Who Was Ramakant Dayama? 'Chak De! India’ Actor And Familiar Face In Films, OTT And Ads Passes Away

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Veteran actor Ramakant Dayama passed away today on May 26, 2026, after reportedly battling prolonged health issues for several months.

He was known for appearing in films, television shows, advertisements, and web series over the years. Many viewers recognised him from projects like Chak De! India and Scam 1992.

Photo Credit: Instagram@bollywoodbubbletelly

Actor Shubhangi Latkar publicly confirmed his death through an emotional social media tribute. She shared an old video showing Ramakant Dayama singing and dancing with friends and described him as a warm, energetic, and deeply supportive person.

According to reports, he was 69 years old and passed away in Mumbai. Some reports also mentioned that he had been unwell for a long time.

Apart from films and television, Ramakant Dayama was also associated with theatre and had worked in several memorable commercial advertisements, including Centre Fruit ads that became widely popular.

The entertainment industry has been posting tributes throughout the day, with many actors and colleagues remembering him as a cheerful and affectionate presence on sets and in personal life.

Ramakant Dayama was an Indian actor known for his strong supporting roles across films, television, theatre, and web series.

Who Ramakant Dayama Was?

He wasn't the face that headlines revolved around, but he was often the reason a scene felt real. Ramakant Dayama built his space as a character actor in Hindi cinema and OTT, taking on roles that sat in the background yet shaped the emotional weight of the story.

Most of his on-screen work saw him as everyday authority figures-fathers, officials, or grounded supporting characters. The kind of presence you might not always name immediately, but definitely remember once you see him again.

He worked steadily across films, television, and digital platforms, staying consistent rather than chasing spotlight roles.

The Projects That Brought Him Recognition

He became widely recognised after appearing in:

• Chak De! India (2007) - part of the ensemble in the sports drama starring Shah Rukh Khan
• Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story - played Shantilal Mehta, Harshad Mehta's father, a role that introduced him to a new OTT audience
• Ram Setu - supporting role in the film
• The Trial and other web series appearances

These projects didn't turn him into a star name overnight, but they did make him a familiar face for viewers across generations of cinema and streaming.

Theatre, Ads, and the Work Behind the Camera

Before OTT brought him into more homes, theatre had already shaped him as an actor. It remained one of the most important parts of his journey, giving him a strong grounding in performance.

Alongside theatre, he also appeared in several advertisements. Some of these, including popular Centre Fruit commercials, became widely recognised at the time.

His work in ads and stage didn't always carry the visibility of films, but it formed the steady base of his career.

Early Life and the Private Beginning

Ramakant Dayama was born around the 1950s in India. He largely kept his personal life away from the spotlight.

What is consistently noted is that he came from a non-film background, without any direct industry connections.

How His Acting Journey Began

His entry into acting followed a path many character actors in India share.

He started with theatre, building experience on stage before moving into screen work. From there, he gradually stepped into television, advertisements, and eventually films.

It wasn't a fast rise or a breakout debut moment. It was a slow build, shaped by steady work and repeated appearances in smaller roles that added up over time.

Recognition That Came Later

While he worked for years, wider recognition arrived much later in his career.

• Chak De! India gave him visibility in mainstream cinema
• Scam 1992 introduced him to a younger OTT audience and renewed appreciation for his work

These roles didn't redefine him as an actor, but they did bring him into conversations that earlier projects hadn't reached.

Family He Leaves Behind

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He is survived by his immediate family, including his wife, Dr. Asha Naithani Dayama, daughter, actor Yashaswini Dayama, a familiar name in the industry, known for her performances in Dear Zindagi, Adulting, Phobia, and Delhi Crime. His son, Prabuddh Dayama, is also associated with the entertainment world, working as an actor and creative professional.

How Ramakant Dayama Is Remembered

Across tributes and memories shared by colleagues, a consistent picture has emerged.

He is remembered as:

• A dependable presence on set
• A natural performer
• Someone who stayed connected to theatre even while working in films and OTT

His passing has left behind the kind of silence that often follows actors who were always there, even if they weren't always in the foreground.