Thank you for the laughs, Dinyar Contractor

Veteran actor and Padma Shri recipient leaves a void in Mumbai's theatrescape

Thank you for the laughs, Dinyar Contractor

Dinyar Contractor

From his role as Mr Lobo in the 2006 movie 36 China Town to playing a judge in Khichdi four years later, Dinyar Contractor’s endearing screen presence was one that struck an instant chord with Indian cinema lovers. But with the 79-year-old actor passing away this morning due to age-related illnesses, it will perhaps be the stage where his absence will be most sorely felt.

Though his ill health in the recent years kept him from being as active in Parsi theatre — he acted in several hit plays including Aadoshi vs Padoshi and Laughter in the House — as he used to be, he continued to play his part as a veteran thespian even outside the proscenium. Mid-day had got a glimpse of it in December 2015 while covering a finalist group’s preparation for the theatre competition, Draame Bawaas. The rehearsal was taking place at Contractor’s Rustom Baug residence in Bycull; there he was, seated in a corner of his living room, soaking in the joys of the live medium. “I am happy when I am watching theatre. I have been acting for 55 years. Watching these young actors fills my heart with hope for Parsi theatre,” he had said.

In January this year, Contractor was conferred with the Padma Shri. Recuperating from a spinal infection, he had to undertake an arduous journey to New Delhi. With all awardees invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan for the Independence Day celebration in August, he was keen on travelling back to the capital, Contractor had said in an interview. That, and his plan to do a mega production this year only leaves his audience grappling with a void that would hard to fill.

Contractor’s last rites will be performed later in the day at the all faith crematorium in Worli.

Category	Quantity	Cost
For Book Publishers	Single	6,500
	Pack of 5	22,000
	Pack of 10	35,000
	Pack of 20	55,000

Category	Quantity	Cost
For Documentary / Filmmaker	Single	20,000
	Pack of 5	50,000
	Pack of 10	80,000
	Pack of 20	1,20,000

Video Clip - For Television Show Makers/Production Houses
Quality	SD		HD		4K
Duration	30s	30-90s	30s	30-90s	30s	30-90s
Cost	20,000	30,000	40,000	60,000	80,000	1,20,000

Video Clip - For Television Show Makers/Production Houses
Quality	Cost	Duration
SD	30s	20,000
SD	30-90s	30,000
HD	30s	40,000
HD	30-90s	60,000
4K	30s	80,000
4K	30-90s	1,20,000

Thank you for the laughs, Dinyar Contractor

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