Ashutosh Gowariker on Arun Bali: I will cherish the moments spent with him (during Panipat shoot) – Times of India

Bali made his acting debut with noted filmmaker Lekh Tandon’s TV show Doosra Keval as Shah Rukh Khan’s uncle. From there on he went on to be a part of popular films like Saugandh, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Khalnayak, Satya, and Hey Ram. Apart from acting in television shows, some of his recent work also included films like, 3 Idiots, Barfi, Manmarziyaan, Kedarnath, Samrat Prithviraj and Laal Singh Chaddha.

The actor had also worked in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Panipat that also starred Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Kriti Sanon. When BT reached out to Gowariker, talking about the late actor, he said, “Arun Bali ji was a giant of an actor. It was a memorable experience of working with him in Panipat, where he portrayed Maharaja Baba Ala Singh, the King of Patiala. I was worried Arun ji might say no to play it, because of the brief screen appearance. But he consented immediately.”

About the experience he had working with Bali, the National Award-winning director added, “Even at his age, Arun ji was most punctual and disciplined. He made sure he knew all his lines before he came in front of the camera. And he would get it right in the first take itself! I will cherish the moments spent with him. My heartfelt condolences to the family.”