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.