Veteran Actor Ramakant Dayama, Renowned for "Chak De! India" and "Scam 1992," Passes Away at 69

Veteran Indian actor Ramakant Dayama, celebrated for his versatile performances and the emotional depth he brought to a multitude of roles across film, television, and digital platforms, passed away on May 26, 2026, at the age of 69, following a prolonged illness. His demise has left a significant void in the Indian entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers.

Born on September 13, 1956, in Solapur, Maharashtra, Dayama's journey in the world of performing arts began on the stage, where he actively participated in street plays and theatre productions. This formative experience honed his craft, laying the foundation for the grounded and realistic acting style that would become his hallmark. He made his film debut in 1994 with the Marathi movie "Maza Saubhagya" and ventured into television with "Service Wali Bahu" in 2015, gradually expanding his presence across various mediums.

Throughout his illustrious career, spanning several decades, Ramakant Dayama established himself as a respected character actor, a face instantly recognizable to audiences, even if his name was not always at the forefront. He possessed a unique ability to infuse even smaller parts with authenticity and emotional resonance, making his characters memorable and impactful. His filmography boasts an impressive array of projects, including some of Hindi cinema's most acclaimed works.

Among his most iconic roles was that of an Indian Hockey Federation official in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Chak De! India" (2007), a film that garnered widespread critical and commercial success. He further solidified his reputation with his compelling portrayal of Shantilal Mehta, the father of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, in the critically acclaimed web series "Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story" (2020). These performances showcased his remarkable talent for embodying complex characters with nuance and conviction.

Dayama's diverse body of work also includes notable appearances in films such as "Paa" (2009), "Shuddh Desi Romance" (2013), "Ram Setu" (2022), "Bank Chor" (2017), "Brothers" (2015), "Farzi", "Mumbai Saga", "Dhanak", and "Gandhi My Father". On the digital front, he made his mark in popular web series like "Made in Heaven," "Jehanabad – Of Love and War," and "The Trial," where his nuanced acting continued to earn appreciation. Beyond feature films and web series, Dayama was also a familiar face in numerous television serials and memorable advertising campaigns for prominent brands like Centre Fruit, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Chupa Chup, and Thumbs Up.

Beyond his acting prowess, Ramakant Dayama was a multifaceted individual with a deep appreciation for the arts. He was known to be a poet, with some of his works published in the Hindi magazine 'Pakhi' and a translated version included in the coffee table book 'Mapping of Mumbai' by the University of Mumbai. He also enjoyed playing the piano and singing old Marathi songs, reflecting his diverse artistic interests. In 2022, he performed a play at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, portraying former Indian President Shankar Dayal Sharma, an event attended by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.

Dayama was also a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Asha Naithani Dayama, and his children, Yashaswini Dayama and Prabhat Dayama. His daughter, Yashaswini Dayama, has followed in his footsteps, establishing herself as an actress and digital creator known for her work in films like "Dear Zindagi" and web series such as "Adulting."

The news of his passing was confirmed by his close friend and fellow actress, Shubhangi Latkar, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. Latkar remembered Dayama as a "truly beautiful soul" filled with warmth, energy, humor, and resilience. She lauded his spontaneous dancing, soulful singing, brilliant acting, and his role as a wise advisor. The Cine & TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) also expressed its condolences, acknowledging his commitment, wisdom, and significant contributions as a former Executive Committee member. Dayama's last rites were performed at his residence in Suncity, Kandivali East, Mumbai. His enduring legacy lies in the authentic characters he brought to life and the lasting impact he had on the Indian entertainment landscape.