Veteran actor and theatre legend Dinyar Contractor, who appeared in films such as "Baadshah" and "Khiladi", passed away Wednesday morning here. He was 79. According to the family sources, the actor died due to old age-related health issues. Contractor will be cremated at the Worli prayer hall for Parsis at 3.30 pm on Wednesday.
The actor was best known for his comic roles in films and was awarded a Padma Shri, earlier this year.
On receiving Padma Shri Award this year, speaking to Parsi Times, Dinyar Contractor said, “I’m elated to receive this honour and have been flooded with congratulatory calls since it was announced! I’m thankful to God and to all my well-wishers. I’ve never worked for awards. When I got the call from Delhi, I thought it’s not genuine – someone’s just playing the fool. But I realized it’s the truth when I started getting numerous congratulatory calls from distinguished personalities, and when it sunk in, I was quite surprised!”
On Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Contractor's death, saying he is "saddened" by the veteran actor's demise.
"Padma Shri Dinyar Contractor was special because he spread lots of happiness. His versatile acting brought smiles on several faces. Be it theatre, television or films, he excelled across all mediums. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and admirers," PM Modi tweeted, while also sharing a photo of his meeting with Contractor.
Union minister Smriti Irani called Contractor an actor "par excellence."
"He brought bursts of laughter with him wherever he went, he lit up the screen and our lives with his wit and charm. We will miss your presence Dinyar bhai. Rest in Peace Padma Shri Dinyar Contractor - theatre legend, actor par excellence," she tweeted.
Before getting into acting, Dinyar Contractor 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.
