Ravi Baswani (29 September 1946 – 27 July 2010) was a notable Indian film actor known for his exceptional comic timing and memorable performances. Here are some key facts about his life and career:
Early Life and Education:
Ravi Baswani was born and raised in a Jat family in Delhi. He completed his schooling at St. George’s College, Mussoorie, and pursued his undergraduate studies at Kirori Mal College (KMC), Delhi University. During his time at KMC, he was actively involved in the college’s dramatic society.
Career Beginnings:
Ravi Baswani made his debut in the film industry in 1981 with the movie “Chashme Buddoor.” This marked the beginning of a successful career in which he showcased his talent as a comedian and character artist.
Notable Film Roles:
One of his most iconic roles was in Sai Paranjpe’s “Chashme Buddoor” (1981), where he showcased his comic prowess. However, his career-defining role came in Kundan Shah’s cult classic “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro” (1983), for which he received the Filmfare Best Comedian Award in 1984. His unique ability to underplay a character made him stand out in the industry.
Filmography:
Over his career spanning three decades, Ravi Baswani appeared in around 30 films. Some of his notable works include “Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa,” “Chhota Chetan,” “Ab Aayega Maza,” and Naseeruddin Shah’s directorial debut, “Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota.”
Television Career:
Apart from his success in films, Ravi Baswani also made a mark on Indian television. He was part of the popular comedy serial “Idhar Udhar” on Doordarshan in the 1980s, where he shared the screen with the Pathak sisters, Supriya Pathak and Ratna Pathak.
Educational Contributions:
In 2004, when the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, reinstated its acting course after 26 years, Ravi Baswani became its coordinator and a teacher. He collaborated with Naseeruddin Shah in redesigning the course. However, he resigned from this role the following year.
Ravi Baswani’s contributions to Indian cinema and television continue to be celebrated, particularly for his exceptional comedic talents and memorable performances in classic films like “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.” His work has left an indelible mark on the Indian entertainment industry, and he is fondly remembered by audiences and colleagues alike.
