Deshmukh Marathi 2006 Matichya Chuli Marathi 2007 Bhulwa Marathi 2008 Ek Vivaah... Aisa Bhi Hindi 2008 Checkmate Marathi 2009 Chal Chalein Vaishnavi's father Hindi 2009 Mareparyant Fashi Writer Marathi 2010 Pappu Can't Dance Saala Hindi 2011 Balgandharva Balgandharva's Mama Marathi 2012 Spandan Doctor (Cerebral Palsy) Marathi 2013 Kokanastha Posthumous release Marathi 2018 Gadbad Gondhal Akhilesh Desai (posthumous release) Marathi
Television Year Title Role Language Channel 1998-2001 Hum Sab Ek Hain Episode 4 - Mr. Alexander
Episode 41 - Mr. Matthew
Episode 139 - Mr. Jackson/ Jaikishan Hindi Sony Entertainment Television 1999-2003 Aabhalmaya Marathi Alpha TV Marathi Gharkul Marathi DD Sahyadri 2004-2006 Vadalvaat Marathi Alpha TV Marathi 2006 Char Divas Sasuche Marathi ETV Marathi 2008-2010 Avaghachi Sansar Raghunath Mohite Marathi Zee Marathi 2007-2009 Asambhav Dinanath Shashtri Marathi Zee Marathi 2011 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Bhau Kaka Hindi Sony Sab 2011 Fu Bai Fu Contestant Marathi Zee Marathi 2012 Mala Sasu Havi Aaba Marathi Zee Marathi
Theater Title Role Kuryat Sada Tingalam Aai Retire Hotey Vyakti Aani Valli Paropkari Gampu, Gaja Khot Asa Me Kai Gunha Kela Ghetla Shingawar Pappa Sanga Kunache
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