Cricketing universe pays tribute after veteran Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna's demise

On Thursday, Bollywood lost one of its finest sons as the veteran actor and Member of Parliament Vinod Khanna passed away after a prolonged battle with bladder cancer. The actor was admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai on March 31 with severe dehydration.

He was 70-year-old and breath his last at 11:20 am this morning. “He passed away at 11.20am. It’s a sad moment for us… We request you all (media) for privacy,” the actor’s brother Pramod Khanna said.

The dashing actor whose career spanned over 45 years, has in his resume, blockbuster films such as “Purab Aur Paschim”, “Reshma Aur Shera”, “Parichay”, “Hera Pheri”. “Amar Akbar Anthony”. He played more negative roles in the early part of his career.

At the summit of his career, he quit acting altogether and joined the controversial Oshos Ashram in the early 1980s. He, however, made a comeback to the film industry in the latter half of the decade and got success again with films such as “Satyamev Jayate” and “Insaaf”.

His last appearance on the big screen was in the Shah Rukh Khan starer “Dilwale” in 2015. He was honoured for his contribution to the film industry with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. He is survived by wife, Kavita Khanna, and four children – Rahul, Akshaye, Sakshi, and Shraddha.

Vinod Khanna also was in the thick of Indian Politics as he was elected to the Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab thrice as the Member of Parliament beginning with the Lok Sabha polls in 1997. He became the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism in 2002 and in 2003 became a Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs.

He was once again elected to the Gurdaspur constituency in 2014. He was into his fourth term as a member of parliament from the seat.

A number of Indian cricketers took to Twitter to pay homage to the veteran star.

Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of legendary actor #VinodKhanna ji. My condolences to the family. RIP

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 27, 2017

Surely it's an end to an era, you truly were a charismatic legendary actor sir. My heartfelt condolences to the family #RIPVinodKhannaji

— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 27, 2017

A great artist #VinodKhanna leaves us. He will be remembered as one of the finest actors in Bollywood.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) April 27, 2017

At a function was tapped on the shoulder by Vinod Ji & emboldened to bowl the opponents out, That's how I met him. #humbled #RIPvinodkhanna

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) April 27, 2017

One of the most charismatic actors and someone who did justice to every role he played in his illustrious career. RIP Vinod Khanna ji. pic.twitter.com/y6jJeLouEg

— Manoj Tiwary (@tiwarymanoj) April 27, 2017

Deeply saddened by the passing of Vinod Khanna. So many memories. From Mere Apne to now. Will remember his smile when we last met

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 27, 2017

'Dear #VinodKhanna may your soul rest in peace. You were a great friend and a superb human being #RIP

— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzadMP) April 27, 2017

God bless #VinodKhannaji..may his soul Rest in peace

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) April 27, 2017

Unbelievable loss. Deepest condolences on the passing away of a wonderful man and such a jubilant being #VinodKhanna ji.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/jkx0m2cOJa

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 27, 2017

Condolences on the passing of the legendary actor Vinod Khanna. May his soul rest in peace.

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 27, 2017

An amazing actor #VinodKhanna leaves us. May his soul rest in peace?? Condolences to his family.

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 27, 2017

Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of one of the most charismatic actors #VinodKhanna ji.
Om Shanti !

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 27, 2017

– Written by Gokul Narayanan