Pune: Santosh Chordia, the beloved comedian and founder of the organisation ‘Amhi Ekpatri’ (We Solo Actors), breathed his last early on Wednesday following a sudden heart attack. The 57-year-old comedian, survived by his brother, son, and daughter, will be laid to rest at the Vaikunth crematorium at 4 p.m. today.
Chordia, with a prolific career spanning 38 years in theatre, television, and films, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He became a household name after he interviewed Varsha Usgaonkar in the programme of Hasya Samrat and the programme on Sahyadri channel M2G2. He also produced and hosted the popular shows ‘Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai’ and ‘Phul 2 Dhamaal.’
The seasoned comedian, known for his solo comic acts that resonated with audiences globally, brought laughter to countries like London, Israel, and Oman through more than 15,000 performances. Chordia also showcased his acting prowess in films such as ‘Dusri Goshta,’ ‘Cappuccino,’ ‘Dagdabaichi Chaal,’ ‘Prema,’ and ‘Sargam.’
Beyond his comedic talents, Chordia dedicated himself to social works, using his solo comedy acts to bring joy to AIDS and leprosy-affected patients. Through ‘Amhi Ekpatri,’ he advocated for the concerns of solo comedians, establishing the Rangkarmi Chordia Foundation in 2021 to provide a platform and support for these artists.
Notably, Chordia also entertained Indian soldiers stationed in Kargil through the ‘Sarhad’ organisation, earning him the title of ‘Hasyaveer’ (Hero of comedy). His unexpected demise leaves fans in huge shock as they mourn the loss of a comedic legend who dedicated his life to spreading joy and supporting fellow artists.
