Biography

Nilu was born in the Marathi-speaking Phule family during the year 1930.

Starting his career in a Marathi folk play 'Katha Aklechya Kandyachi', he went on to act in numerous Marathi movies, beginning with 'Ek Gaav Baara Bhanagadi' during 1956, and in most he portrayed a cunning and villainous village-based character with a 'Gandhi' look.

Such was the intensity of his portrayal that people, especially women, were intimidated by him in real life.

He subsequently appeared in villain and character-actor roles in many Bollywood movies, including 'Saransh' and 'Sau Din Saas Ke'. His overall appearances in movies total over 130.

His hobbies included watching movies/dramas, reading, social work, gardening, and volunteering with Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti

A follower of Socialist Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, he had been diagnosed with Cancer of the Oesophagus, and was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on July 5. Cancer had also spread to other parts of his body. Before being hospitalized he had suffered a paralytic attack which largely impacted the left side of his body. He subsequently passed away on Sunday night, July 12, 2009.

He is survived by his wife and a daughter, Gargi.
- IMDb mini biography by: rAjOo

Nilu Phule was born in the Marathi-speaking Phule family during the year 1930. Starting his career in a Marathi folk play 'Katha Aklechya Kandyachi', a Marathi drama, he went on to act in numerous Marathi movies, beginning with 'Ek Gaav Baara Bhanagadi' in the year 1956. In most of his films he portrayed a cunning and villainous village-based character with a 'Gandhi topi' a look which was reminiscent of the evil village headman or the willy politician . Such was the intensity of his portrayal that people, especially women, were intimidated by him in real life. He subsequently appeared in villain and character-actor roles in many Bollywood movies, including 'Saransh', 'Coolie' and 'Sau Din Saas Ke'. His overall appearances in movies totals over 130. An avid reader and a social worker his hobbies included watching movies/dramas, reading, social work, gardening, and volunteering with Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, a society involved in banishing superstitious beliefs. A follower of Socialist Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, he had been diagnosed with Cancer of the Oesophagus, and was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on July 5. He subsequently passed away on Sunday night, July 12, 2009. He is survived by his daughter, Gargi.
- IMDb mini biography by: Omkar

The Hindi movie crowd generally missed out on this great actor. One movie that the masses have seen him in is 'Coolie'.

The Hindi movie public missed out on this great marathi actor. One movie that the masses have seen him in is 'Coolie'.

Daughter is actress Gargi Phulle Thatte.

Known as Pran of Marathi cinema.