Dr Shreeram Lagoo birth centenary: ‘He Was A True Natsamrat,' Says Padmini Kolhapure

On the occasion of Dr Shreeram Lagoo's birth centenary, actress Padmini Kolhapure fondly remembers the late actor as a deeply thoughtful and dignified gentleman. Padmini, who worked with Dr Lagoo in four films—Gehrayee, Souten, Saajan Bina Suhagan and Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai—shares that he was never one for frivolities. However, occasional bursts of laughter revealed his lighter side even amidst intense performances.

As an actor, Padmini describes him as always being well-prepared and treating acting as a serious business. On a personal level, he was loving, caring and extremely patient, which she attributes to his profession as a doctor. Padmini notes that Dr Lagoo's performance in Gehrayee, where he played her father, remains her favorite of his nuanced portrayals.

They also shared the screen in Souten, Sajan Bina Suhagan, and Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai, with Dr Lagoo playing Rishi Kapoor's wealthy dad in the latter. She fondly recalls growing up calling him 'Lagoo uncle' but after Souten, he became 'Lagoo sahab'. Padmini reminisces about the numerous Marathi films Dr Lagoo graced, including Pinjara, Samna, Sinhasan and Mukta.

Her admiration for him extends beyond the screen, recognizing his exceptional stage presence in the classic Marathi play Natsamrat. Padmini expresses regret for missing his live performances, noting that the intensity and versatility of his acting were unparalleled. She recalls how Dr Lagoo, musically inclined, would have appreciated seeing her as ghazal queen Begum Akhtar in the play Ammi...

Akhtari. Her final encounter with Dr Lagoo took place at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha in Vile Parle, Mumbai, where they attended a play together. Padmini describes him as a true 'Natsamrat', acknowledging his unwavering passion even as his health declined.