Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Sudhir Dalvi’s Sai Baba Role Brought Fame, Worklessness, and Support
Sudhir Dalvi became famous for playing Sai Baba in a 1977 film.
He was young and did not think he was suitable for the part at first.
The film became very successful, and many people began seeing Dalvi as Sai Baba himself.
Because of this, he struggled to get different acting roles for many years.
He later worked in films, plays and television shows.
He eventually stopped acting and spent time travelling with his wife.
At age 86, he became seriously ill with sepsis and stayed in hospital for more than 45 days.
Many actors, fans and organisations helped his family pay the bills.
Dalvi is now at home recovering, though he still needs a walker and remains disoriented.
Sudhir Dalvi began as an interior designer before entering theatre through Satyadev Dubey.
He initially rejected playing Sai Baba in Shirdi Ke Sai Baba because he felt he was too young for the role.
The 1977 film became a major success, but the role made it difficult for Dalvi to find other substantial work.
Dalvi later appeared in television productions including Ramayan, Junoon, Jai Hanuman and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
After Dalvi was hospitalised with sepsis at 86, actors, fans, Shirdi residents and organisations helped pay his medical expenses.
- Who
- Veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi, his family, and supporters from the film industry and Shirdi.
- What
- Dalvi’s acting journey, his career-defining portrayal of Sai Baba, and the financial support he received after a serious illness.
- When
- Dalvi played Sai Baba in 1977; he was hospitalised in October last year at age 86 and later returned home.
- Where
- He was treated at Lilavati Hospital, while support also came from Shirdi and the film industry.
- Why
- His Sai Baba image limited his acting opportunities, while his later treatment required financial assistance after more than 45 days in hospital.
- Career beginning
- Dalvi started as an interior designer and entered acting after Satyadev Dubey offered him a theatre role.
- Breakthrough role
- He played Sai Baba in Manoj Kumar’s 1977 film Shirdi Ke Sai Baba.
- Film success
- Dalvi said the film earned its makers a profit of Rs 1.5 to 2 crore during its first run.
- Hospitalisation
- Dalvi spent more than 45 days at Lilavati Hospital after suffering from severe sepsis.
- Initial family spending
- His family spent up to Rs 10 lakh on his treatment before seeking assistance.
- Institutional assistance
- The Bombay High Court allowed Shree Sai Baba Sansthan to donate Rs 11 lakh toward his treatment.
- Current condition
- Dalvi is recovering at home, walks with a walker and remains disoriented, according to his wife.