‘AN ERA COMES TO AN END’

AUGUST 20, 1943 — OCTOBER 27, 2020

█ Gujarati cinema loses another gem

Inseparable since childhood, even death couldn’t keep them apart — a sentiment most people expressed on Tuesday, when Gujarati cinema’s megastar Naresh Kanodia lost his battle against coronavirus, two days after elder brother and veteran musician Mahesh Kanodia passed away after prolonged illness

Crowds of aficionados are nothing new for the brothers, after all they spent more than four decades on stage and the silver screen. The white mandap at their house in Sector-8, Gandhinagar, was setup twice in as many days. Now, the Kanodia residence is shrouded in silence from outside, but the pain within is ear-splitting, loud, unbearable. After veteran singer-musician Mahesh Kanodia passed away after prolonged illness on Sunday, 48 hours later, on Tuesday morning, younger brother Naresh — oft known as the ‘Amitabh Bachchan of Gujarati cinema’ — lost his battle against the coronavirus.

The 77-year-old celebrated actor died at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre at around 9.17 am, resident medical officer Kaushik Barot, said. Kanodia, who was admitted to the hospital on October 20 after testing positive for coronavirus, was in a critical condition and had undergone a bypass surgery, the official said.

Kanodia, who had worked in over 100 films in his career spanning several decades, later joined politics and was elected as a BJP MLA from Karjan constituency (2002-2007).


Condolences poured in

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “In a span of two days, we have lost both Maheshbhai and Nareshbhai Kanodia. Their contributions to the world of culture, especially popularising Gujarati songs, music and theatre will never be forgotten. They also worked hard to serve society and empower the downtrodden.”

Kanodia’s son Hitu, actor and BJP MLA from Idar constituency, told Mirror on Tuesday evening, “The family’s trying to hold up. He had lung infection was on ventilator for the past few days at UN Mehta Hospital. After my talk with PM Narendra Modi, a team from AIIMS Delhi was also roped in.

“He was under the best care, but destiny had other plans. Father could not fight it anymore,” the pain in his voice palpable.


People’s person

Humble, down-to-earth, namra, samaanya, no starry airs — are few words that best describe the brothers. Both came from a difficult background, having seen “sangharsh” to reach their superstar status. Shankarlal Pushabhai Parmar, who lived next to the brothers in Shahpur, went to night school with them and performed together in programmes, told Mirror how “naturally gifted Maheshbhai and Nareshbhai were”.

“Amey tran instrument laine jata — harmonium, dholak aney khanjri. Dholak hoon vagaadto, Maheshbhai harmonium aney Nareshbhai gaata hata,” revealed Parmar, 81, adding that Nareshbhai would also dance beautifully, and that his dramatic entries were an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Producer Ashok Patel, who’s worked with Kanodia on three films (two of which were “silver jubilee”) talked about the veteran’s sense of punctuality.

“Nareshbhai was so punctual, I’ve never seen any other artiste like him. Mazaakiya nature thha unka, maahol jamaate thhe set par. I remember a crowd of 250-300 fans gather at the shooting location every day just to watch Nareshbhai.”


In remembrance

Firoz Irani
Actor
Nareshbhai was such a wonderful human being. He and Maheshbhai went out of the way to help others and never disclosed it. Some are good actors, and only remain good actors. Nareshbhai was beyond it all. We did 90 per cent of fi lms together, ours was a hero-villain jodi on public demand, all producers wanted us in their fi lms. He’d tell the makers, don’t make a lousy villain (character), who’d fall after two punches from the hero. That’s how I got some of the best characters! The one thing I learned from him was how to treat everyone equally, he brought such positive energy on the sets which I believe, was instrumental in making those fi lms into blockbusters.

Hiten Kumar
Actor
I made my debut with Nareshbhai in 1997 with Unchi Medina Uncha Mol, and I remember him guiding me throughout. He was the greatest entertainer, not just a great actor. The brothers are irreplaceable, I am still in shock. I’ve lost part of my family.

Saandeep Patel
Filmmaker
Maheshbhai and Nareshbhai’s contribution to music and movies and their popularity are unparalleled. Odhni odhu odhu te udi jaay is just one of the gems they have given to Gujarati cinema. Both were examples of sheer professionalism, too.

Mamta Soni
Actor
Naresh Kanodia is such a big name, and I was nervous about working with him. But he came across as a simple man, whose behaviour towards his fellow cast and crew earned him so much of respect. Everyone is devastated by his passing away, but I believe his absence will make us remember his talents and nature all the more now, even inspire us to adapt his working style.


MEN WITH THE GOLDEN TOUCH

- Veline Aavya Phool, debut in 1969
- Worked with 72 actresses in his career
- Mahesh-Naresh went for shows across the country and abroad
- Nareshbhai gave the Gujarati film industry its first dancing hero

- He also introduced horror and disco genres in the industry
- Also gave music to more than 150 films
- The brothers also produced a Hindi film, Chhota Aadmi
- Nareshbhai also won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

- He was on the jury to select Indian film entry to the Academy Awards, as reported by Mirror in 2015
- Some of his best films include: Jog Sanjog, Kanku Ni Kimat, Laju Lakhan, Unchi Medina Uncha Mol, Raj Rajvan, Man Saibani Medie, Dhola Maru, Meru Malan, Maa Baap Ne Bhulsho Nahi, Rajveer, Jagya Tyathi Sawaar