Veteran Marathi actor Vijay Chavan dies in Mumbai

Veteran Marathi actor Vijay Chavan, known for his comic roles, died at a hospital in Mumbai on Friday after a prolonged illness, his family said. He was 63.

The actor, who featured in more than 350 films, was suffering from weak lungs for quite some time and admitted to the Fortis Hospital in suburban Mulund since the last two- three days, his son Varad Chavan said.

"My father's lungs had become weak and this was the reason for his death," said Varad Chavan.

"His health had started deteriorating and he passed away on Friday morning at about 5," a hospital official said.

Chavan, who also featured in numerous plays, is best remembered for his comic roles in Marathi films such as 'Jatra', 'Zapatlela', 'Pachadlele', 'Mumbaicha Dabewala' and 'Shrimanta Damodar Panta', among others.

'Moru Chi Mavshi' is one of his famous plays in which he was appreciated for portraying a woman.

Prominent personalties from the film industry and politics condoled the death of the veteran actor. Bollywood star Riteish Deshmukh said Chavan was an extremely talented actor.

"Extremely talented marathi actor #VijayChavan ji no more. Deepest condolences to the family... thank you sir.. for entertaining us. You will be missed," Deshmukh tweeted.

Marathi actor Saie Tamhankar tweeted, "Vijay Chavan ........May your soul rest in peace."

Maharashtra Minister Vinod Tawde said in Chavan's demise, the state has lost a versatile actor, who dominated the Marathi film and stage scene for the last 40 years.