{{Short description|Indian actor}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} {{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}} {{Infobox person | name = Abhinay Banker | image = Abhinay Banker at the Mug event.jpg | image_upright = | image_size = | caption = Abhinay Banker at The Mug event | birth_place = Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India | education = {{plainlist| * Bachelor of Performing Arts in Theatre * Bachelor of Commerce}} | alma_mater = Gujarat University | occupation = Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Playwright | years_active = 2006–present | organization = Aarambh Arts Academy | known_for = | awards = }}
'''Abhinay Banker''' ({{langx|gu|અભિનય બેન્કર}}, Hindi: अभिनय बेंकर, born on 14 September) is an actor, director, and writer who works in Gujarati cinema and theatre. After several theatre performances in his early career, he received recognition for his performance in Gujarati play ''Welcome Zindagi'' (2010), written and directed by Saumya Joshi, which has been performed over 650 times worldwide.<ref name=":45" /><ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> He acted in Gujarati film ''Kevi Rite Jaish'' (2012).<ref name=":38">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movies/news/Gujarat-based-casting-director-abhinay-Banker-casts-for-another-Bollywood-film/articleshow/36953056.cms|title=Abhinay Banker decided the cast and helped on the storyline of Shortcut Safari|website=The Times of India|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite web|url=http://lighthouseinsights.in/gujarati-movie-kevi-rite-jaish-impresses-on-social-media.html|title=Gujarati Movie 'Kevi Rite Jaish' Impresses on Social Media|website=Lighthouse Insights|language=en-US|date=19 July 2012}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{Cite web|url=http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=21846&boxid=27736&ed_date=2013-03-12&ed_code=1310009&ed_page=1|title='Kevi Rite Jaish' showed the way!|website=epaper.dnaindia.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714051758/http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=21846&boxid=27736&ed_date=2013-03-12&ed_code=1310009&ed_page=1|archive-date=14 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Early life== Banker is born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in a Gujarati Hindu family. During his studies, he worked as a freelance photo journalist for several news agencies from 2002 to 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sls.pdpu.ac.in/downloads/mirror-oct-13.pdf|title=School of Liberal Studies – Mirror (PDPU)|publisher=Pandit Deendayal petroleum University (PDPU)|access-date=|accessdate=21 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movies/Abhinay-Banker-talks-about-acting/articleshow/55399189.cms?from=mdr|title=I never wanted to be an actor at the first place: Abhinay Banker|work=The Times of India|access-date=18 November 2016}}</ref> He completed his Bachelor of Performing Arts in theatre from Gujarat University in April 2009 and received gold medal. In 2014, he was appointed as a contributing faculty cum mentor at School of liberal studies, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sls.pdpu.ac.in/downloads/SLS%20Mirror_November-December%202015_Vol.%204_Issue%208.pdf|title=School of Liberal Studies – PDPU (Volume IV, issue 8)|date=December 2015|publisher=Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU)|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sls.pdpu.ac.in/downloads/sls-placement-2015.pdf|title=Recruiters manual|publisher=Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU)|access-date=|accessdate=21 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sls.pdpu.ac.in/downloads/mirror-oct-13.pdf|title=School of Liberal Studies – PDPU (Volume II, issue 8)|date=October 2013|publisher=Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU)|access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianboxoffice.in/view/people/273492-abhinay-banker|title=Abhinay Banker|website=Indian Box Office|publisher=Indian Box Office|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202115337/http://indianboxoffice.in/view/people/273492-abhinay-banker|archive-date=2 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Career== Abhinay Banker has acted in number of plays. His debuted in 2005 in a play, ''Natsamrat''. In 2006, he became a theatre trainer and practitioner. He served as the head of the drama department at Darpana Academy of Performing Arts during 2012–2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allevents.in/ahmedabad/intensive-theatre-acting-workshop/226527677478172|title=Intensive Theatre acting workshop|website=allevents.in|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whatshot.in/ahmedabad/theatre-acting-workshop-e-293751|title=Theatre Acting Workshop in Ahmedabad, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts|website=whatshot.in|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whatshot.in/ahmedabad/theatre-and-art-and-craft-workshop-e-339133|title=Theatre And Art & Craft Workshop in Ahmedabad, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts|website=whatshot.in|access-date=}}</ref> He is a founder-member of ''Actor's Theatre Ahmadabad'', a group of theatre artist, and is a founder director of Aarambh Arts Academy.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/article/DNAHM28165|title=Khamoshiyan and unspeakable pain of riots – DNA – English News & Features – Art & Culture – dnasyndication.com|website=dnasyndication.com|access-date=9 March 2016}}</ref>
In 2007, he acted as Anand in Mallika Sarabhai's ''Unsuni'' (Unheard Voices) which is an adaptation of former IAS officer Harsh Mander's novel of the same name. Despite facing the heat from Censor Board,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-mallika-sarabhai-s-play-faces-censor-heat-1064986|title=Mallika Sarabhai's play faces Censor heat|website=DNA India|language=en-US|date=19 November 2006}}</ref> it completed more than 150 performances.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://darpanapg.blogspot.in/|title=Darpana Performing Group by Dr Mallika Sarabhai|access-date=}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://acktorstheatre.wordpress.com/the-directors/|title=The Directors|website=Acktor's Theatre|language=en-US|date=13 December 2010}}</ref>
He was appreciated by audience as a director-actor for his musical demonstration, based on Amrita Pritam's life, ''Main Tenu Phir Milangi'' (2011).<ref name=":13">{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/an-untold-love-story/|title=An untold love story|date=15 April 2011|work=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{cite web|url=https://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/hindi/11-hindi-play-preview-main-tanu-phir-milangi.asp|title=Main Tenu Phir Milangi – a divine love story|website=mumbaitheatreguide.com|access-date=}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/an-untold-love-story/776092|title=An untold love story|work=Indian Express|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> Her love tale is about aside from others, as it talks about the purest unconditional love.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/article/DNMUM206595|title=1950s, a love story – DNA|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Amrita Pritam's 100th Birth Anniversary {{!}} Abhinay Banker|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxVzLX_JfJg|language=en|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref>
When Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto left Mumbai to visit Delhi, he said "Main khud ek chalta phirta Bambai hun" (I myself am a travelling Mumbai), to explain his connection to the city. Thus one of his plays has been named as ''Chalta Phirta Bambai'' (2012).<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/theatre/Saddat-Hassan-Mantos-stories-come-alive-on-stage/articleshow/35258696.cms|title=Saddat Hassan Manto's stories come alive on stage|website=The Times of India|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> In it, three joined stories unobtrusively depict the truth of life and all the while challenge the thought of innocence, love, ethics, morality, virtuousness and self-respect, but then ends in the nakedness and blatancy existent in our general public.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|url=http://mytheatrecafe.com/reviews/theatre-review-chalta-phirta-bambai-an-experimental-and-musical-play/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216052523/http://mytheatrecafe.com/reviews/theatre-review-chalta-phirta-bambai-an-experimental-and-musical-play/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 February 2016|title=Chalta Phirta Bambai An experimental and musical play|website=My Theatre Cafe|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/3322757|title=Some writings pertaining to contemporary Theater in India|website=www.academia.edu|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref>
Banker has acted in the play, ''Akoopar'' (2013), based on the novel by Dhruv Bhatt. The play focuses on the existence of the Maldharis (animal breeders), who live within the Gir forest, the last home of the Asiatic lion.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/gujarati/29-akoopar-gujarati-play-preview.asp#|title=AKOOPAR Gujarati Play/Drama|website=www.mumbaitheatreguide.com|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> Directed by Aditi Desai, daughter of the theatre artiste late Jaswant Thakar,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/dna_english_news_and_features/Theatre-enthusiasts-pay-tribute-to-Jaswant-Thaker/DNAHM85223|title=Theatre enthusiasts pay tribute to Jaswant Thaker|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA Syndication|access-date=15 October 2016}}</ref> the play has been performed at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav at National School of Drama (NSD) Delhi.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=uq3dPulsCoeHH3wiSGOKgK/0kqeMdzPZSa938Avkj/COgHVs=|title=Akoopar on national stage|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> It has been additionally announced as the best play at Transmedia awards 2013.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=ly5EUd1H8KWJysEVXtFl0/O1oGEuG3zR4evPYMHesio=|title=It's raining applauses for Kasturba & Akupar|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref>
The play ''Koi Pan Ek Phool Nu Naam Bolo To'' (Name any one flower) (2014) is a psychological murder mystery. It had been at first written with the aid of Gujarati writer Madhu Rye nearly five decades ago. In 1969, Kailash Pandya, who became the first head of the drama department of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, directed the play.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/ahmedabad/others/Whodunnit-revisited/articleshow/44726713.cms|title=Who dunn it 'revisited'|website=Ahmedabad Mirror|access-date=2 October 2016}}</ref> Forty-five years later, Abhinay Banker and his group performed it on the same stage.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=Cve5fsYBrC7RQdcyB5AWAX8nscqXKSrLWkjWkDMtKtI=|title=Solve a murder mystery on stage – Art & Culture – News {{!}} News Syndication {{!}} Content Syndication|website=dnasyndication.com|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> It had been also nominated for best drama production at 14th Transmedia Gujarati Screen & Stage Awards.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/dna_english_news_and_features/Queue-for-the-crown/DNAHM82106|title=Queue for the crown|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=9 March 2016}}</ref>
Director, actor and writer of the play ''Haji Ek Varta'' (2014), Abhinay Banker, portrayed it as a play that has the strings of immaculate humorousness, warmth and joy weaved suitably.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web|url=http://mytheatrecafe.com/news_n_events/haji-ek-varta-gujarati-play-in-mumbai/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404042259/http://mytheatrecafe.com/news_n_events/haji-ek-varta-gujarati-play-in-mumbai/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=4 April 2016|title=Haji Ek Varta, Gujarati play in Mumbai|website=My Theatre Cafe|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref> It is a progression of six distinctive stories falling in a steady progression penned by various Gujarati writers.<ref name=":27">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/theatre/Abhinay-Banker-Abhinay-Bankers-double-dhamaka-for-Amdavadis/articleshow/46537683.cms|title=Abhinay Banker's double dhamaka for Amdavadis|website=The Times of India|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref> After its debut at the National Centre for the Performing Arts's (India) Gujarati Vasant Natyotsav 2014,<ref name=":28">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/dna_english_news_and_features/6-stories-in-100-minutes/DNAHM71953|title=6 stories in 100 minutes|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":29">{{Cite web|url=http://www.afternoondc.in/city-news/today/article_105830|title=Afternoon today – Gujarati plays|website=www.afternoondc.in|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref> the play was performed in Habitat Conclave, Ashapalli Festival at Ahmadabad in early 2016.<ref name=":30">{{Cite web|url=http://www.habitatconclave.com/AshapalliDetails.aspx?Img=Varta|title=Habitat Conclave 2016 – Haji Ek Vata – Cultural Performances|website=www.habitatconclave.com|access-date=19 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917143102/http://www.habitatconclave.com/AshapalliDetails.aspx?Img=Varta|archive-date=17 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":31">{{Cite web|url=https://allevents.in/ahmedabad/abhinay-bankers-haji-ek-varta-gujarati-play/758752190923281|title=Abhinay Banker's Haji Ek Varta – Gujarati Play|website=allevents.in|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref>
Banker is playing lead role in Aditi Desai's play ''Samudramanthan'' (2016).<ref name=":35">{{Cite web |title=A Seaside Story |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/a-seaside-story/articleshow/15665566.cms |access-date=16 March 2016 |work=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web|url=http://www.khabarchhe.com/news/entertainment/60894-review-of-new-gujarati-drama-samudramanthan|title=લાગણીઓના હિલોળા એટલે 'સમુદ્રમંથન'|website=Khabarchhe.com|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322133503/http://www.khabarchhe.com/news/entertainment/60894-review-of-new-gujarati-drama-samudramanthan|archive-date=22 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The story, delineating the battle for good over malice, is an anecdotal thought on the lives of Gujarati group of Kharwas (who live by the ocean) enlivened by an old book of the same name. It is genesis of a Nakhuda, the term utilized for a captain of the boat in Kharwas and demonstrates the agitating in the mid ocean that draws out all the nine rasa of human emotions.<ref name=":37">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/entertainment/hip-happening/Sea-Saw-Up-and-Down/articleshow/51363210.cms|title=Sea Saw, Up and Down|website=Ahmedabad Mirror|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> The play had been performed in19th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2017 at National School of Drama.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":10">{{Citation|last=National School of Drama|title=SAMUDRAMANTHAN|date=17 January 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdGyVGks5OQ&t=6s|accessdate=17 February 2017}}</ref>
''Happy Journey'' (2016), a play written and directed by Abhinay Banker for H L Institute of Commerce, Ahmedabad University, demonstrated the life of today's youth as an understudy seeking after her interests and who experiences thick and diminishes of being in a relationship leading her into melancholy and how benevolently leaves it with the well-built backing of her father. It won first prize, received numerous awards in various categories as well as lifted a standout amongst the most pined for trophies in the field of theatre by INT (Indian National Theatre).<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":43" />
In 2022, Abhinay Banker was selected as the curator for Abhivyakti, an arts project including visual arts, music, dance and theatre. It invites artists across the country to participate in this annual project with mentoring by theatre personality Saumya Joshi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theatre - Abhivyakti City Arts Project |url=https://www.abhivyaktiart.org/event-categories/theatre/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=Abhivyakti |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Theater credits== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Credited as ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- |2007 |''Unsuni'' |Anand |Actor |The act had been demonstrated more than 150 performances throughout the nation |<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> |- |2007 |''Hamlet-o-lear'' |Edger |Actor |National School of Drama (Intensive acting workshop production) |<ref name=":43" /> |- |2007 |''Aswastthama'' |Aswastthama |Actor |A play by Madyu Rye based on the character of ''Mahabharata'' |<ref name=":43" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticle.aspx?nid=DNAHM19849|title=Aktors' compelling intensity|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> |- |2008 |''Phèdre in India'' |Théramène |Actor |Have been performed at 10th Bharat Rang Mahotsav in the year of 2008 as well as at French Embassy (New Delhi, India) in Residence programme |<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ambafrance-in.org/Phedre-en-Inde-a-production-by-the|title=Phèdre en Inde: a production by the Artist in Residence programme|website=La France en Inde / France in India (French Embassy in New Delhi)|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/A-universe-of-emotion/articleshow/2659809.cms|title=A universe of emotion|website=The Times of India|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/yIDbMJlAKqFAsFZNTG83XJ/The-TimeOut-Mint-planner.html|title=Phèdre in India (Hindi)|website=Livemint (E-Paper)|publisher=The TimeOut Mint planner|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/exciting-year-ahead-in-alliance-francaise/article1173727.ece|title=Exciting year ahead in Alliance Francaise|date=7 January 2008|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref> |- |2009 |''Khamoshiyaan'' | – |Director |A play based on the scars suffered from riots – a collage of Gulzar's literary creations on stage at 'Festival of non-violence through arts' |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-deliberately-ignored-fewer-lights-camera-action-on-gujarat-riot-saga-1656532|title=Deliberately ignored? Fewer lights, camera, action on Gujarat riot saga|website=dnaindia.com|publisher=DNA India|language=en-US|access-date=9 March 2016}}</ref> |- |2009 |''Khuda Hafiz'' | – |Director |A play based on the scars suffered from riots – a collage of Gulzar's literary creations on stage at 'Festival of non-violence through arts' |<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":11" /> |- |2009 |''Ahmedabad ki aurat bhali – Ramkali'' |Narrator |Actor |An adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's popular play 'The good woman of Setzuan' in 34th Vikram Sarabhai International Art Festival |<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-space-for-the-arts/article788672.ece|title=A space for the arts|date=1 January 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/asmitatheatre/34th-vikram-sarabhai-international-arts-festival|title=34th Vikram Sarabhai International Arts Festival – Asmitatheatre|website=sites.google.com|publisher=Asmita Theatre|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Sarabhai-art-fest-from-Monday/articleshow/5371371.cms|title=Sarabhai art fest from Monday|website=The Times of India|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> |- |2010 |''Welcome Zindagi'' |Vivek Ganatra |Actor |More than 550 shows worldwide & Abhinay Banker was nominated for best supporting actor at Transmedia Awards 2011 as well as performed at National School of Drama (NSD) Delhi '8th during Theater Olympics' in 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://8ththeatreolympics.nsd.gov.in/en/play-single.php?ids=219|title=Welcome Zindagi Play at NSD|website=8ththeatreolympics.nsd.gov.in|language=en|access-date=22 April 2018}}</ref> |<ref name=":45">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/gujarati/13-gujarati-play-preview-welcome-zindagi.asp|title=Welcome Zindagi|publisher=Mumbai Theatre Guide}}</ref><ref name=":46">{{cite web|url=http://www.gujjubhai.in/welcome-zindagi-gujarati-natak/|title=Welcome Zindagi Gujarati Natak}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web|url=https://prakashgowda.wordpress.com/2013/08/08/welcome-zindagi-a-breath-of-fresh-air-in-vadodara/|title=Welcome Zindagi: A breath of fresh air in Vadodara|work=Stolen Glances}}</ref> |- |2011 |''Main Tenu Phir Milangi'' |Sahir Ludhianvi |Actor, director |Musical play based on Amrita Pritam's life containing compositions of her poetry |<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":15" /><ref name=":16" /> |- |2012 |''Chalta Phirta Bambai'' | – |Director, writer |Based on three plays by Saadat Hassan Manto, a writer of British-Indian Pakistani Origin |<ref name=":17" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name=":19" /> |- |2012 |''Kasturba'' |Mahatma Gandhi |Actor |Awarded as best actor at 13th Transmedia Gujarati Screen & Stage Awards<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=ly5EUd1H8KWJysEVXtFl0/O1oGEuG3zR4evPYMHesio=|title=It's raining applauses for Kasturba & Akupar|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=9 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicunplugged.in/news/trade_news_info/72/490|title=13th Annual Transmedia Screen & Stage Awards 2013|website=www.musicunplugged.in|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> and the play has also been dramatized at AIANA's Chaalo Gujarat event at Edison, New Jersey<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deshgujarat.com/2015/07/27/750-from-gujarat-leaving-for-new-jersey-to-attend-aianas-chaalo-gujarat-2015/|title=750 from Gujarat leaving for New Jersey to attend AIANA's Chaalo Gujarat 2015|website=Desh Gujarat|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-kalpana-gagdekar-s-journey-to-kasturba-gandhi-1808810|title=Kalpana Gagdekar's journey to Kasturba Gandhi|date=8 March 2013|website=www.dnaindia.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gandhian-tells-Kasturbas-katha-in-new-play/articleshow/18582505.cms|title=Gandhian tells Kasturba's katha in new play|work=The Times of India|access-date=}}</ref> |- |2013 |''Akoopar'' |Nayak – Painter |Actor |Announced as the best play at Transmedia awards for the year 2013<ref name=":22" /> & also have been performed at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav at National School of Drama (NSD) Delhi<ref name=":21" /> |<ref name=":20" /> |- |2014 |''Kadak Badshahi'' |Ahmed Shah |Actor |Celebrated six hundred years of Ahmadabad city |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/theatre/Kadak-Badshahi-Kadak-Badshahi-to-be-staged-again-on-popular-demand/articleshow/45545674.cms|title=Kadak Badshahi to be staged again|work=The Times of India|access-date=9 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=lByJ23h3RbZiZoWN0Y9S61jGGMdJkSYsBBd1aCV1OBA=|title=Kadak Badshahi back in town|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=9 March 2016}}</ref> |- |2014 |''Koi Pan Ek Phool Nu Naam Bolo To'' |Keshav Thaker |Actor, director |Nominated for more than 7 categories at 14th Transmedia Gujarati Screen & Stage Awards along with nomination for best drama production<ref name=":25" /> |<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /> |- |2014 |''Haji Ek Varta'' |Marathi Servant |Actor, director, writer |Performed at the National Center for Performing Art's Gujarati Vasant Natyo Utsav 2014<ref name=":28" /><ref name=":29" /> as well as at the Habitat Conclave, Ashapalli Festival<ref name=":30" /><ref name=":31" /> |<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":43" /> |- |2015 |''Unbroken Wings'' |<nowiki>-</nowiki> |Director |Won number of awards at the INT 2015 (Indian National Theatre) including the best drama, best director, best performer (male & female) and the best music<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=LmS2cvf1pherTvurLmX7KhniAr/nbc/TAu7y/Qh9vJo=|title=Giving wings to gen Next!|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> |<ref name=":33">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/theatre/Abhinay-Banker-Abhinay-Bankers-double-dhamaka-for-Amdavadis/articleshow/46537683.cms|title=Abhinay Banker's double dhamaka for Amdavadis|website=The Times of India|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/theatre/Abhinay-Bankers-latest-Gujarati-play-Unbroken-Wings-will-be-showcased-at-Natrani-on-Feb-15/articleshow/46243285.cms|title='Unbroken Wings' to be staged in Ahmedabad|website=The Times of India|access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref> |- |2016 |''Samudra Manthan'' |Mithu |Actor |Performed in19th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2017 at National School of Drama;<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|year=2017|title=19th BRM 2017 (Bharat Rang Mahotsav) Schedule, begun on 1st February 2017 in New Delhi.|url=http://19brm.nsd.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/finaladvt1.pdf|journal=Bharat Rang Mahotsav|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217143431/http://19brm.nsd.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/finaladvt1.pdf|archive-date=17 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> the play which demonstrates the agitating in the mid ocean that draws out all the 9 ras of human emotions |<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /><ref name=":37" /> |- |2016 |''Happy Journey'' | – |Director, writer |Won the 1st prize and lifted one of the most coveted trophies in the field of Theatre by INT (Indian National Theatre) |<ref name=":44">{{Cite web|url=http://hlic.ahduni.edu.in/gallery/2015-album/hlic-students-won-the-1st-prize-in-the-field-of-theatre-by-int/|title=HLIC students won the 1st Prize in the field of Theatre by INT – H L Institute of Commerce|website=H L Institute of Commerce|language=en-US|access-date=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=":43">{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/dna_english_news_and_features/Abhinay-Banker-turns-scriptwriter-for-films/DNAHM101239|title=Abhinay Banker turns scriptwriter for films!|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=2 October 2016}}</ref> |- |2017 |''Saat Teri Ekvees'' | – |Writer |An act, produced by Manhar Gadhia and performed by Ami Trivedi, about the problems during Indian marriage & tradition. Which also got translated in Hindi language titled as ''Womanlogues.'' |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.afternoondc.in/epaper/EpaperPost.aspx?id=197672|title=All About Women|last=Gahlot|first=Deepa|date=20 June 2017|website=The Afternoon Dispatch & Courier|access-date=29 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bhawanasomaaya.com/7x-3-21-season-3/|title=7x 3 =21 Season 3 – Bhawana Somaaya|date=20 June 2017|work=Bhawana Somaaya|access-date=6 July 2017|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/india/article/BWW-Previews-FAMOUS-GUJARATI-PLAY-at-Saat-Teri-Ekvis-Now-In-Hindi-as-Womanologues-20190603|title=BWW Previews: FAMOUS GUJARATI PLAY Saat Teri Ekvis Now in Hindi as #Womanologues|last=Maqsood|first=Zofeen|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/theatre/theatre-review-womanologues/articleshow/69877682.cms|title=Theatre review: #Womanologues – Times of India|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> |- |2017 |''Pune Highway'' (Dramatised reading) | – |Director |A playwright development programme in association with British Council, written by Rahul da Cunha, having faces from all mainstream mediums – theatre, television and films. It has been managed by Rajat Kapur and Shernaz Patel. |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishcouncil.in/programmes/arts/theatre/writers-bloc-theatre-showcase|title=Writers' Bloc Theatre Showcase {{!}} British Council|website=www.britishcouncil.in|language=en|access-date=4 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishcouncil.in/events/writers-bloc-showcase-1|title=Writer's bloc showcase {{!}} British Council|website=www.britishcouncil.in|language=en|access-date=4 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/unwind/when-reading-meets-drama/articleshow/57541110.cms|title=When reading meets drama – Ahmedabad Mirror|work=Ahmedabad Mirror|access-date=4 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/write-leaning/articleshow/57607587.cms|title=Write leaning – Ahmedabad Mirror|work=Ahmedabad Mirror|access-date=4 July 2017}}</ref> |- |2018 |Jaane Woh Kaise Log The | – |Director, writer |A theater production premiered at Sunday to Sunday Theatre Festival organised by Darpana Academy of Performing Arts |<ref name=":12" /> |- |}
==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year !''Title'' ! Role ! Field ! Credited as ! class="unsortable" | Director ! class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- |2012 |''Kevi Rite Jaish'' |Raheel |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor, Casting director, Script associate |Abhishek Jain |<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":39" /><ref name=":40" /><ref name=":43" /> |- |2013 |''Bhinti Maage – Behind the Wall<ref>{{Citation|last=vishwesh kolwalkar|title=BHINTI MAAGE – Short Film by Vishwesh Kolwalkar|date=14 November 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=oDCgxHIE4wg|accessdate=18 April 2018}}</ref>'' |Atul |Marathi Film (Short fiction) |Actor |Vishwesh Kolwalkar |<ref name=":41">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Prize-winning-short-films-and-documentaries-to-be-screened/articleshow/22041240.cms|title=Prize-winning short films and documentaries to be screened|work=The Times of India|access-date=2 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=6gNx9Mdg8zqYWzGLFq4OG0u4Ghyun/Cek1w4nTc1pBw=|title='Casting Director' now in Gujarat|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=}}</ref> |- |2017 |''Shubhaarambh'' | – |Gujarati Feature Film |Writer (Screenplay and Dialogues) |Amit Barot |<ref name=":43" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://urbangujarati.com/2016/08/31/shubh-aarambh-teaser/|title='Shubhaarambh' Upcoming Gujarati Movie Teaser and Star Cast Photos|date=31 August 2016|website=Urban Gujarati|access-date=2 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002200128/https://urbangujarati.com/2016/08/31/shubh-aarambh-teaser/|archive-date=2 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freepr101.com/view/218070/24/Press_Release_of__Shubh_Aarambh_Movie_|title=Press Release of 'Shubh Aarambh' Movie|website=www.freepr101.com|access-date=2 October 2016}}</ref> |- |2017 |''Dhantya Open'' |Murlee Lalvani<ref>{{Citation|last=Bestsellers Films|title=Abhinay Banker as Murlee Lalvani {{!}} Introduction {{!}} Dhantya Open|date=17 January 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_gqWZWtQG8|accessdate=17 February 2017}}</ref> |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor |Ajay Phansekar |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movie-reviews/dhantya-open/movie-review/57041813.cms|title=Dhantya Open Movie Review|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> |- |2017 |''Colorbaaj'' |Inspector Girish Ramavat<ref>{{Citation|last=Grinfilm Production|title=COLORBAAJ vs POLICE {{!}} Abhinay Banker {{!}} GrinFilm {{!}} A Zanané Rajsingh Film {{!}} 1 September 2017|date=18 August 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpUXAP8ACa8|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref> |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor |Zanane Rajsingh |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=o/lxgLshDaab3YIIG8E1L3YtDopBH7iWEjpRrTXfkaE=|title='Colorbaaj': Gujarati filmdom's first 'party film'!|website=dnasyndication.com|publisher=DNA India|access-date=2 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://urbangujarati.com/2017/06/22/colorbaaj-trailer-urban-gujarati-film/|title=Colorbaaj : Upcoming Urban Gujarati Film|date=22 June 2017|website=Urban Gujarati|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref> |- |2018 |''Mijaaj'' |VP |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor |Tapan Vyas |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movie-details/mijaaj/movieshow/61983293.cms|title=Mijaaj Movie: Showtimes, Review, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos {{!}} eTimes|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|access-date=23 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Mijaaj (2018)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7967846/fullcredits|accessdate=23 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radiocity.in/radiocity/play-videos/ahmedabad/Mijaaj-Gujarati-Movie-Star-cast-at-Radio-City/1755|title=Mijaaj Gujarati Movie Star cast at Radio City {{!}} Videos from Radio City 91.1 FM ahmedabad Station Studio|website=www.radiocity.in|access-date=23 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsfolo.com/entertainment/mijaaj-movie-review-gujarati-action-entertainer-drama/133945/|title=Mijaaj Movie Review: Gujarati Action-Entertainer drama|work=Newsfolo|access-date=23 February 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://in.bookmyshow.com/movies/mijaaj/ET00068464|title=Mijaaj Movie (2018) {{!}} Reviews, Cast & Release Date in – BookMyShow|last=BookMyShow|website=BookMyShow|language=en|access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> |- |2018 |''Reva'' |Bittu-Banga<ref>{{Citation|last=Brainbox Studios|title=Reva {{!}} Character Introduction {{!}} Abhinay Banker and Atul Mahale as Bitu Banga|date=21 February 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1wOBhxBhBQ|accessdate=18 April 2018}}</ref> |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor |Rahul bhole & Vinit Kanojia |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIA/2018/02/21&entity=Ar02302&sk=FD9FDF3E&mode=text|title=D-Town goes slow on film releases due to board exams – The Times Of India – Ahmedabad, 2018-02-21|access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Reva Movie: Showtimes, Review, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos {{!}} eTimes|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movie-details/reva/movieshow/62709875.cms|accessdate=18 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Reva – A Journey Within {{!}} Official Trailer {{!}} 2018 Gujarati Film {{!}} Chetan Dhanani|date=23 February 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szHa4_ic1Ac|accessdate=24 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@magicalsuspension/movie-review-reva-gujarati-movie-8921e8d6f2a5|title=Movie Review "Reva" 'Gujarati Movie'|last=Saxena|first=Rochak|date=13 April 2018|website=Rochak Saxena|access-date=18 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movies/news/national-film-awards-2018-rahul-bhole-and-vinit-kanojias-reva-wins-the-best-gujarati-award/articleshow/70606191.cms|title=National Film Awards 2018: Rahul Bhole and Vinit Kanojia's 'Reva' wins the Best Gujarati Award – Times of India|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> |- |2018 |''Manto'' |Shoe Shop Owner<ref name=":48" /> |Hindi Feature Film |Actor |Nandita Das |<ref name=":48">{{Citation|title=Manto (2018) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6923462/fullcredits|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> |- |2021 |''Mara Pappa Superhero'' |Bhavlo |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor |Darshan Ashwin Trivedi |<ref name=":0h">{{cite web |title=Shraddha Dangar gives a sneak peek into the character for her next film 'Mara Pappa Superhero' |website=The Times of India |date=2020-03-04 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movies/news/photo-shraddha-dangar-gives-a-sneak-peek-into-the-character-for-her-next-film-mara-pappa-superhero/articleshow/74470788.cms |access-date=2020-11-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Guj film at London Fest|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.com/guj-film-at-london-fest/81800663.html|access-date=2021-08-03|website=Ahmedabad Mirror|language=en}}</ref> |- |2022 |''Ithaar'' |Ishaan |Web Series |Actor |Sahil Gada |<ref>{{Cite web |title='Ithaar' is a very sweet story of a couple to whom everyone can relate - Times of India Exclusive! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/gujarati/abhinay-banker-ithaar-is-a-very-sweet-story-of-a-couple-to-whom-everyone-can-relate-exclusive/articleshow/93087197.cms |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ithaar – New Web Series on OHO Gujarati |url=https://www.firstindia.co.in/news/gujarat/ithaar-new-web-series-on-oho-gujarati |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=www.firstindia.co.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Ithaar |date=2022-06-15 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20198148/ |type=Romance |publisher=Cineman Productions |access-date=2022-12-25}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2025 |''Victor 303'' |PI Manish |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor |Swapnil Mehta |<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 December 2024 |title=Victor 303: Upcoming Gujarati revenge, action and thriller film trailer launch, film to hit theaters on 3rd January 2025 |work=The Gujarati Mid Day |url=https://www.gujaratimidday.com/entertainment-news/dhollywood-news/article/victor-303-upcoming-gujarati-revenge-action-and-thriller-film-trailer-launch-film-to-hit-theaters-on-3rd-january-2025-233245 |access-date=21 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 December 2024 |title=VICTOR 303: ગુજરાતી ફિલ્મ 'વિક્ટર 303'નું એક્શનથી ભરપુર ટ્રેલર રિલીઝ, એક અનાથની પોતાની સાચી ઓળખ સુધી પહોંચવાની કહાની |work=Gujarati Jagran |url=https://www.gujaratijagran.com/entertainment/entertainment-news-gujarati-action-film-victor-303-trailer-launch-446043 |access-date=21 December 2024}}</ref> |- |''Shubhchintak'' | |Gujarati Feature Film |Actor |Nisarg Vaidya |<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-19 |title=Marathi star Swwapnil Joshi to debut in Gujarati film 'Shubhchintak'; film starts rolling |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gujarati/movies/news/marathi-star-swwapnil-joshi-to-debut-in-gujarati-film-shubhchintak-film-starts-rolling/articleshow/116412557.cms |access-date=2026-01-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == <!-- Per WP:ELMINOFFICIAL, choose one official website only --> * {{Facebook|abhinay.banker}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Banker, Abhinay}} Category:Living people Category:1984 births Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:Male actors from Ahmedabad Category:Indian theatre people Category:Gujarati actors Category:Gujarat University alumni