Bollywood star Vinod Khanna dies, aged 70
Legendary Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna has died, aged 70.
Khanna passed away at the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, in Mumbai, India on Thursday, after a battle with cancer.
Khanna had more than 100 films to his name in a career spanning nearly 50 years.
He got his first break as the solo lead hero in the film Hum Tum Aur Who in 1971 before going on to star in films including Mere Apne, Amar Akbar Anthony and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar.
He received two Filmfare awards – one for Best Supporting Actor for Haath Ki Safaai, and later the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2007 he was awarded his second Lifetime Achievement Award at the Zee Cine Awards.
As well as acting, he was a politician and Member of Parliament for Gurdaspur, Punjab.
Legions of fans, politicians and stars paid tribute to the late actor on Twitter with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee tweeting: “Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Shri Vinod Khanna, a highly talented and acclaimed actor and MP (sic).”
Filmmaker Karan Johar posted: “His screen presence is unparalleled even today...his super star swag is what we grew up on....RIP #VinodKhanna ...thoughts and prayers....”
Condolences on sad demise of veteran actor & BJP MP Shri #VinodKhanna ji, may God render peace to the departed soul & solace to his family.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) April 27, 2017
This is heartbreaking! Only met him once, but what a megastar, what a presence! Thoughts with his family. May they find strength. https://t.co/6eTE3qnS46
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) April 27, 2017
Charming. Talented. Humble... RIP #VinodKhanna... End of an era... You will be missed, Sir... Heartfelt condolences.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) April 27, 2017
My prayers for the departed soul of #VinodKhanna .He was a https://t.co/mkNsLIuJR5 of my all time favourites.Handsome in real terms.
— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) April 27, 2017
Khanna is survived by his wife Kavita Khanna, sons Rahul, Akshaye and Sakshi, and daughter Shraddha Khanna.