The return of the iconic television series CID has sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans. Scheduled to air on December 2. The revival promises new cases and fresh stories featuring beloved characters like ACP Pradyuman, Daya, and Abhijeet. Yet, this joy is mixed with sorrow as viewers remember the late Dinesh Phadnis, who portrayed the ever-charming Inspector Fredericks.
On December 5, the first anniversary of Phadnis’s passing, Sony TV paid tribute to him with an emotional video on Instagram. The clip featured moments from the show and carried the heartfelt caption, “Once a part of the CID family, always a part of the CID family. Freddy ki yaadein humesha humare saath rahengi.”
Phadnis passed away at 57 after suffering a heart attack, followed by multi-organ failure. His unexpected death left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talented actor and beloved co-star. Known for his humor and warmth. Phadnis created a character that became a cornerstone of CID’s ever living charm.
Aditya Srivastava and Dayanand Shetty, who played Abhijeet and Daya, recently shared their memories of Phadnis. Srivastava recalled their time together on set, where they often shared a vanity van that became a hub of laughter and camaraderie. “Six people, one room, and endless joy,” he said, emphasizing the strong bond they shared over two decades of working together.
First aired in 1998, CID became one of India’s longest-running TV shows, concluding its successful run in October 2018. The series, led by Shivaji Satam as ACP Pradyuman, also featured an ensemble cast, including Narendra Gupta as Dr. Salunkhe, Shraddha Musale as Dr. Tarika, and Hrishikesh Pandey as Sachin. However, it was Phadnis’s portrayal of Fredericks, affectionately called Freddy, that brought light-heartedness to the intense crime-solving drama. His humour kept audience engaged.
The revival of CID has reignited fans’ enthusiasm to see their favorite detectives back in action. Yet, the absence of Freddy will leave a void in the show. His unique humor and charm made him an irreplaceable part of the series, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by viewers and co-stars alike. Fans are also emotional. one commented, “Miss you sir ❤️ In new season of CID start but we never forget you…” another one commented, “Legend’s never die.”
As the CID family returns to television, Dinesh Phadnis’s contributions to the show remain etched in the hearts of those who loved him. His character brought smiles to millions, and his memory continues to inspire those who worked alongside him. Freddy may not be a part of the new episodes, but his spirit will forever be a cherished part of CID’s enduring legacy.