Bollywood vet Kader Khan dies

Amitabh paid homage to the late Bollywood actor Kader Khan. - Picture taken from Amitabh's Twitter post

NEW DELHI (dpa): Veteran Bollywood actor Kader Khan died after a prolonged illness at a hospital in Canada on Tuesday. He was 81.

Kader, also a noted screenwriter, was admitted to a hospital in Toronto where he being treated for old-age-related ailments including respiratory illness, state-run All India Radio reported.

His last rites will be performed in Canada as his family is based there, his son Sarfaraz told Indian media outlets.

His death was mourned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top Bollywood personalities including superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who paid homage to him.

“Kader Khan brightened the screen with his stupendous acting skills. He was also a prolific screenwriter associated with many memorable films.

“Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers,” Narendra wrote on Twitter.

Born in Kabul, Kader made his debut in films in 1973 and acted in over 300 movies, apart from writing dialogues for 250 films. He was part of several Bollywood hits including Coolie, Naseeb (Destiny) and Aankhen (Eyes). – dpa