Fondly called the “Prince of Comedy,” Jatin Kanakia was a film, TV, and theatre actor best known for comedy roles in films like “Khoobsurat,” “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” and iconic TV shows like “Shrimaan Shrimati,” “Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh,” “Zara Hatke,” “Hum Paanch,” “Maal Hai To Taal Hai,” and many more.
Jatin Kanakia, a name synonymous with laughter and joy in Indian households, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his impeccable comic timing and endearing screen presence.
Early Life and Career
Jatin Kanakia was born on 28 June 1952, in Porbandar, Gujarat. Kanakia started his acting career in Gujarati theatre, where he honed his skills and developed a flair for comedy. He made his television debut with the Doordarshan miniseries “Peechha Karo (1990).” He then cast in “Dekh Bhai Dekh (1993)” as a recurring character.
Jatin’s breakthrough came with the iconic role of Keshav Kulkarni in the popular sitcom “Shrimaan Shrimati,” with Rakesh Bedi, Archana Puran Singh, and Reema Lagoo, which aired on Doordarshan. His portrayal of the middle-class man entangled in humorous situations was loved by audiences. The relatable situations and humour makes the show a staple in Indian homes during the 1990s.
He then starred in shows like Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh (1995), Zara Hatke (1995), Padosan (1995), Peechha Karo (1995), Sushobhan (1995), Baat Ek Raaz Ki (1995), and All the Best (1995).
“Prince of Comedy” – Jatin Kanakia
The success of these shows catapulted him to immense fame, earning him the affectionate title of “Prince of Comedy.” Jatin’s versatility shone through as he took on various roles in other television series such as Hum Paanch (1995), Hi Zindagi Bye Zindagi (1996), Hum Apke Hai Woh (1997), Maal Hai To Taal Hai (1997), Kamaal Hai Kamaal (1997), Mrs. Madhuri Dixit (1997), Do Aur Do Paanch (1998), Hum Sab Ek Hain (1998), Gudgudee (1998), Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1998), Chashme Baddoor (1998), Yes Boss (1999), and Don’t Worry Ho Jayega (2000),
He debuted in Hindi films with small roles in films like “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” “Trishakti,” and “Khoobsurat.” He would have done really well in films too, but his untimely death in 1999
Personal Life
Tragically, Jatin Kanakia succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 1999 at the age of 46. His untimely demise left a void in the industry that is still felt to this day. His had a son Drupad Kanakia.
Interestingly, it was Jatin who came up with the idea of adapting the novel “Duniya Ne Undha Chashmah” by Taarak Mehta. He discussed it with producer Asit Kumar Modi when they were working on Hum Sab Ek Hain. Jatain was eager to portray “Jetha Lal,” but when Modi created “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,” Jatin was not there to see his dream project.
Jatin Kanakia on IMDB
