For more than five decades, Vekaria remained actively involved in theatre, both as an actor and a director. A look at the life of an artist who dedicated himself wholeheartedly to theatre and the arts throughout his life
Gujarati theatre today mourns the loss of one of its most beloved actors and directors, Arvind Vekaria, aka Dadu, who passed away on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Presented here is a brief account of his life and journey.
In addition to this article, another feature on him has also been published today on Deshwale:
https://deshwale.com/arvind-vekaria-passes-away-gujarati-theatre-actor/
- The Vekaria family originally migrated from Gujarat and settled in Navi Wadi, Kalbadevi, Mumbai. However, following an unexpected reversal in the family’s financial circumstances, Arvindbhai’s father Ratilal relocated the family to Madras (now Chennai). After spending about a year there, the family returned to Mumbai.
- Arvindbhai received his primary education at Buddhivardhak High School in Mumbai. The family subsequently returned to Vadia Devli, where he completed Standard Five in the village’s Middle School. The family then moved back to Mumbai and he rejoined Buddhivardhak High School in Standard Six. Owing to the deep affection between Arvindbhai and his maternal uncle, he spent Standard Seven in Bhavnagar, his maternal hometown, studying at Nutan Vidyalaya.
- After several years of struggle, his father’s financial position stabilised. The family acquired a home on the pagdi system in Borivali, a suburb of Mumbai. This finally ended young Arvind’s frequent shifts between villages and cities. From Standard Eight through matriculation, he studied at New High School, Borivali (now M.K. High School).
- In 1966, he enrolled at Chinai College but failed his first year. Given the family’s modest financial circumstances, this setback caused him considerable distress.
- His father was engaged in the textile trade. His business was not so successful. So, he also rendered service at the Dwarkadhish Temple in Vitthal Wadi, where he also resided. Following his academic setback, Arvindbhai enrolled for a Diploma in Commerce at Davar’s College, Churchgate, while simultaneously taking up employment with Khadi Gramodyog.
- During the early years of his career, Arvind Vekaria also worked in advertising layout design.
- His non-theatrical professional career included: Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar, Fort and Mazgaon; Accounts Assistant, Offipin Pvt. Ltd., 1966-1969, Accounts Assistant-Head Clerk, Bharat Overseas Bank, 1974-1975; Accounts Assistant, Dalal Consultants, Worli, 1975-1981, Accounts Manager, H.S. Equipment Pvt. Ltd., 1981-1987.
- After spending a year at Davar’s, he re-enrolled at Chinai College in 1969 to pursue a Commerce degree and successfully graduated in 1973. During these years he developed close friendships with Pratap Sachdeo, Hemant Jha and Rajendra Shukla, all of whom would later become distinguished figures in theatre and entertainment.
- During this period he joined Dalal & Company. Simultaneously, his ambition to establish himself in theatre grew stronger. While studying at Chinai College, he acted in several one-act plays, including Triveni Sangam. It was this production that earned him the nickname by which he would become widely known. Having convincingly portrayed a 70-year-old man, friends began calling him “Dada”. Over time, this evolved into “Dadu”.
- While still in college, he received an opportunity to perform in the professional play Pratiksha. The opportunity was provided by Surendra Joshi. In 1970, he co-produced the play De Damodar Daal Ma Pani with Pratap Sachdeo.
- In 1974, he joined Bahuroopi, a theatre institution that permanently shaped the course of his life. Under the leadership of Lalu Shah and Vijay Dutt, the organisation produced Vaydana Fayda, a play that showcased many talented young performers, among whom Vekaria also stood out.
- During his college years and his time with Bahuroopi, he formed lifelong friendships with several artists, including Pratap Sachdeo, Sanat Vyas, Hemant Jha, Sohil Virani, Sharad Vyas, Sunil Shah, Ajit Shah and Harish Shah.
- Dadu married Bharati on 31 May 1975. She passed away on 18 October 2025.
- Their elder son, Tanmay, was born in 1976, while their younger son, Manvit, was born in 1978. Tanmay became an actor, while Manvit qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
- Following the death of Lalu Shah in 1981 and the closure of Bahuroopi, Dadu continued his career as a freelance artist. During this period he worked extensively with Padmarani and Shailesh Dave.
- For Doordarshan’s immortal programme Aavo Mari Sathe, he did numerous plays. Productions featuring Jyoti Vyas, Mariam Jetpurwala, Adi Marzban, Deepak Bavaskar and Meghna Das Gupta were especially popular.
- Anyone who met Dadu at any time was invariably greeted with his first and favourite utterance: “Jai Shri Krishna.”
- Through his widely read column Satvikam Shivam in Mumbai Samachar, Arvindbhai gave literary expression to many of his memories. His writings also created an invaluable documentary record of Gujarati theatre.
- Major Plays: Mandvani Jui, Abhiman, Visaamo, Jivansathi, Aur Chabi Kho Jaaye, Gamatane Gajvama Nakhma, Begum Shabab, Be Duni Panch, Gruhlaxmi, Simachihna, Maro Line To Tabiyat Fine, Gujarati No. One, Bhoring Bhoring Ramta Ramta, Bairi Mari Baap Re Baap, Matra Tare Khatar, Ek Phool Khilyani Vaat, Shyamali, Sarkari Panretar, Alakmalakni Albeli, Lagnalila, Ab Ki Baar Moj Karone Yaar, Koi Bhintethi Aayna Utaro, It’s Not Funny, I Love Bombay, Hun Chhokri Chhakamchhol, Jivan Chopat, Tirad, Chhanu Chhamaklu, Vaat Madhraat Pachhini, Mot Malake Madhraate, Shikaar, Bhale Padharya, Chingari, Male Sur Jo Taro Maro, Anju Manju Mumbaima, Ramat, Kalank, Gher Gher Mummy Nu Raj, Shak, Ame To Harakhpaduda, Sukhne Ek Chance Aapo, Valam Tara Vadhamna, Sambandhoni Pele Paar, Ek Patarani Ek Khatpatrani, Rajubhai Rambharose, Ame To Aam J Jivishu, Pushtimanthan, Sakhna Re’jo Raj, Baap Gilinder Beta Kalandar, Sagpanna Phool, Mangamtu Model, Ajab Karamat, Kul Dipave Dikri, Ghar Gharni Vaat, Olkhaan, Abhishek, Rupiyo Naach Nachaave, Adhikar, Kothani Kabutari, Kissa Kursi Ka, Karsan Kar Kankuna, Dhabkaarani Dhingamasti, Aksmat, Kaachna Sambandh, Damadam Mast Kalandar, Satyano Chehro, Setu, Haranfal, Lajvanti, Chhelli Taras Gangajal Mage, Pappani Secretary, Hun Chhokri Chhokamchhol, Derani Jethani, Saali Saddhar To Patni Addhar, Muktidham, Have To Mani Jao, Family Ni Dandikuch, Tamara Bhai Fultufatak, Sagpanna Sodagar, etc.
- Directorial plays: Hun Chhokri Chhakamchhol, Jivan Chopat, Tirad, Chhanu Chhamaklu, Vaat Madhraat Pachhini, Mot Malake Madhraate, Shikaar, Bhale Padharya, Chingari, Male Sur Jo Taro Maro, Anju Manju Mumbaima, Ramat, Kalank, Gher Gher Mummy Nu Raj, Shak, Ame To Harakhpaduda, Sukhne Ek Chance Aapo, Valam Tara Vadhamna, Sambandhoni Pele Paar, Ek Patarani Ek Khatpatrani, Rajubhai Rambharose, Ame To Aam J Jivishu, Pushtimanthan, Varne Shodhu Ke Visa Ne, etc.
- Major Films: Aangane Vagya Ruda Dhol, Ma-Baap Ne Bhulsho Nahi, Dariyachhoru, Dikri Dolariya Deshni, Yashoda, Vanechandno Varghodo, Payal, Kissa, Kya Rahna, Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon, Phera Pheri, Samaychakra – Time Slot, Wo Jo Tha Ek Masiha Maulana Azad (Unreleased), Chhogala Chhaganlalno Varghodo, Akhand Saubhagyavati, etc.
- Major serials: Dhoopchhaav, Kevdana Dankh, Mandvani Jui, Chakravyuh, Adhikar, Derani Jethani, Swapnakinare, Sapnana Vavetar, Sakhna Re’jo Saheba, Soori, Phoolwari, Shreeman Shreemati, All the Best, Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Amar Prem, Kabhi Idhar Kabhi Udhar, Philips Top 10, Chamatkar, Shaktimaan, Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja, Hansna Mat, R.K., Laxman Ki Duniya, Yes Boss, Party, Dil To Kaccha Hai Ji, Ajab Saas Ki Gajab Bahu, etc.
Arvind Vekaria (Dadu)
Date of Birth: 15 August 1949
Date of Passing: 24 June 2026
Parents: Kanchanben and Ratilal
Education: Commerce Graduate (B. Com.)
Native Place: Vadia Devli, Amreli District, Gujarat
Residence in Mumbai: Kandivali
Spouse: Bharati
Sons and Daughters-in-Law: Tanmay-Mitsu, Manvit-Payal
Grandchildren: Vrushti Tanmay Vekaria, Zeeshan Tanmay Vekaria, Mishali Manvit Vekaria, Rishabh Manvit Vekaria
Major awards
- Gold Medal for Best Actor (1972–73)
- Numerous Merit Certificates for One-Act Plays
- Best Actor, University of Mumbai (1973–74)
- Best Actor, Inter-Collegiate Drama Competition (1974)
- Transmedia Best Actor Award for Sakhna Re’jo Saheba
- Gujarat Government Award for Best Supporting Actor for Aangane Vagya Ruda Dhol (1986–87)
- Gujarat Government Award for Best Supporting Actor for Vanechandno Varghodo (2008–09)
- Transmedia Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
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