Naresh Kanodia – Veteran Gujarati film actor, musician and politician

Naresh Kanodia is a veteran Gujarati film actor and musician, who started his acting career in 1970. He has been associated with Gujarati cinema for the past 5 decades and had brief stint in politics as well. “Veline Avya Phool” released in 1970 was his debut flick, and later he appeared in 63 Gujarati films. Jog Sanjog, Meru Malan, Kanku Ni Kimat, Laju Lakhan, Man Saibani Medie, Maa Baap Ne Bhulsho Nahi, Rajveer, Dhola Maru etc are some of his noted appearances. Naresh joined state politics after retiring from movies and was a legislator of Karjan constituency during 2002 -2007. He is one of the most popular actors of Gujarati screen ever. His songs too are popular.

Naresh Kanodia was born into a poor family in Kanoda, Gujarat in the year 1946. Following his elder brother Mahesh Kanodia’s footsteps he too joined entertainment world. He was a singer and stage performer during his initial days and shared stage space with his elder brother. “Veline Avya Phool” released in 1970 gave him the first break to films, and later he went on to establish as a successful actor of Gujarati cinema. He also continued his stage shows with his brother in the 1980s, and became the first duo Gujarati performers who performed overseas. As a successful lead actor, he has shared screen space with Snehlata, Aruna Irani, Roma Manek etc. He had a successful career during 1970s-1990s, before he joined politics.

Naresh Kanodia – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. Kanodia is the only movie star across the globe with 53 blockbusters in the lead role.

2. His brother Mahesh Kanodia is a Gujarati musician, singer, and a former parliamentarian from Patan.

3. Among his two sons, Hitu Kanodia is a well-known Gujarati film actor.

4. His daughter Pooja Kanodia, a singer passed away in 2015. She was suffering from a liver disease. She was a recipient of best singer award in Gujarati.

5. Rajnikanth VS Naresh Kanodia Jokes are popular in Facebook and other social networking sites.

6. A victim of death hoax, in 2014 his death rumours were spread in Whatsapp and other social media platforms. He went through a brain stroke, at the time of his son’s marriage then. The marriage was postponed.