As per the latest and updated information, the last rites of Arvind Vekaria will be held at 10:30 pm today, 24 June 2026, at Dahanukar Wadi Hindu Crematorium, M.G. Road, Kandivali West.
Arvind Vekaria, a veteran actor and director of the Gujarati entertainment industry, passed away today, Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at 10:30 am. He was 77. He was born on 15 August 1949. Affectionately known to everyone by his nickname ‘Dadu’, Vekaria had been undergoing treatment at Parth Hospital in Kandivali West for the past three days. He was being treated for age related ailments. Meanwhile, he suffered a sudden heart attack this morning and departed from this transient world. Tanmay Vekaria, famous as Bagha from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, is one of Arvindbhai’s sons. His second son, Manveet, resides in Dubai.
Speaking about his father’s demise, Tanmay said, “Papa had been unwell for some time, but we never imagined he would leave us so suddenly like this. This morning, after I left for my shooting schedule, my wife, Mitsu, suddenly called me from the hospital to inform me that Papa is no more.” Dadu was married on 31 May 1975. His life partner, Bharti, had passed away just last October.
In 1973-74, Lalu Shah and Vijay Dutt produced the play Vayda Na Fayda under the banner of ‘Bahuroopi’. Several young, promising artists shone in that play, and Arvind Vekaria was one of them. After making his debut on the commercial stage with that play, Dadu never looked back in his career.
As per the latest and updated information, the last rites of Arvind Vekaria will be held at 10:30 pm today, 24 June 2026, at Dahanukar Wadi Hindu Crematorium, M.G. Road, Kandivali West.
Arvindbhai shone in prominent three-act plays like Prateeksha and De Damodar Dal Ma Pani, written by Mulraj Rajda. He earned immense public affection by acting in and directing numerous plays. His last staging play was Vevai Versus Vevai. Not just Gujarati, Vekaria also acted in Hindi and English plays. He won the hearts of the audience by playing a diverse range of characters in films and serials. People still remember his serial Shriman Shrimati. Arvindbhai also played the role of a jeweller in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, which was quite popular.
Arvindbhai originally hailed from Vadiya Devli village near the Amreli district. In 1966, at the age of 17, he not only acted in but also directed two one-act plays on 26 January: Umanglal Vayda and Manavta Maheki Uthi. He won various awards for them. Arvindbhai also won the best actor award for playing the character of ‘Shridhar’ in the one-act play Triveni Sangam, written by Ajit Patel. He also impressed everyone with his excellent acting in the one-act plays Vatesar Ni Vaat and Trimurti. Arvindbhai contributed to around 30 one-act plays.
Dadu also wrote a popular column in Mumbai Samachar as ‘Satvikam Shivam’. His column was published even last Friday, in which he wrote an engaging article about the yesteryear’s actor, Dinu Trivedi.
Arvind Vekaria’s Notable Plays: Sakhna Re’jo Raj, Vaat Madhrat Pachhi Ni, Baap Gilinder Beta Kalandar, Sagpan Na Phool, Mangamtu Model, Bhale Padharya, Chhanu Chamaklu, Ajab Karamat, Kul Deepave Deekri, Ghar Ghar Ni Vaat, Olkhan, Jeevansathi, Abhishek, Be Duni Paanch, Sambandho Ni Pele Paar, Sukh Ne Ek Chance Aapo, Rupiyo Nach Nachave.
Arvind Vekaria’s Films: Aangne Vagya Ruda Dhol, Vanechand No Varghodo, Dariyachhoru, Samaychakra – Time Slot, Yashoda, Wo Jo Tha Ek Masiha Maulana Azad (Unreleased), Dikri Dollariya Desh Ni, Vanechand No Varghodo, Chhogala Chhaganlal No Varghodo, Akhand Saubhagyavati, Maabaap Ne Bhulsho Nahi.
A detailed article about Arvind Vekaria will be published shortly on Deshwale.
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