Jatin Kanakia

Best known for comedy roles, his career ranged from working in Gujarati plays, Hindi television shows and Hindi Bollywood movies. His skill and success earned him the informal title of "Prince of Comedy."

Jatin Kanakia
Jatin Kanakia
Born	1952 or 1953
Died	26 July 1999 (aged 46) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation	Actor

Kanakia's first major television role was in the comedy series, Shrimaan Shrimati, where he played the lead role of Keshav Kulkarni, a married, middle-class house-holder who develops a crush on his movie star neighbour, played by Archana Puran Singh, and a rivalry with her husband, played by Rakesh Bedi, who in turn is drawn to Kulkarni's housewife Reema Lagoo. Broadcast on the national television network, Doordarshan, the series became one of India's most popular television shows. Kanakia also starred in shorter comedy series produced on Doordarshan and played cameos in other comedy series. He worked in many shows produced by the Adhikari Brothers production company, as well as by other producers. Kanakia's success on television led to minor roles in big-budget Hindi films such as Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Kanakia's career was cut short on 26 July 1999 when he died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 46.

Kanakia was honoured posthumously at the inaugural Indian Telly Awards in 2001 for his contribution to Indian television.

Television

• Mirch Masala
• Kamaal Hai Kamaal (Doordarshan)

Films