Veteran actor Vikram Gokhale succumbs to multi-organ failure, Maharashtra Deputy CM Fadnavis expresses condolences

Vikram Gokhale started his journey on the Marathi stage and was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2011. In 2013, he won the national award for best actor for his role in the Marathi film Anumati.

Veteran theatre and film actor Vikram Gokhale passed away on Saturday after multi-organ failure. The celebrated actor passed away in Pune at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. (Express Archives)

Veteran film, television and stage actor Vikram Gokhale passed away on Saturday at Deenanath Mangeshkar Memorial Hospital in Pune where he had been admitted earlier this month following health complications. He was 77.

Doctors had informed only on Friday that his health had seen considerable improvement and that he may be taken off the ventilator, but things took a turn for the worse overnight and he suffered from multiple organ failure. Gokhale’s condition deteriorated on Saturday morning and he passed away at 1.45 pm, his close friend Rajesh Damle said.

Gokhale’s family said his mortal remains will be kept at Balgandharva Rang Mandir on Jangli Maharaj Road at 4 pm for people to pay their final respects. The last rights will be performed at Vaikunth Crematorium at 6 pm.

The actor’s wife Vrushali Gokhale had earlier issued a statement to the media stating, “Mr Vikram Gokhale is critical since the last 24 hours. Doctors are trying their best. He is not responding to the treatment as expected. He has multi-organ failure.”

Great actor, generous human: Maharashtra Deputy CM Fadnavis
Expressing his condolences, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Saturday that Vikram Gokhale’s death is a huge loss to Hindi and Marathi cinema. “Apart from his authority as an actor, theatre person, director, Gokhale was above all a large-hearted, generous human being. He was well-versed with social issues and fought against it. A versatile actor who conveyed powerful sentiments through his eyes, Gokhale always exuded tremendous confidence,” he said.

“While Gokhale established himself as a great actor in the field of cinema, he always came forward to help orphans and families of individuals who faced difficulties while working in the armed forces. In his death, it feels as if we have lost a living university in the field of cinema,” Fadnavis said, adding, “His talent came through powerfully in each role that he enacted with precision. He gave justice to each role he played on screen.”

“I offer my heartfelt tribute to this great actor and human being. And pray to God may his family, friends, followers get strength in this sad moment,” he said.

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Gokhale started his acting journey on the Marathi stage and had been awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for acting in theatre in 2011. In 2013, he won the national award for best actor for his role in the Marathi film Anumati. He stepped into films in 1971 with Parwana, which also featured Amitabh Bachchan. The two developed a relationship of respect and long-lasting friendship, going on to share the screen in Agneepath (1990), Khuda Gawah (1992) and AB Aani CD (2020) as well.

Over the decades, Vikram Gokhale gave stellar performances in a range of roles in prominent Hindi films such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Traffic, Hichki and Ab Tak Chhappan. His oeuvre of Marathi films ranged from Aamhi Bolato Marathi, Lapandav and Kalat Nakalat to Godavari, Prawaas and Natsamrat. Gokhale has also acted in and directed the Marathi film Aaghat. In recognition of his contributions, the actor was honoured with the Vishnudas Bhave Award in 2015 by the Akhil Maharashtra Natya Vidya Mandir.

Off screen, Gokhale’s acting academy, located on the Pune-Satara Road, honed new talent. He was also well known for extending support to performers and allied workers in distress. When the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the livelihoods of those who depended on films, television and advertisements, Gokhale donated his land to raise funds for their sustenance.

Vikram Gokhale was last seen in the Marathi film Godavari, which hit theatres earlier this month. He is survived by wife Vrushali and daughters Asavari and Neha.

– With inputs from Anuradha Mascarenhas

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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