Veteran Actor-Writer Kader Khan Passes away in Canada
Toronto/Mumbai: Veteran actor-writer Kader Khan died after a prolonged illness on December 31st, his son Sarfaraz Khan confirmed Monday. Kader Khan was admitted to a hospital in Canada and his son confirmed that his last rites were conducted in Toronto, Canada. He was 81.
"My dad has left us. He passed away on December 31 at 6pm Canadian time. He slipped into 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 in Canada," Sarfaraz Khan told PTI. "We are thankful to everyone for their blessings and prayers."
Khan had developed breathing problems and doctors had transferred him from regular ventilator to BiPAP ventilator.
According to media reports, Kader Khan was suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease that causes loss of balance, difficulty in walking and dementia.
Born in Kabul, Kader Khan made his acting debut in 1973 with Rajesh Khanna's Daag. He featured in over 300 films. He wrote dialogues for over 250 movies. Before becoming an actor, he had written dialogues for Randhir Kapoor-Jaya Bachchan'sJawaniDiwani.
As a screenwriter, Kader Khan frequently collaborated with Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra. His films with Desai included Dharam Veer, Ganga JamunaSaraswati, Coolie, DeshPremee, Suhaag, Parvarish and Amar Akbar Anthony.
Khan was synonymous with comic roles, especially in films with Govinda. He worked in a number of David Dhawan-directed Govinda films like Dulhe Raja, Coolie No.1, Bade MiyanChoteMiyan, Raja Babu, SaajanChaleSasural, Aunty No.1, among others. Khan had worked with all leading actors of 70s, 80s and 90s, including Rajesh Khanna, Bachchan, Jeetendra, Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor and Govinda.
Actor Amitabh Bachchan led Bollywood in paying tributes to Khan. "Kadar Khan passes away. Sad depressing news. My prayers and condolences. A brilliant stage artist, a most compassionate and accomplished talent. He was “a writer of eminence; in most of my very successful films. A delightful company and a mathematician," he wrote. Bachchan and Khan collaborated in blockbusters such as Do Aur Do Paanch, MuqaddarKaSikandar, Mr Natwarlal, Suhaag and Shahenshah.
Following the news of the death of Kader Khan on Tuesday, a large number of celebrities expressed their condolences on the social media.
“Kader Khan was not just a mentor but also a father figure to me,” said Govinda.
"Kader Khan sir is no more with us. He was not just a mentor but also a father figure to me. He had such finesse that whichever artiste he worked with or collaborated with, became a star; in fact a superstar. The entire film industry and my family cannot express the loss in words. I pray to God to grant peace to his soul, and may he find a place in heaven," Govinda told indianexpress.com.
“Kader Khan was a fatherly figure to me in this industry,” said RaveenaTandon
She told indianexpress.com, "There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept. Feeling gloomy about the sudden demise of such a trouper. I have such beautiful memories of Kader Khan ji and learned a lot while we did movies together. In Dulhe Raja, he not only played the role of my father but indeed was a fatherly figure to me in this industry. May his soul rest in peace and God give strength to the family members to bear such an enduring loss."
TV artist Aasif Sheikh wrote on Twitter: "Deeply saddened to know legendary Kader Khan Sahib is no more with us. We have lost a jewel which cannot be replaced by anyone . Rest in peace, Sir. #KaderKhan"
Actor-comedian Vir Das tweeted, "Kader Khan was one of the few talents to straddle comedic and dramatic work so brilliantly for so long. Rest in peace, Sir."
Esha Gupta called Kader Khan a fine artiste.
Actor Esha Gupta tweeted, "It's not a tragedy, but a blessing to live and experience such a fine artist like Kader Khan Ji, may you be at peace, a star will shine brighter tonight… "
Kader Khan was a fine actor, said Akshay Kumar. He tweeted, "Saddened to learn about the demise of #KaderKhan Saab, had the good fortune of working with him in quite a few films...a fine actor and an even better comedian. My thoughts and prayers with his family."
Tusshar Kapoor called Kader Khan "a cinematic genius" Kapoor tweeted, "RIP Kader Khan Saab......a cinematic genius in both comedy and emotions! A number of us grew up watching your performances! A legend in life and death both!"
Working with him was an inspiring experience, said Anil Kapoor. Kapoor tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the news of Kader Khan's demise. I had the chance of working with him and it was an inspiring experience. He will always remain in our hearts and forever a shining star in the sky. Sending my thoughts, love and prayers to the family."
Actor ManojBajpayee also paid tributes to the actor-writer. "Rest in peace Kader Khan sahib," Bajpayee tweeted.
May Allah rest his departed soul in eternal peace in JannatulFirdaus and give his entire family fortitude and courage to bear the monumental loss. Our heartfelt condolences and sincere prayers are with the entire family during this most difficult time in their life.
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