New Delhi :
Bollywood actors, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, on Tuesday paid tributes to veteran actor-writer Kader Khan, who passed away due to prolonged illness. Khan, 81 was admitted to a hospital in Canada. “My dad has left us. He passed away on December 31 at 6 pm as per Canadian time due to prolonged illness. He slipped into a coma in the afternoon. He was in the hospital for 16-17 weeks. The last rites will be performed here in Canada only. We have our entire family here and we live here so we are doing it,” PTI quoted Kader Khan's son Sarfaraz as saying.
Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter to express his condolences on the “depressing” news of the Khan’s death. Bachchan also highlighted the lesser known facts about the deceased actor that he was a mathematician.
“Kadar Khan passes away.. sad depressing news .. my prayers and condolences.. a brilliant stage artist a most compassionate and accomplished talent on film.. a writer of eminence; in most of my very successful films .. a delightful company.. and a mathematician!!” Bachchan said.
Also Read | Kader Khan, veteran Bollywood actor-writer dies at 81, last rites to be performed in Canada
Another veteran actor and co-star of Kader Khan in 1993 comedy drama Hum Hain Kamaal Ke expressed his grief in a video message posted on Twitter along with a text describing his phenomenal skills and eternal humour.
“Kader Khan Saab was one of the finest actors of our country. It was a joy and a learning experience to be on the sets with him. His improvisational skills were phenomenal. His humour was eternal and original. He was a wonderful writer. We will miss him & his brilliance,” Anupam Kher wrote on Twitter.
Film critic and business analyst, Taran Adarsh termed Khan’s demise “end of an era” and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family. “It’s the end of an era... RIP Kader Khan sahab... An exceptional writer and a truly versatile actor... Heartfelt condolences to the family... #KaderKhan #Legend,” he said
The 81-year-old Canadian-Indian was reportedly suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease that causes loss of balance, difficulty in walking and dementia.
Born in Kabul, Khan made his acting debut in 1973 with Rajesh Khanna's Daag and has featured in over 300 films. Also, he has written dialogues for over 250 movies. Before becoming an actor, he had written dialogues for Randhir Kapoor-Jaya Bachchan's Jawani Diwani.
Also Read | Legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen, who directed 'Bhuvan Shome', 'Mrigaya', passes away at 95
More reactions of Bollywood actors and other famous personalities on Kader Khan's death
RIP #KaderKhan saab. One of my inspirations and a truly iconic actor, writer and stage artists. His contribution to my fathers cinema was limitless just like his talent. You will truly be missed by everyone.
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) January 1, 2019
The cinematic legend #KaderKhan dedicated his life to cinema and made millions smile through acting. With his passing, an era of brilliance in Indian cinema has come to a close. My condolences are with his family and loved ones. RIP!
— Vinod Tawde (@TawdeVinod) January 1, 2019
We are deeply saddened by the demise of prominent actor-screenwriter #KaderKhan. Renowned for his effortless comic performances, he also wrote the striking dialogues for some of the most popular Hindi films like Amar Akbar Anthony, Coolie and Agneepath.#RIP pic.twitter.com/AzpePUxLEF
— NFAI (@NFAIOfficial) January 1, 2019
Sad to hear of the demise of veteran actor and screenwriter #KaderKhan saab. My condolences to his family, friends and millions of fans worldwide and prayers for the departed soul 🙠pic.twitter.com/GafNqkbfhV
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) January 1, 2019
