
Introduction: Dinesh Phadnis Age
Dinesh Phadnis is a renowned Indian actor and writer who gained immense popularity through his iconic role as Inspector Fredricks (Freddy) in the long-running Indian television series CID. Phadnis has spent decades in the entertainment industry, contributing to television and film in various capacities. His humorous portrayal of a loyal and quirky police officer won him the hearts of millions across India. In this article, we will explore everything about Dinesh Phadnis, including his age, biography, career, personal life, net worth, and other interesting details.
Table of Contents
Who Is Dinesh Phadnis?
Dinesh Phadnis is not just a talented actor but also an accomplished screenwriter and a significant figure in Indian television. Despite being associated primarily with his role in CID, his contributions to the industry extend far beyond acting. With a blend of comedy and crime-solving, his character became one of the most memorable faces of Indian TV.
Dinesh Phadnis Age
Dinesh Phadnis was born on November 2, 1966, which makes him 57 years old as of 2024. Phadnis has gracefully aged, maintaining his charm and versatility throughout his career. His youthful energy continues to resonate with fans across the country.
Bio/Wiki of Dinesh Phadnis
Full Name: Dinesh Phadnis
Date of Birth: November 2, 1966
Age: 57 years old (as of 2024)
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Actor, Writer
Famous Role: Inspector Fredricks in CID
Years Active: 1992–present
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Name Not Publicly Known
This bio gives an overview of Dinesh Phadnis’ life and career, highlighting important details like his date of birth, his famous role in CID, and his professional experience in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Family
Dinesh Phadnis was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, a bustling city that has given birth to many stars in Indian cinema and television. Little is known about his early childhood or family background, as Phadnis has maintained a relatively private personal life, choosing to keep his focus on his work.
He had a passion for acting from a young age, and growing up in Mumbai, the heart of the Indian film and television industry, helped him nurture that passion. Dinesh Phadnis attended school in Mumbai, and his early exposure to the city’s vibrant cultural scene undoubtedly played a role in shaping his career in the entertainment industry.
Career

Dinesh Phadnis’ career spans several decades, with his most notable role being Inspector Fredricks in CID, one of India’s longest-running television shows. His journey, however, began long before that.
Early Career
Dinesh Phadnis started his career in the early 1990s. He first appeared in Bollywood films in small, supporting roles, where he quickly made a mark with his talent. While his initial projects did not bring him widespread fame, they helped him gain the experience he would later use in his iconic television role.
Breakthrough with CID
Phadnis got his big break when he was cast as Inspector Fredricks (Freddy) in CID, a television show produced by B. P. Singh. The show, which started in 1998, focused on crime investigation and was a trailblazer in Indian television for its format and longevity. CID ran for more than 20 years and was a major hit in India. Phadnis’ character, Freddy, provided comic relief in the otherwise intense and suspenseful show.
His performance was noted for its light-heartedness, and the character of Freddy became so beloved that he stayed on the show throughout its run. Phadnis balanced comedy with the seriousness required of a crime-solving police officer, making him an essential part of the show’s success. CID aired over 1,500 episodes, and Dinesh Phadnis appeared in almost every episode, contributing to the show’s immense popularity.
Dinesh Phadnis as a Writer
Apart from acting, Dinesh Phadnis has also contributed to the television and film industry as a writer. He has written scripts for several projects, showcasing his versatility and creativity. Phadnis wrote for the famous Bollywood comedy “Sarfarosh” (1999), where he displayed his talent for blending humor with action. Writing has allowed Phadnis to stay active in the industry even when not in front of the camera.
Other Notable Works
Though CID remains his most recognizable role, Dinesh Phadnis has appeared in several other projects in film and television. He played a part in movies like “Sarfarosh” and “Fareb” (1996). These roles, though small, contributed to his experience and gave him the foundation for his future success in television.
Dinesh Phadnis Movies and TV Shows

Dinesh Phadnis has a long list of movies and TV shows under his belt. Some of his notable appearances include:
Movies
- “Sarfarosh” (1999) – Played a supporting role in this critically acclaimed movie starring Aamir Khan.
- “Fareb” (1996) – Another notable film in his early career.
- “Mohini” (1995) – An appearance that added to his experience as a character actor.
TV Shows
- CID (1998-2018) – The defining role of his career, playing Inspector Fredricks, an integral part of the CID team. CID’s success turned Phadnis into a household name across India.
- CID Special Bureau – He also appeared in this CID spin-off, which focused on special cases.
Writing Credits
- Sarfarosh (1999) – Phadnis was involved in writing some parts of this iconic film.
- CID Episodes – As a part of his involvement in the show, Phadnis also contributed to the writing of several CID episodes.
Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Despite being a well-known television actor, Dinesh Phadnis has managed to keep his personal life out of the public eye. He is a private individual who prefers to let his work speak for him.
Dinesh Phadnis’ Family
Dinesh Phadnis is married, but the details about his wife and family are scarce as he chooses to keep them away from media attention. His family has supported him throughout his career, allowing him to focus on his professional achievements.
Children
It is unclear whether Dinesh Phadnis has children, as he has not made any public statements about his family life. He has preferred to focus his public persona on his work rather than his personal affairs.
Physical Appearance
Dinesh Phadnis is known for his distinct physical appearance, especially as Inspector Freddy in CID. Here are some of his physical characteristics:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: Around 70 kg (154 lbs)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Distinctive Features: Dinesh Phadnis has a warm, approachable demeanor that complements his comedic roles.
Dinesh Phadnis Net Worth

Dinesh Phadnis has enjoyed a successful career in the Indian entertainment industry, which has significantly contributed to his net worth. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is around $1.5 million. This wealth comes from his acting career, writing contributions, and royalties from CID reruns and other projects.
Sources of Income
- Acting: Phadnis earned a considerable salary from his long stint on CID.
- Writing: He has written for several shows and films, which adds to his income.
- Television Royalties: Given CID’s popularity and reruns, Phadnis continues to receive income from the show’s residuals.
Future Plans and Goals
Though CID concluded in 2018, Dinesh Phadnis remains active in the entertainment industry. He has expressed interest in exploring more writing opportunities and returning to television with new projects. He is open to working on roles that allow him to diversify his acting portfolio beyond the comedy-crime genre.
Potential Return to TV
Fans are hopeful that Phadnis might return to TV in the near future. He has hinted at his willingness to work in other crime shows, sitcoms, or even films if the right opportunity comes along.
Social Media Presence
Dinesh Phadnis is not very active on social media platforms, but he occasionally interacts with fans and shares updates about his life. His social media presence is more focused on promoting his work than sharing personal details.
While he does not have a highly active Instagram account, he occasionally shares posts related to CID and his other projects.
Dinesh Phadnis is also relatively low-profile on Twitter but uses the platform to connect with fans and share important announcements regarding his career.
Fun Facts About Dinesh Phadnis
- Dinesh Phadnis’ role as Inspector Fredricks was initially supposed to be a temporary character, but his performance was so well-received that he became a permanent part of the cast.
- Phadnis wrote several episodes of CID in addition to acting, showcasing his versatility as both a writer and performer.
- Despite his humorous on-screen persona, Phadnis is a very private person in real life.
- He has been part of more than 1,500 episodes of CID, making him one of the most recognizable faces on Indian television.
- Dinesh Phadnis has stated in interviews that he never expected CID to become such a massive hit and that he is humbled by the love and support from fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Dinesh Phadnis’ age?
Dinesh Phadnis was born on November 2, 1966, making him 57 years old as of 2024.
2. What is Dinesh Phadnis’ most famous role?
His most famous role is Inspector Fredricks (Freddy) in the popular TV series CID.
3. Is Dinesh Phadnis married?
Yes, Dinesh Phadnis is married, but he has kept details about his wife and family private.
4. Does Dinesh Phadnis still act?
Though CID concluded in 2018, Dinesh Phadnis is open to future acting opportunities and remains active in the industry, particularly as a writer.
5. What other shows has Dinesh Phadnis worked on besides CID?
While CID is his most famous work, Dinesh Phadnis has also appeared in movies such as Sarfarosh and Fareb and has written for several projects.
Conclusion
Dinesh Phadnis is a celebrated actor and writer in the Indian entertainment industry, best known for his portrayal of Inspector Fredricks in the television series CID. His contributions as both an actor and a writer have made him a well-respected figure, and his fans continue to admire him for his work. At 57 years old, Phadnis shows no signs of slowing down, and we look forward to seeing what he does next in his impressive career.
Also read Kajol Age, Biography