Veteran Bollywood actor-director-writer-comedian and a Quran scholar, Kader Khan died after a prolonged illness at a hospital in Toronto in Canada, his son confirmed on Tuesday. Kader Khan, 81, is survived by his wife Hajra, son Sarfaraz, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.
"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 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. We are thankful to everyone for their blessings and prayers,” Kader Khan’s son Sarfaraz told PTI.
According to reports, Kader Khan was suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease that causes loss of balance, difficulty in walking and dementia. He had also contracted pneumonia and had complained of difficulty in breathing. He was on ventilator for over a week.
Kader Khan was born in Kabul in Afghanistan and held a Masters diploma in engineering. He was known for his impeccable comic timing in Bollywood movies and was not only a renowned actor but also a prolific script writer. He got his first break as a script writer with the Rajesh Khanna movie Roti. He had written scripts for over 300 movies before he moved on to full time acting.
Kader Khan made his debut in the 1973 Hindi film Daag along with Rajesh Khanna. He gained popularity as a villain in his movies from the 1980s such as Farz Aur Kanoon, Jeeo Aur Jeene Do, Samraat, Justice Chaudhury, Mawaali, Maqsad and Naya Kadam. He started acting in comic roles only from the late 80s, beginning with Himmatwala and Aaj Ka Daur. He won the Best Filmfare Comedian Award for Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri in 1991.
Politicians and celebrities took to Twitter to pay tribute to the legendary actor.
The Greatest Khan of Bollywood.. Kader Khan. RIP. One of the few Bollywood actor who could amaze ppl in every role.. Villain, Comic or serious role in movies like Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani. He was more than an 'Actor'. #KaderKhan #RIPKaderKhan
— Paresh Rawal (@Babu_Bhaiyaa) January 1, 2019
Deeply saddened to hear demise of legendary actor Kader Khan Ji. My condolences with his family and well-wishers.
— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) January 1, 2019
My deepest condolences on the passing away of legendary icon, Kader Khan ji.
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 1, 2019
A prolific actor, widely admired writer and director, he provided a cathartic impact on his audiences.
I join his family, friends and fans in praying for the departed soul. pic.twitter.com/iTJm16NshP
If you were a late 80s-90s kid who watched Hindi films, chances are you encountered the magic of Kader Khan. Never had the privilege of meeting him but if I ever had I would say ‘ thank you for the laughter, thank you for your craft’ #RIPKaderKhan
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 1, 2019