Arvind Rathod (14 February 1941 – 1 July 2021) was an Indian film and theatre actor known for his work in Gujarati theatre and Gujarati cinema.
Biography
Rathod was born on 14 February 1941 in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. His father was a tailor.[1] Because of his interest in acting from school and college, Rathod decided to choose acting over his father's tailoring business.[2]
Career
He started his acting career in Gujarati theatre with the play Mota Gharni Vahu directed by Aruna Irani's father F. R. Irani.[1] He worked as a photo journalist before starting his career in film industry.[3] In 1967, he was brought to Bombay from his home town in Gujarat by Vinod Jani for his play Preet Piyu Ne Panetar.[4] He started his career on the film screen by playing a small role as a photographer in his first Hindi film Mera Naam Joker.[1] In 1967, his first Gujarati film Gujaratan was released. In 1969, Kanku, Sansarleela and Janani ni Jod and in 1973, Janamtip was released. He had acted in six films in 1976. His role of 'Jetha' played in Bhadar Tara Vaheta Pani established him as a villain in Gujarati cinema.
He played major roles in Gujarati films including Ghar Gharni Vaat, Ma-baap, Pankhino Malo, Sona Ni Jaal, Lohi Bhini Chundadi, Kanyaviday, Mandvano Mor, Sant Savaiyanath, Halone Madi Garbe Ramado and Mare Todle Betho Mor.
He acted in many Gujarati plays including Mukhavato, Shikast, Mahayatra, Babasaheb, Ghatana-2003. In Shafi Inamdar directorial 'Ek Sapnu Badu Shaitani' his role as a father is memorable. He has also directed the play Mujhe Ajwalan Jaaye.
Rathod was unmarried[3] and was survived by his niece-in-law.[3] He died on 1 July 2021 in Paldi, Ahmedabad, aged 83[1] due to age-related complications.[7][3]
Filmography
In his career, he acted in more than 250 films including Gujarati and Hindi films[8] and more than 70 plays.[9] He was known for playing negative roles in Gujarati films.[8]