Bollywood actor Pran passes away

Veteran Bollywood actor and Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee Pran Sikand (93), who was ailing with health problems was died yesterday around 8.30pm at Leelavathi Hospital in Mumbai.

Pran Sikand, fondly called as Pran Saheb was born on 12th February, 1920 in Old Delhi in a Punjabi family. He begins his film career in 1940 at Lahore with Punjabi film ‘Yamala Jat’ at the age of 20 years and did 350 films in more than six decades of his association with Bollywood. He has elevated the villain role to new heights with his marvelous performance. He also acted in a Telugu film Kodama Simham.

His performance in films Khandan, Jis Desh Mein Ganaga Behti Hai, Madhumathi, Johny Mere Naam, Vcitoria No:203, Zanjeer, Don, Duniya and dozens of such films have earned him name and fame. He won number of awards that includes film Fare Awards, other Awards presented by several organizations across the country, Padma Bhushan Award and the highest award in Indian film industry Dada Saheb Phalke Award in year 2013. Since, he was unable to attend the 60th national Awards function held at New New Delhi due to ill health, he was given the Award at his residence by the Broadcasting minister Manish Tiwari in April this year.

His last riots will be performed at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai today. Bollywood and Tollywood mourn his death.