Veteran actor Ramakant Dayama passes away

Veteran actor Ramakant Dayama, known for his memorable character roles across films, television and web series, passed away on May 26 at his Mumbai residence. He was 69.

The actor had reportedly been battling prolonged health issues and had remained unwell for several months.

News of his passing was confirmed by actor and close friend Shubhangi Latkar, who shared an emotional tribute on social media alongside an old video of Dayama singing and dancing.

Calling him a “truly beautiful soul”, Latkar remembered him as a warm, energetic and courageous person who brought joy to everyone around him.

“Though we all knew he had been unwell for many months, somewhere in the heart, one never stops hoping,” she wrote.

She also revealed that the two had planned to collaborate again on a Hindi stage play and poetry presentation, plans that now remain unfinished.

Over the years, Dayama built a quiet but impactful presence in Indian entertainment, earning respect for the warmth, authenticity and emotional depth he brought to supporting roles.

He was widely recognised for playing Harshad Mehta’s father Shantilal Mehta in Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, a performance praised for its emotional sincerity.

His filmography also included projects such as Chak De! India, Farzi, Ram Setu and Brothers, alongside numerous television serials and Marathi productions.

Beyond acting, colleagues often described him as a spontaneous performer, singer and mentor-like presence on set.

Dayama was also known as the father of actor Yashaswini Dayama.

Tributes continued pouring in from members of the film and television fraternity, as the industry remembered a performer whose contributions quietly became part of some of India’s most loved stories.

With his passing, Indian entertainment loses one of its understated yet deeply cherished character actors, a performer whose warmth often lingered long after the scene ended.