Dilip Prabhavalkar (दिलिप प्रभावळ्कर) is an Indian Marathi film and television actor. He is particularly known for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the 2006 film, Lage Raho Munna Bhai. He will reprise the role for the 2007 Telugu language remake, Shankar Dada Zindabad.

Background

Dilip Prabhavalkar gained a Master's degree in Biophysics and a diploma from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, before working for a pharmaceutical company and as a partner in a video production unit. During this period, he performed as an actor in several children's plays and experimental plays staged at Chhabildas.

Acting

His first major performance was in Lobh Nasava Hi Vinanti a play written by Vijay Tendulkar and directed by Arvind Deshpande. In 1991, however, he decided to choose acting as a career. In children's and amateur theatre, Prabhavalkar was associated with Ratnakar Matkari's group and performed in all the plays staged by the troupe. His performances of a simpleton in Prem Kahani and Vidur in Aranyak - a play based on the Mahabharat - were awarded prizes at the Maharashtra State Drama Festival. He gained huge popularity because of his role as Chimanrao in the television serial "Chimanrao Gundyabhau" based on a series of short stories by C.V. Joshi. His Chimanrao is still popular and he recreated this character in his play Hasva Phasvi. Dilip Prabhavalkar also starred in a Bollywood movie Encounter:The Killing as an old gangster, Punappa Avade in 2002. However, he achieved nation-wide recognition when he portrayed the role of Mahatma Gandhi in 2006 film Lage Raho Munna Bhai. The film created a nation-wide awareness of Gandhian thoughts through the protagonist Munnabhai played by Sanjay Dutt. He reprised his role in Telugu remake of this movie called Shankar Dada Zindabad.

Awards

• He was awarded the prestigious "Bal Gandharva Puraskar(Award)" in June 2006. This award is given to persons that excel in the field of Arts like Acting, Music etc.
• In 1992, he received the Maharashtra State award for best actor for his portrayal of a disabled boy in the film Chaukat Raja.
• In 2008, he won Two National Awards, both for best supporting actor in two films, namely the cult 2006 blockbuster 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' and 'Shebri', a Marathi film.

Film, television, and theater

Film and television

• Sarkar Raj (2008)
• Shankar Dada Zindabad (2007) - Mahatma Gandhi
• Shiva (2006) - Chief Minister
• Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) - Mahatma Gandhi
• Paheli (2005)
• Aga Bai Arrecha (2004) - Shriranga Deshmukh's father
• Encounter The killing (2002) - Ponappa
• Shriyut Gangadhar Tipre, ZeeTv Marathi (2001)
• Ratra Aarambha (1999)
• Sarkarnama (1997) - Cultural Minister
• Zapatlela (1992)
• Chaukat Raja (1991)
• Ek Daav Bhutacha (1982)
• Chimanrao, Doordarshan, 1977-79.

Theater

• Double role as Anna and the mother-in-law in Pradeep Dalvi's farce Vasuchi Sasu.
• The young as well as old Rajabhau in Chook Bhool Dyavi Ghyavi - a light comedy written by Prabhavalkar.
• The caring but possessive father in Ratnakar Matkari's drama Jawai Maza Bhala.
• The senile Nana in Jaywant Dalvi's Sandhyachhaya.
• The double role of the debonair, flirtatious Raje and a local constable in Prof. Toradmal's Kalam 302 (adaptation of Sleuth).
• The alcoholic barrister in Matkari's Ghar Tighancha Hava (a play on the life of Tarabai Modak).
• The nondescript but determined common man in P. L. Deshpande's Ek Zunj Waryashi (an adaptation of The Last Appointment).
• The father of a disabled son in Jaywant Dalvi's Natigoti.
• Six different characterisations in Hasvaphasvi, a comedy written by Prabhavalkar.
• A buck-toothed apparently harmless man who in reality is a twisted, evil man in Salsood.
• A naive, innocent schoolteacher who is assisted by a ghost in Ek Dav Bhutacha.