The brilliant theater legend Dinyar Contractor has been awarded the Padma Shri Award by the Goverment of India in 2019. The awards announced on the eve of the Republic Day are a testament to Dinyar’s contribution to theather and to Parsi and Gujarati theater specifically.
From wikipedia…
Dinyar Contractor is a stage actor, comedian and Bollywood/Tollywood actor. He acts in Gujarati theatre and Hindi theatre, as well as Hindi movies. He started acting at school and began his professional career in 1966. He started working on television programs with Adi Marzban when Mumbai Doordarshan launched the DD-2 channel in Mumbai with Aao Marvao Meri Saathe, a Gujarati program.
More about Dinyar Contractor
Dinyar Contractor, the famous multi-talented personality, was born on 23 January 1946. He was not only an excellent actor but also a successful stage performer and a great comedian. Dinyar is also acclaimed as a renowned theatre artist. He acted in various Gujarati as well as Hindi theatres. Later on, in 1966 he started working in Hindi films and impressed everyone with his witty acting skill.
When Mumbai Doordarshan launched their DD-2 channel, it became one of the most prominent hits. That time this Parsi actor started acting in Gujarati program named Aavo Mari Saathe. Another renowned Parsi theatre artist Adi Marzban also joined him in this program which was exceptionally loved by the audience. Apart from that, no one can forget his magnificent acting in the films Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Baadshah, 36 China Town, Khiladi and a lot more. Sometimes he appeared on the screen as a Principal, sometimes a Casino Manager or a servant. But every time he proved his versatility in front of the Indian audience. Now, this 71 years actor is much famous for his hilarious performance as Sodhi’s Father-in-Law in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.