Arun Bali

Biography

Arun Bali (23 December 1942 – 7 October 2022) was a veteran Indian actor celebrated for his extensive work in films and television. Over several decades, he became known for his dignified screen presence, powerful character roles, and memorable portrayals across historical, dramatic, and family-oriented projects.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Arun Bali gained widespread recognition with his portrayal of Maharaj Porus in the 1991 historical series Chanakya. He further cemented his reputation on television with his role as Kunwar Singh in the Doordarshan series Swabhimaan. His performance as Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the Chief Minister of Undivided Bengal, in Kamal Haasan’s critically acclaimed and controversial film Hey Ram (2000) remains one of his finest cinematic contributions.

Later Roles and Popularity

In the 2000s, Bali became widely associated with warm, “grandfatherly” characters. His role as Harshvardhan Wadhwa in the popular TV show Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan brought him significant acclaim and several awards from audiences and critics alike. Esteemed filmmaker and writer Lekh Tandon once named Arun Bali among his favorite actors—a testament to his talent and versatility.

Death

Arun Bali passed away on 7 October 2022 at his home in suburban Mumbai at the age of 79. He had been undergoing treatment for Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular condition, prior to his death.