Bal Dhuri, a celebrated Indian Marathi theatre and film actor, is best known for his iconic portrayal of Raja Dashrath in Ramanand Sagar’s legendary television series, Ramayan (1987). His career spans decades, encompassing diverse roles and mediums.

Wiki/Biography

Born in 1944 in Maharashtra, Bal Dhuri, whose real name is “Bhaiyyu Ji,” harbored a passion for acting from a young age. Despite his parents’ initial objections, he pursued his dream, even after earning an engineering degree and securing a stable job. His love for acting ultimately led him to quit his job and embrace the world of Marathi theatre.

Family & Caste

Bal Dhuri hails from a Marathi family. While detailed information about his parents and siblings remains scarce, his family life played a significant role in his career.

Relationships, Wife & Children

Bal Dhuri was married to Jayshree Gadkar, a fellow Marathi actor who also starred alongside him in Ramayan. Jayshree, who played Kaushalya, passed away on August 29, 2008, at the age of 66. It’s reported that the couple had one child.

Career

Film

Bal Dhuri’s film career began with the Marathi film, Devachiye Dwaari. He later made his Hindi cinema debut in Jai Bajrang Bali (1976) and his Gujarati debut in Satyavadi Raja Harishchandra (1989). His filmography boasts over 20 films across Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati cinema.

Television

His television debut was in Ramanand Sagar’s epic series, Ramayan (1987). This role as Raja Dashrath catapulted him to widespread fame and recognition.

His performance in Ramayan remains a significant moment in Indian television history.

Facts/Trivia

• His family and close friends call him “Bal.”
• Known for his versatility, he has portrayed characters ranging from 25 to 86 years old.
• Interestingly, his wife, Jayshree Gadkar, played Kaushalya in Ramayan, adding a unique personal touch to the production.
• A fascinating anecdote involves Ramanand Sagar offering Bal Dhuri two roles in Ramayan—Meghnad and Dashrath—after being impressed by him. Bal Dhuri opted for the role of Dashrath.
• He penned a book, “Suvarn Nayika Jayshree Gadkar,” a biography dedicated to his wife’s life and career.
• He reportedly helped launch the career of veteran actor Shivaji Satam.

Bal Dhuri’s Career Highlights