Jagdish Raj
Jagdish RajYouTube screen shot

Jagdish Raj, known for playing the quintessential cop in Bollywood films, passed away on 28 July following a respiratory ailment.

The 85-year-old veteran actor died on Sunday night at his Juhu residence. He holds a Guinness World Record for playing the role of a policeman 144 times in films.

"He was not keeping well for the past two years. He had lung and respiratory problems. He passed away yesterday due to respiratory problems," Raj's son-in-law Rakesh Malhotra told PTI.

Raj acted in numerous Hindi films including popular titles like "Deewar", "Don", "Ram Teri Ganga Maili", "Silsila", "Dream Girl", "Johny Mera Naam", "Shakti" and "Mazdoor".

His last rites took place on Monday. Bollywood actors Rishi Kapoor, Suresh Oberoi and director David Dhawan and other known faces had attended the funeral.

"Only family and close friends had come for the last rites. From the industry, Rishi Kapoor, David Dhawan, Rahul Rawail had come. The chautha will be held tomorrow," Rakesh Malhotra said.

Raj, who retired from acting in 1992, is survived by two daughters - Roopa Malhotra and actress Anita Raj.

Many fans complained that his demise was not broadcast on news channels.

Bollywood celebrities took to social networking site Twitter to express their grief over the sad demise of Bollywood's famous police officer. Here are some of their tweets:

"Sad to know Jagdish Raj is no more.The industry lost its grt.Police officer.RIP," filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said.

"Shri Jagdish Raj, the official "POLICE INSPECTOR" of the Indian film industry, passed away. RIP," filmmaker Rahul Rawail.

"RIP#Jagdish Raj, the quintessential police officer for generations in Indian films. Your works will live on," Saumya Tandon said.

"Not seen any news channel cover the demise of Jagdish Raj. Sad," Tanuj Garg, CEO of Balaji Motion, said.