Legendary actor Pran passes away

Mumbai, July 13: Legendary actor Pran, loved and feared in equal measure by moviegoers for his roles in Bollywood hits like 'Milan', 'Madhumati' and 'Zanjeer', passed away at a suburban hospital in Mumbai on Friday evening at the age of 93.

"He died after a spell of prolonged illness," his daughter Pinky said.

The veteran actor, who played villain and character roles with elan and was conferred the country's highest cinema honour -- Dada Saheb Phalke award -- in April, was admitted to Lilavati hospital a month ago.

"He was not keeping well, he was very weak. His health was deteriorating," she said.

Pran acted in over 350 films and left his imprint as a villain with powerful roles in films like Kashmir ki Kali, Khandaan, Aurat, Bari Behen, Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai, Half Ticket, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim and Don.

Born on February 12 in 1920 in old Delhi, Pran was educated at places like Kapurthala, Unnao, Meerut, Dehradun and Rampur as his father Lala Kewal Krishnan Sikand was in government service.

Initially, Pran wanted to become a photographer but destiny had different plans for him.

A chance meeting with a film producer got him his first break in Punjabi film 'Yamla Jat' in 1940.

There was no looking back for the actor after that as he went on to star in films like 'Chaudhary' (1941), 'Khandan' (1942), 'Kaise Kahun' (1945) and 'Badnami (1946).

After Partition, Pran came to Mumbai with his wife Shukla and sons Arvind and Sunil but found it difficult to get work as an actor in the city of dreams.

He had almost given hope when writer Saadat Hasan Manto helped him get a role in Dev Anand starrer 'Ziddi' in 1948 which revived his career.

Pran will be forever remembered for bringing villains on par with the heroes, ruling the industry from 1969 to 1982.

He commanded equal money and respect for his negative characters in 'Madhumati', 'Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai', 'Ram Aur Shyam' and 'Devdas'.

The actor's baritone and good looks helped him bring charm to his villainy which was very unique to Pran.

Such was the magic of his onscreen roles that parents stopped naming their children 'Pran' at the height of his fame.

His chameleon-like ability helped Pran transform himself from one of the most hated onscreen villains to one of the most beloved character actors -- be it the 'Mangal chacha' in 'Upkar', Sher Khan of opposite Amitabh Bachchan in 'Zanjeer' or the discipline-loving but soft-hearted grandfather in Gulzar's 'Parichay'.

Pran worked with Rishi Kapoor in films like 'Karz', 'Naseeb' and 'Bobby'.

Pran was an icon: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday night paid rich tributes to Bollywood veteran Pran, describing him as an "icon" who entertained several generations with his "riveting performances" in a myriad of roles in films.

In a condolence message, Dr Singh said Pran had "entertained several generations of Indians with his riveting performances in hundreds of celluloid roles. His versatility in etching a lasting impressions on cinema audience's mind improved with time, for which he was bestowed with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award."

He pointed out that Pran "had worked with doyens of film industry among which he was an icon".

"On this sad occasion, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and Pran's countless fans and admirers. I pray for peace of the departed soul," he added.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari condoled the death of the veteran actor saying, "Indian cinema has today lost an icon, an actor who set new standards of action with every role that he portrayed in the last several decades."

Tewari had presented the Dada Saheb Phalke award at Pran's residence here as the actor could not attend the ceremony in New Delhi due to ill-health.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said the country has lost an artiste par excellence.

Actor Prem Chopra, famous for his negative roles, described Pran as a source of great inspiration for all the generations for his discipline.

Filmmaker Karan Johar said Pran's demise marked the end of a magnificent and glorious era.

Earlier in 2001, Pran was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The funeral will be held on Saturday noon at Shivaji Park in Dadar.