Legendary actor and Bollywood ‘baddie’ Pran dies

The 2013 Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, Pran has appeared in more than 360 films. In his prolific career, he has played both the lead roles and villainous roles but is most remembered for his charismatic presence as the bad guy in movies including Johny Mera Naam, Half Ticket, Duniya, Chori Mera Kaam, and Shaheed among others.

His negative characters in blockbuster films including Don, Zanjeer (where he played Sher Khan), Madhumati, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, and Ram Aur Shyam have become some of Bollywood’s most iconic characters.

He played leading roles in movies such as Gaddar (1973), Jangal Mein Mangal, Rahu Ketu and Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara.

Pran has received numerous awards for his contribution to art and cinema in India including Padma Bhushan award in 2001 and is lovingly referred to by the industry as Pran Saab. The legendary actor’s Bollywood dialogue "Barkhurdaar" is immensely popular and Bollywood fans try to imitate the word in his trademark style.

The last rites are likely to be conducted on Saturday at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai.

Pran was active in his career until 2007 and has three children from his wife Shukla Sikand.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the Twitter tribute to the iconic actor. He extended his condolences on the passing away of “thespian Pran” and added "Indian Cinema has lost an icon today."

Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai paid tribute to the actor by tweeting: “Song for the night: Yaari hai imaan mera yaar meri zindagi. Alvida Pransaab”.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan who has worked with Pran in hit movies such as Don and Zanjeer said: “Another magnificent pillar of the film industry, falls. Our illustrious edifice in ruins.”

Bachchan added: “It was Manoj Kumar ji's vision that converted Pran Saheb from villain to compassionate powerful character roles.”

Younger actors including Kunal Kapoor and Randeep Hooda also paid tribute to the stalwart on Twitter.