Veteran bollywood actor Pran passed away on Friday night at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. He was 93.
The iconic villain of Hindi cinema died following multiple organ failure. He is survived by his wife Shukla, daughter Pinky, and sons Arvind and Sunil.
"He died after a spell of prolonged illness," his daughter Pinky told news agency Press Trust of India. "He was not keeping well, he was very weak. His health was deteriorating," she added.
The legendary actor will be cremated on Saturday at the Shivaji Park crematorium in Mumbai. Pran has starred in over 400 films in a career spanning six decades. The actor was born into a wealthy family in Delhi on 12 February 1920. He lived in various places including Lahore, Kapurthala, Dehradun and Mumbai.
He began his career as a photographer in Lahore in 1940. Following a chance meeting with a producer, the actor got his debut role in the film "Yamla Jat" when he was just 20. He later moved from Lahore to Mumbai (then Bombay) and struggled for some time to get a foothold in Bollywood.
Pran got his first break in the Bombay Talkies film "Ziddi", which had Dev Anand playing the male lead. With his acting prowess and mannerisms, the actor played the villain roles convincingly in many Hindi films. Some of his best roles are in films including "Madhumati", "Upkaar", "Amar Akbar Anthony" and "Zanjeer".
The thespian was recently given the 44th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Lifetime Achievement at a time when Indian cinema is celebrating the completion of 100 years. The actor was unable to receive the award personally. I&B minister Manish Tewari visited Pran at his home in Mumbai to honour him.
Bollywood mourns Pran's death
Several members of the film fraternity have mourned the death of the legendary actor Pran.
Some celebrities have taken to twitter to pay their tribute to one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan - "Why do icons who shaped our lives and emotions have to go away? U will sir, remain etched in our hearts. Allah bless ur soul Pran Sahib."
Amitabh Bachchan - "Pran Saheb passes away ! A gentleman, most collaborative colleague, a senior of immense distinction, a true disciplined professional."
Abhishek Bachchan - "Thank you for the memories Pran Saab. You will live forever in our hearts. RIP."
Mahesh Bhatt - "Enchanting memories of Pran Saab courses through the hearts of millions of people who grew up watching his films. India loves u Sir!"
Sridevi Boney Kapoor: "Today we have lost a legend, a gem and an iconic actor. We will miss you. RIP Pran Saheb."
Madhuri Dixit-Nene - "Another legend Pran Saahab leaves us. RIP."
Shreyas Talpade - "RIP Pran Sahab. Villain on screen but one of the most gentle & kind souls off it."
Ranganathan Madhavan - "RIP Pran Saab, A true true Hero, star and Gentleman..you will be so very truly missed."
