Versatile artiste Sadashiv Amrapurkar passes away

Veteran actor Sadashiv Amrapurkar, known as one of the most versatile artistes of the country, passed away at the early morning hours of Monday.

He was hospitalised at the Kokilabein Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai with lung infection, and was in the ICU for over two weeks.

"He passed away at 2.45 (a.m.)", his daughter Rima told media persons.

"His cremation will take place in his hometown Ahmed Nagar tomorrow. Today (Monday) his body will be kept at the Bhaidas Auditorium for the people to pay their last respect", she said.

Sadashiv, 64, is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the actor's death.

"We will remember Sadashiv Amrapurkar as a versatile actor, popular across generations. RIP. My deepest condolences to his family", read a post on Modi's Twitter handle @narendramodi.

During his career, Sadashiv won two Filmfare awards - in 1984, he won the award for the best supporting actor for "Ardh Satya" and in 1991, the best villain trophy for his portrayal of a ruthless eunuch in "Sadak".

He was not active in Bollywood for the last couple of years because he was not offered the kind of roles that the versatile actor would have loved to perform.