Last rites of Dr Shriram Lagoo to be conducted with State honours

PUNE :

The last rites of veteran actor Dr Shriram Lagoo will be conducted here on Friday with State honours, an official said. The Government has directed Pune Collector Naval Kishor Ram and Police Commissioner Dr K Vyankatesham to make arrangements for a State funeral, said an official. The 92-year-old theatre stalwart died at his Pune residence on Tuesday night after suffering a cardiac arrest. His last rites were earlier supposed to be held on Thursday. However, since the late actor’s son Anand Lagoo, who is in the US, will not be able to reach here on Thursday, the funeral will now be held on Friday, a family member said. “The mortal remains of Lagoo will be kept at the Balgandharva auditorium here on Friday morning for people to pay their last respects to him,” he said.

Born in Satara in 1927 and a trained as an ENT surgeon by profession, Shriram Lagoo played an important role in the growth of theatre movement in Maharashtra and was known for his progressive and rationalist views. After quitting practice and becoming a full-time actor, he tasted commercial success with V Shantaram’s “Pinjra” (1972).

As an actor, his roles in Marathi plays such as “Natsamrat” and “Himalayachi Saoli”, and films like “Pinjra” made him popular. He essayed memorable roles in Bollywood films. He played Gopal Krishna Gokhale in Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi”. PM CONDOLES: Prime Minister Modi condoled the demise of veteran actor Shriram Lagoo, saying he personifies versatility and brilliance. “Through the years, he enthralled audiences with outstanding performances. His work will be remembered for years to come. Anguished by his demise.”