Known for his role of Keshav Kulkarni in sitcom Shrimaan Shrimati, Jatin Kanakia with wittily look was a competent character actor. He featured in various serials like Padosan, Hum Paanch, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and many others. Within a short span of time he got the opportunity to act in films like Vishwavidhaata, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Khoobsurat and Trishakti. His sudden demise in 1999 came as a rude shock to many as it was hard for all to erase his beautiful acting memories which later set a benchmark in Indian television industry .
In the mid 90s, Jatin Kanakia was at the peak of his acting career with a popular sitcom Shrimaan Shrimati aired on Doordarshan in 1995. The serial was highly popular amongst viewers. Role of Jatin Kanakia as Keshav Kulkarni a.k.a. Keshu or Keku was well received by the audiences with positive ratings. Unfortunately his life was cut short at the age of 46 when he died a painful death, succumbing to pancreatic cancer in 1999.
Personal life
Born in a Gujarati Hindu family in 1953 Jatin Kanakia moved to Mumbai. Here he started working as an actor and playwright in Gujarati and Hindi theatre. He is survived by his son Drupad Kanakia.
Professional Career
After much struggle Jatin Kanakia was successful in grabbing the role of Keshav Kulkarni in sitcom Shrimaan Shrimati, which redefined his acting career. A competent character actor he left his imprints with the role of Keshav Kulkarni alongwith other veterans like Rakesh Bedi, Reema Lagoo and Archana Puran Singh in the lead roles. A highly versatile performer, Kanakia also starred in other popular sitcoms like Padosan, Hum Paanch, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi creating a space for him. Many directors of Bollywood were impressed by his performances which was a reason why he was offered roles in various Hindi and regional movies. He starred in movies like Vishwavidhaata, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Khoobsurat and Trishakti. His performance-packed acting along with wittily look was instrumental in making him a household name within shot span of time.
Illness and Death
Affected by pancreatic cancer Kanakia died in 1999, after a brief period of hospitalization. He was honored with a posthumous award at the Indian Telly Awards in 2001 for his contribution to Indian cinema and television.
Children: Drupad Kanakia
** Please help us keep the Message Board clean and respectful. We take online abuse very seriously. Read the TERMS OF USE to avoid having your message deleted.
Vikrant (Fan)
What an amazing actor! Such fond memories and still hard to believe he's no more.