Veteran actor Pran is no more

Bollywood loses one more gem as one of its most talented actors, Pran, has expired last evening in Lilavati Hospital. Since last one month he was hospitalised with serious health issues. He died at the age of 93.

His daughter Pinky told PTI, “He died after a spell of prolonged illness” adding that "He was not keeping well, he was very weak. His health was deteriorating," Pran’s last rites will be conducted today at noon at the Shivaji Park crematorium. Pran, who will always be remembered for his immense contribution to Indian cinema through famous films like Zanjeer, Amar Akbar Anthony and Don, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year in May. As he could not be physically present at the awards ceremony in the Capital, he was awarded with the special honour at his Mumbai residence. After debuting as a hero in Punjabi films, he created a mark in Bollywood as the villain in Dilip Kumar's Ram Aur Shyam and redefined the role of villains in Hindi films. He also shone playing character roles as well. He was the star of the 70s and sometimes he was considered much more important than the leading heroes in the films.

Amitabh Bachchan also owes his success through Zanjeer to Pran as he was the only one who gave Big B the huge break in Bollywood. After Zanjeer Pran and Amitabh enjoyed a lifelong friendship. In October last year Pran made his last public appearance at Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday party. To name some of Pran’s famous films are Madhumati, Half Ticket, Upkar, Kashmir Ki Kali, Karz, Naseeb and Shahenshah and for the last time he was seen on-screen in 1997's Mrityudaata. He is survived by his wife Shukla, daughter Pinky and sons Arvind and Sunil. Almost the entire Bollywood has taken to Twitter to express condolences over the sad news.Arjun Rampal posted “RIP Pran Saab, you immortalised so many characters, was fortunate to play one of them. You live in my heart forever.” Madhur Bhandarkar mourned, “Extremely saddened by the demise of the LEGENDARY PRANSAAB, who revolutionised Villainy on Indian Celluloid !!!” Kabir Bedi tweeted, “Farewell Pran sahib, Godfather of Indian villains, your legendary characters illuminated the annals of Indian cinema. Deepest respects. RIP” Abhishek Kapoor wrote, “oh dear.. RIP Pran saab.. thank you for all those wonderful movies” Anupam Kher posted, “Final Curtain Call for one of the Most Loved Actors of Indian Cinema. An Actor & A Gentleman. Pran Saab- We will miss you & your Warmth.RIP” We also pray may the legendary actor Pran’s soul rest in peace.