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Bal Karve Death: Veteran Marathi actor Bal Karve, best remembered for his legendary role as ‘Gundyabhau’ in the classic TV series Chimanrao, passed away on Thursday morning (August 28) at his residence in Vile Parle, Mumbai. He was 95 years old. His daughter, Swati Karve, confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt post on social media. What makes his passing even more poignant is that he had only recently celebrated his 95th birthday. According to family sources, he breathed his last around 10:15 a.m. His demise has left a deep void in the Marathi entertainment industry, particularly in theatre and television, where his contributions are regarded as timeless.

Bal Karve rose to household fame through his iconic portrayal of ‘Gundyabhau’ in the much-loved Marathi TV serial Chimanrao, which first aired in 1979. The role, which was initially meant for actor Sharad Talwalkar, became inseparable from Karve’s identity thanks to his natural charm and impeccable comic timing. Even decades after the show ended, fans fondly addressed him as Gundyabhau, a reflection of the deep bond he created with audiences. His performance not only defined his career but also became a treasured part of Marathi television history.

Bal Karve Death

Veteran Marathi Actor Bal Karve Passes Away At 95 (Image: X)

While television brought him immense recognition, Bal Karve’s contributions to Marathi theatre were equally remarkable. Under the guidance of renowned mentors like Vijaya Mehta and Vijaya Joglekar-Dhumale, he worked in several acclaimed plays, including Rathchakra, Tandul Bhakta Bhakta, Manomani, Ai Retire Hote, and Kusum Manohar Lele. Each of these performances showcased his versatility and deep passion for the stage. In addition to acting, Karve was also instrumental in promoting children’s theatre. Alongside Sumant Varangaonkar, he co-founded Kilbil Balrangmanch, which went on to produce a series of memorable plays for young audiences.

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Born as Balkrishna Karve, he was affectionately known as Bal. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he had a successful academic and professional career. He earned a civil engineering degree in Pune and went on to serve with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation for an impressive 32 years. Despite the demands of his engineering profession, Karve never let go of his love for acting. Balancing his career with his passion, he gradually carved out a legacy as one of the most respected and admired personalities in Marathi theatre and television.