By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 11 Feb: Uttarakhand’s celebrated comedian Ghananand Gagodia, popularly known as ‘Ghanna Bhai’, passed away this afternoon at a hospital in Dehradun. His demise has cast a shadow of grief over the state’s art and entertainment community. Known for bringing joy and laughter through his performances, Ghananand’s contribution to the cultural landscape of Uttarakhand will be fondly remembered for long.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his grief over the comedian’s death. Many other politicians and artists across the state have also expressed their shock and sorrow at Ghananand’s passing. Leading folk singer and poet Narendra Singh Negi has also conveyed his condolences.
Chief Minister Dhami wrote on his social media account, X, that he is shocked to receive the sad news of the death of Uttarakhand’s famous comedian Ghananand ‘Ghanna Bhai’. He prayed for the peace to the departed soul and for strength to the bereaved family and supporters to bear this immense pain. The CM further wrote that Ghanna Bhai’s simplicity, gentleness, and unique acting style not only brought laughter but also provided a new perspective on many important aspects of life, adding that his contribution to the regional film industry and acting in Uttarakhand will never be forgotten. Narendra Singh Negi also expressed his grief and remembered Ghananand by writing a Pahadi song on his Instagram account.
Ghananand passed away today at Mahant Indresh Hospital, where he had been admitted due to a prostate problem some days ago, but succumbed to cardiac arrest today. Mahant Indresh Hospital PRO Bhupendra Raturi confirmed his death, stating that despite efforts by the doctors to revive him with CPR, Ghananand could not be saved. Raturi also highlighted Ghananand’s status as one of Uttarakhand’s most experienced theatre artists.
It may be recalled that Ghananand ‘Ghanna Bhai’ was a seasoned artist of Uttarakhand theatre. Born in 1953 in Gagod village of Pauri, he was educated at Cantt Board Lansdowne, District Pauri Garhwal. He was a natural artist who fully immersed himself in whatever role he took on, whether in film or on stage, making audiences laugh if he played a comedian, or leaving a lasting impression with his character acting.
Ghananand began his journey as a comedian in 1970 with Ramlila plays. In 1974, he also began acting in Garhwali and Kumaoni films, as well as on radio and later Doordarshan, and became a leading comedian from the state.
Ghanna Bhai has left an indelible mark with his acting in many Uttarakhand films and became a household name in the state once his Garhwali film ‘Gharjawae’ turned out to a superhit film. His comic performances left audiences in stitches. He delivered an outstanding performance in Chakrachal and worked in hit films like ‘Beti-Bwari’, ‘Jeetu Bagdwal’, ‘Satmangalya’, ‘Bwari Ho Ta Yani’, ‘Ghanna Bhai MBBS’, ‘Ghanna Girgit’, and ‘Yamraj’.
