co-star and close friend Dayanand Shetty confirms
CID actor Dinesh Phadnis, known for his role as Fredericks in the popular detective show, passed away on Monday night in Mumbai due to liver damage. He had been admitted to Tunga Hospital and was on ventilator support since December 2. Despite initial reports suggesting a heart attack, co-star Dayanand Shetty clarified that Phadnis had not suffered a heart attack but was undergoing a different treatment.
The CID series, which started airing in 1998 and ran until 2018, was one of the longest-running shows on Indian television. Dinesh Phadnis played the beloved character of Fredericks, known for his comic timing and banter with other characters, especially Shivaji Satam’s ACP Pradyuman.
In addition to acting, Phadnis contributed to the show by writing some of its episodes. He also made a cameo appearance in the sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah as his CID character. The actor was part of films such as Sarfarosh and Super 30 and had also written for a Marathi film.
Following the conclusion of CID, Phadnis remained active on social media to stay connected with his fans. His health had become a concern for his followers. The actor’s last rites are scheduled to be held today.
