(Reuters) – Bollywood’s most famous villain Pran died in a Mumbai hospital on Friday after prolonged illness. He was 93.
A family source confirmed over phone to Reuters that the actor died in Lilavati hospital. The funeral will be held today.
Pran Krishan Sikand, known to moviegoing audiences just by his first name, was easily the Hindi film industry’s first-choice villain from the 1950s to the 1980s, although he successfully broke that mould to prove himself equally adept at comedy and drama.
“RIP PranSaab…..truly the end of maginficent (sic) glorious era….he was a gentleman superstar and heaven is blessed today….” filmmaker Karan Johar tweeted.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tweeted “Indian cinema has lost an icon”.
Pran, whose career spanned over 300 films and five decades, was awarded the 2012 Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest award in Indian cinema.
The actor made his Bollywood debut in 1948 in “Ziddi”, alongside evergreen hero Dev Anand.
His memorable roles include playing a hapless father who turns to crime in “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977) and the affable gangster in “Zanjeer” (1973).
Such was the dread his name evoked during his heydays as a movie villain that ‘Pran’ is said to have fallen out of favour as a baby name.
Here are some reaction from Twitter:
MANMOHAN SINGH, Prime Minister
“I convey my heartfelt condolences to the the bereaved family and Pran’s countless fans and admirers. I pray for peace of the departed soul.”
NARENDRA MODI, BJP Leader
“Sad to know of demise of legendary actor Pran. He will be remembered for generations. Condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
AMITABH BACHCHAN, Actor
“Pran Saheb passes away ! A gentleman, most collaborative colleague, a senior of immense distinction, a true disciplined professional”
ANUPAM KHER, Actor
“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”
SRIDEVI, Actor
“Today we have lost a legend, a gem and an iconic actor. We will miss you. RIP Pran Saheb.”
MOHIT CHAUHAN, Musician
“The villian we loved to hate. You will be missed Pran saheb. Thank you for all those brilliant performances.”
MAHESH BHATT, Filmmaker
“Enchanting memories of Pran Saab courses through the hearts of millions of people who grew up watching his films. India loves u Sir!”
KAILASH KHER, Musician
“Ek aur bade buzurg Legend Actor Pran ye Duniya Chhod Gaye, Bhagwan bhi “Old is Gold” me vishwas rakhte hain, what a great talent, prayers”