Deepak Shirke – Bollywood villain of 1990s best known for gangster roles

A trademark villain of Bollywood screen of 1990s, Deepak Shirke is best known for playing supporting and character roles. His role as Damliya in ‘Ishq’ is very popular. He has appeared in more than a 100 movies since late 1980s, and has also appeared in a few Marathi films. His roles as villain are quite popular. Anth, Khuda Gawah, Sarkar, Judwaa, Ageepath, Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baki Hai, Tirangaa, Judwa, Daag: The Fire, Bhai, Ferrari Ki Sawaari etc are a few more noted roles. His character Gundaswamy in Tiranga was well-noticed.

Deepak Shirke is a Maharashtrian who started his professional career with Marathi films in the late 1980s. Marathi film Irsaal Karti in 1987 marked his film debut. He marked his Bollywood debut with Agneepath in 1990 playing the supporting role of Anna Shetty, and since then he got type casted as gangster and henchman kind of roles.

Deepak Shirke – Some interesting facts

1. Though there were claims that he is the brother-in-law of Bollywood villain Shakti Kapoor, he denied the news in an interview.

2. His role as ACP Digvijay for the investigation series, CID for a brief period got noticed.

3. He marked his Bollywood debut with Amitabh Bachchan starrer Agneepath in 1990, and later shared screen space with him for his next releases – Hum and Khuda Gawah. He played Kalia Danger in Khuda Gawa and Tiger’s Father in Hum.

4. He holds a diploma in acting.

5. Though best known for negative shades, he has appeared in several hilarious comedy scenes of Bollywood 1990s. His role in Ishq is one such.

6. Among the roles he played till now, climax scene of Tiranga and fighting scene with Amitabh Bachchan in mud for the movie Agneepath are his favourites.

7. People often call him as ‘Gandaswamy’ or ‘Anna Shetty’, the roles he played in Tiranga and Agneepath. He feels it a matter of pride.