Veteran Bollywood actor-director-writer-comedian and a Quran scholar, Kader Khan died after a prolonged illness at a hospital in Toronto in Canada, a family member said here on Tuesday.
Kader, 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," Kader Khan's son Sarfaraz told.
"We are thankful to everyone for their blessings and prayers," he added.
He said the last rites will be held in a Toronto cemetery later in the day.
After having undergone a knee surgery which had gone awry, Khan had been unable to walk properly, post which he had begun using a cane to support his movement.
The news of the death of the actor-screenwriter, who was at his peak in the 1980s-90s, comes days after his son dismissed media reports of his demise.
Kader Khan had developed breathing issues and the doctors had reportedly transferred him from regular ventilator to BiPAP ventilator.
As per reports, he 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 and has 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's Jawani Diwani.
As a screenwriter, Khan frequently collaborated with Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra.
Kader Khan also acted in over 300 films, apart from writing dialogues for 250 movies. The actor-screenwriter has been part of numerous hits including Aankhen, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Judaai, Khoon Bhari Maang, Biwi Ho To Aisi, Bol Radha Bol and Judwaa.
In a career spanning over 45 years Khan’s major collaboration came with David Dhawan and Govinda in the 1990s. The trio delivered blockbusters like Saajan Chale Sasural, Hero No. 1, Coolie No. 1, Dulhe Raja and Haseena Maan Jaayegi.
Following news of the death of Kader Khan, on Tuesday, celebrities expressed their condolences on social media.
T 3045 - Kadar Khan passes away .. sad depressing news .. my prayers and condolences .. a brilliant stage artist a most compassionate and accomplished talent on film .. a writer of eminence ; in most of my very successful films .. a delightful company .. and a mathematician !! pic.twitter.com/l7pdv0Wdu1
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 1, 2019
Rest in peace Kader khan saheb !! https://t.co/GHSqo0B6z9
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) January 1, 2019
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
The world may well remember him as a comic-villain actor.. but the genius of Kader Khan was in his original dialogue writing starting with Roti.. RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 1, 2019
After Salim-Javed, it was #KaderKhan who wrote some of Amitabh's biggest hits and most popular dialogues/ roles like Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Amar Akbar Anthony, Sharabi, Lawaris, Satte Pe Satta, Naseeb... all had dialogues written by Kader Khan.
— Yasser Usman (@yasser_aks) January 1, 2019
Rest in peace Kadar Khan sahab ..Bahaut Kuch Sikhaney ke liye aajivan aabhari rahunga main 🙏
— Ravi Kishan (@ravikishann) January 1, 2019
An actor par excellence & a wonderful human being... #KadarKhan saab will be missed by the Indian film fraternity. May God bless his soul & give his family strength to cope with the loss.
— Akshaye Rathi (@akshayerathi) January 1, 2019