Daily Times

Veteran actor and politician Vinod Khanna passed away on April 27, in Mumbai. He was 70.

The hospital where Khanna had been undergoing treatment issued a statement that read: “Veteran actor and Member of Parliament Mr Vinod Khanna, who was admitted to the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, breathed his last at 11:20 am due to advanced bladder carcinoma.”

Khanna had been hospitalised since Friday, 31 March. At this time his son Rahul Khanna had told the press that the yesteryear screen icon had been admitted after suffering from severe dehydration and added that doctors hoped to discharge Khanna senior soon.

However, an image – purportedly from Vinod Khanna’s hospital room – that showed him looking frail and emaciated, was widely circulated on WhatsApp groups and sparked widespread concerns about his health. Unconfirmed reports claimed that the actor was possibly undergoing treatment for cancer.

Khanna was the sitting MP from Gurdaspur.

But while he did navigate a fairly successful innings in politics, the success he attained in his film career remained unsurpassed. From the time he made his debut in 1968, he appeared in over 140 films and even had a supporting role in the 2015 Shahrukh Khan-Kajol starred ‘Dilwale’.

Khanna typified the term ‘matinee idol’ and with his suave, urbane appearance, he was widely considered among the most handsome actors of the Hindi film industry. His onscreen presence, however, went beyond his appearance, and Khanna made a mark – be it in commercial capers like ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ and ‘Qurbani’, or the more critically acclaimed ‘Achanak’.

Khanna’s sons Akshaye and Rahul, from his first marriage followed him into show business. Khanna also has two children, a son Saakshi and daughter Shraddha, from his second marriage.

@karanjohar

As a mark of respect to our beloved Vinod Khanna the entire team of Baahubali has decided to cancel the premiere tonight.

@narendramodi

Will always remember Vinod Khanna as a popular actor, dedicated leader & a wonderful human. Pained by his demise. My condolences.

@FarOutAkhtar

Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Mr. Vinod Khanna. Deepest condolences to Akshaye, Rahul and the rest of the family.

@iHrithik

Even in brief greetings he never failed 2touch ur heart. Admired n looked up to him since I ws a kid. True legend. RIP Vinod khanna

@PDdancing

R.I.P #VinodKhanna you will be missed.

@kritisanon

One of the most good looking talented actors of Indian Cinema with so much positivity & charm on his face. R.I.P #VinodKhanna Sir..

@dreamgirlhema

Sad loss today of a wonderful human being, a classy actor & a dear friend & co star.His last film with me was Ek Thi Rani. RIP Vinod Khanna

@AnushkaSharma

He will live on forever in all of our hearts as a true hero … #VinodKhanna