Mumbai Street to be Named in Memory of Actor Vikram Gokhale

Introduction

On November 26, the Maharashtra Government announced a heartfelt tribute to the late National Award-winning actor-director Vikram Chandrakant Gokhale. As the first death anniversary of the legendary figure approaches, a street in Andheri West, Mumbai, is set to be named in his honor. This initiative serves as a testament to Gokhale’s significant contributions to the world of cinema and his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

Inauguration Ceremony Details

The road-naming ceremony is scheduled for November 26 which included the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the late actor’s wife Vrushali Vikram Gokhale, a galaxy of Bollywood and Marathi film personalities and political leaders. The chosen street holds particular significance as it is adjacent to the new headquarters of Cine & Television Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) and CAWT, which was inaugurated last month, and leads to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

Gokhale’s Legacy in CINTAA

Vikram Gokhale, who passed away last year aged 77, served as a past President of CINTAA from 2017 to 2022. His tenure witnessed immense contributions to the welfare of CINTAA artistes and even donated one-acre land to the premiere association. The road-naming ceremony stands as a fitting tribute to his leadership and commitment for the betterment of the entertainment community.

Overpowering Histrionics and Humanitarian Initiatives

CINTAA General Secretary Amit Behl aptly describes Gokhale as someone who will be remembered for both his overpowering histrionics and humanitarian initiatives. Beyond his on-screen presence, Gokhale’s legacy includes significant contributions to the Marathi Film industry and his instrumental role in shaping the trajectory of CINTAA.

An Illustrious Family

Hailing from a family of artistes spanning four generations over the past 110 years, Gokhale was the great-grandson of Indian film industry’s first woman actress, the legendary Durgabai Kamat-Gokhale, who died in Pune aged 117 in 1997. Durgabai was cast as the first-ever female lead in “Mohini Bhasmasur” (1913), the second film made by the Father of Indian Cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, alias Dadasaheb Phalke, who created history with his maiden feature film, “Raja Harishchandra” (1913). Incidentally, Kamala, the daughter of Durgabai, became the first female child actress in the same film (“Mohini Bhasmasur”), and the mother-daughter duo is credited with starting the trend of women acting in films 110 years ago, something that was considered a taboo then.

Gokhale’s career in Film Industry

Gokhale’s career in the film industry started with “Parwana” and “Mai Mauli” (Hindi and Marathi, respectively, both released in 1971). Over the years, he essayed prominent roles in several major films like “Yehi Hai Zindagi” (1977), “Prem Bandhan” (1979), “Insaaf” (1987), “Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro”, “Elaan-e-Jung” and “Eeshwar” (1989), “Agneepath” and “Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaye” (1990), “Khuda Gawah” (1992), “Laadla” (1994), “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999), “Love At Times Square” (2003), “Lucky: No Time For Love” (2005), “De Dana Dan” (2009), “Ab Tak Chhappan-2” (2015), “Traffic” (2016), “Hichki” (2018), and “Mission Mangal” (2019), among others.

Gokhale performed roles in major Marasthi and some Gujarati film also and was seen in important roles in several television serials in both languages as well.

Awards and Recognition

Gokhale was conferred with the following awards:

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011)
National Award (2012)
Chitra Bhushan Award (2015-2017) of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal
V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) of Maharashtra government
Marathi Filmfare Award (2017).