Ghanashyam Nayak

Ghanashyam Nayak (12 May 1944 – 3 October 2021) was an Indian drama, film and television actor. He first achieved fame as a child artist, in the 1960 movie Masoom, and the song "Nani Teri Morni Ko Mor Le Gaye". His last memorable role was of Natwarlal Prabhashankar Undhaiwala a.k.a. "Nattu Kaka" in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Early life Nayak was born on 12 May 1944 in Undhai village in Mehsana district. He was son of Ranglal Nayak who was associated with Gujarati drama as a music director.

Career He started as a child artist in dramas and Hindi films and gradually worked towards comedic and serious roles. He also popularly cast in Bhavai roles. He played a Bhavai actor in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He had appeared in approximately 100 Gujarati and Hindi films and around 350 Hindi television series. He also acted in more than 100 Gujarati stage plays. He gave playback in more than 12 Gujarati films with maestros like Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor. He also dubbed more than 350 Gujarati films.

Death and funeral Speaking to ETimes, his son Vikas mentioned that the treatment of the cancer was tough since there was no set line of medicine considering it was a rare form of cancer. Even though the chemotherapy worked for some time and it seemed like it showed results, Nayak's health kept deteriorating and cancer spread to his entire body within one year.

Nayak died on 3 October 2021 from a rare form of cancer. He had wanted to die with makeup on.

Nayak's funeral was conducted the next day, on 4 October 2021. His last wish was fulfilled by Vikas who had a professional makeup artist do his father's makeup as he began his final journey towards his heavenly abode. In his latest interview with a news daily, Vikas opened up on how the family supported him and stayed with him throughout the difficult phase.

Gujarati film Tu Rajee Re (2022) starring Nayak was released posthumously.

Filmography Television Year Show Role 1994 Shreeman Shreemati Kishan 1994–1999 Philips Top 10 Makhkhan 1996 Aahat 1999–2002 Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka Mohan 2002–2004 Khichdi Various characters 2004 Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Vitthal Kaka 2004–2008 Saarrthi Ghanu Kaka 2007 Dill Mill Gaye Patient 2008–2021 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Natwarlal Prabhashankar Undhaiwala a.k.a. Nattu Kaka 2012 Chhuta Chheda

Films Year Film Role 1960 Masoom Child Artist 1974 Balak Dhruv Ashram Shishya 1992 Beta Hawaldar 1993 Tirangaa Ram Lakhan Dr Gupta Servant Aankhen Villager Aashik Awara Police Constable 1994 Laadla Gate Watchman Krantiveer Kalyanji Bhai Eena Meena Deeka Beggar 1995 Andolan Professor Barsaat Basti Man 1996 Mafia Hawaldar Chaahat Hospital Patient Krishna Amar Prabhakar's Man Ghatak Hospital Receptionist 1997 Ishq Inspector 1998 Sham Ghansham Heroine (Priya Gill)'s Father China Gate Manager Barood 1999 Kachche Dhaage Inspector Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Viththal Kaka 2000 Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa Baniya Shikari Ghanshyam (cook) 2001 Chehra Maut Ka Lajja Tiku (Promptor) 2003 Tere Naam Chandu Chaiwala 2004 Khakee Tailor Police Force: An Inside Story Public Spectator 2007 Panga Na lo Natakwala Undertrial Nattu Jamuddia 2009 Dhoondte Reh Jaoge Panditji 2010 Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain Servant 2016 Ekko Badshah Rani 2017 Love Ni Bhavai Tea Seller 2019 Wig Boss 2022Tu Rajee Re (Gujarati)