Marathi comedy star Laxmikant Berde died of kidney disease at 50 on December 16, 2004

Laxmikant Berde, the actor who won over audiences with his comedy in Marathi and Hindi films, was affectionately called "Lakshya" by his fans. He became a household name under that name and made audiences laugh for several decades. His journey ended at just 50.

Berde died on December 16, 2004, of kidney disease. He was at the peak of his success at the time. His sudden death was a major shock to the entire film industry. Audiences still remember his films, his natural acting and his distinctive style of comedy. His death left a loss to the Marathi entertainment world that can never be made up.

Berde's beginnings were marked by extreme poverty. He developed a passion for acting while still studying. Driven by it, he took a job at Sahitya Sangh, where he did whatever work came his way, from hanging curtains onwards. In the same period he also took part in plays staged during Ganeshotsav. Through hard work and acting, he made a place for himself in the Marathi film industry.

After Marathi films, he got a big opportunity in Hindi cinema. In Sooraj Barjatya's film Maine Pyar Kiya, he played the character Manohar. Salman Khan and Bhagyashree played the lead roles. Berde's was a supporting role, yet audiences remembered it well. He went on to work in many Hindi films and his popularity kept growing. In a short time he had made a distinct identity in Hindi films. It is said that he signed 11 films in a single year.

In his personal life, Berde married twice. His first wife died in 1996. In 1998 he married actress Priya Arjun. Laxmikant and Priya Berde also worked together in the film Hum Aapke Hain Koun.

On his health, it is said that he had a kidney-related illness. It is also said that he was addicted to alcohol and cigarettes and drank to relieve stress. These habits are said to have affected his health. When both his kidneys failed, he was treated for a long time, but the treatment did not bring the hoped-for result. He died on December 16, 2004.