Veteran Indian actor Vinod Khanna passes away at 70 after cancer battle

Veteran Indian actor Vinod Khanna passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday (27 April) in Mumbai after battling with cancer.

The bollywood actor was hospitalised earlier this month after complaining of severe dehydration. However, the doctors treating him at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital had said that Khanna was positively responding to the treatment at the time.

"He is under the care of our doctors and has responded positively to the treatment and is now stable," a hospital spokesperson was quoted by Times Of India on 9 April.

Later the actor's son Rahul Khanna updated news agency IANS on his father's health.

"Dad was hospitalised on Friday (March 31) for severe dehydration. The situation was quickly brought under control, he's doing much better and the doctors are looking to discharge him soon," the 44-year-old Indian actor had said.

The actor-turned-politician is survived by his two sons – Akshaye, 42 and Rahul Khanna – from his marriage with Geetanjali and two other children – Sakshi and Shraddha Khanna – from a previous marriage with Kavita.

With an illustrious career spanning over a period of nearly 50 years, the actor has several bollywood blockbusters to his credit. Khanna's best movies have been those paired with legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan including Amar Akbar Anthony, Hera Pheri, Parvarish and more.

Since the news broke, several celebrities, Bollywood stars and politicians have reacted to the tragic demise on social media.

"My dear friend Vinod Khanna... will miss you, RIP. My heartfelt condolences to the family," Indian star Rajinikanth wrote.