Legendary actor Pran dies at 93

Mumbai: Pran, one of Bollywood's most respected actors, died in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital today. He was 93 and had been admitted to hospital a month ago.

"He died after a spell of prolonged illness," his daughter Pinky told news agency
PTI. "He was not keeping well, he was very weak. His health was deteriorating," she added.

Pran received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year in May. He was unable to travel to Delhi to receive the award at the presentation ceremony because of ill health. He was given the award at his home in Mumbai the next day.

Pran, star of films such as Zanjeer and Amar Akbar Anthony, began his career as a hero in Punjabi films, made a tremendous impact on Bollywood as the villain in Dilip Kumar's Ram Aur Shyam and was the first actor to break stereotype by playing character roles as well. In the '70s, there was almost no major film that did not feature Pran and he was often higher paid than the hero. Pran was credited with making the role of the villain as important as the hero's, and was known for his sophistication and style on screen. 

Pran was also credited with helping actor Amitabh Bachchan get his biggest break - Zanjeer, which marked the rise of the Angry Young Man and made Amitabh Bachchan famous. Pran played one of his best known roles - the Pathan Sher Khan - in Zanjeer. He and Amitabh Bachchan formed a long and successful screen partnership after Zanjeer and struck up a lifelong friendship. Pran made one of his last public appearances at Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday party in October last year. 

Pran's other famous films include Madhumati, Half Ticket, Upkar, Kashmir Ki Kali, Don, Karz,Naseeb and Shahenshah. He last appeared on-screen in 1997's Mrityudaata.

He is survived by his wife Shukla, daughter Pinky, and sons Arvind and Sunil. 

Reactions to actor Pran's death

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"