Laal Singh Chaddha actor Arun Bali passes away at 79; bids goodbye as his last film ‘Goodbye’ releases in theatres

Bollywood actor Arun Bali passed away at 79 in Mumbai on Friday. The veteran actor who featured in a number of films and TV serials died at 4:30 AM today. He breathed his last on the day of the release of his last film Goodbye . He was reportedly suffering from a rare neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis. He was not keeping well for some time now due to age-related issues. Earlier this year, he was admitted to the Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai on account of his deteriorating health.

According to media reports, Bali’s cremation would take place tomorrow. The National Award-winning producer also appeared in Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha , as the old man on the train. In February 2022, Bali's son Ankush had told Hindustan Times that he doesn’t want his father to die sitting at home. "I want him to work till his last breath as acting is his passion and gives him joy." Ankush had said.

Arun Bali’s close friend Nupur Alankar told ETimes, “I was on call with Arun Bali sir when I sensed something is majorly wrong with his speech and pointed it out to him. After that I tried contacting his son Ankush, but couldn't get through. Then I called up Rajeev Menon who is Ankush's colleague and got his other number and I advised him to take Arun sir to the hospital immediately."

Born on December 23, 1942, in Lahore, Pakistan, had previously featured in movies namely 3 Idiots, Jab We Met, PK, Aitlift, Kedarnath, Panipat, Hey Ram, Dand Nayak, Ready, Zameen, Policewala Gunda, Phool Aur Angaar, and Raam Jane, among others. He acted in Telugu and Punjabi films.

Bali started his innings on television in 1989 with serial Doosra Kewal. Later he also worked in popular serials such as Chankaya, Swabhimaan and Kumkum Pyaara Sa Bandhan. He was particularly popular for his affectionate grandfatherly roles like that of Harshvardhan Wadhwa in Kumkum. He even received several awards for the role in early 2000s.