Feroz, Bollywood's original Khan, is dead

Bangalore, April 27 (IANS) Actor-filmmaker Feroz Khan, known as Bollywood's all time style icon, died at his farmhouse here after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 69.

Feroz Khan, who died late Sunday, was buried at the Johnson Market burial ground at 5.00 p.m. Monday. A procession was taken from the farmhouse to the burial ground.

His brother Sanjay Khan had told reporters earlier that Feroz Khan wanted to spend his last days in Bangalore, his birthplace that had a special place in his heart.

He is survived by son, actor Fardeen Khan, and daughter Laila. Fardeen Khan is married to Natasha Madhwani, daughter of yesteryear actress Mumtaz who had played lead roles in many of Feroz's films.

The flamboyant actor, who was born in Bangalore on Sep 25, 1939, died at his farmhouse on Tumkur Road here. His son Fardeen, Laila and brother Sanjay were at his bedside at the time of his death, said family sources.

Feroz Khan, who was last seen in the 2007 comedy 'Welcome', had divorced his wife Sundari 24 years ago.

The filmmaker had been battling cancer for the past one year and was under treatment in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Family sources said his death was not 'unexpected' as his health had been failing.

His niece Sussanne along with her actor husband Hrithik Roshan and actor-director Sajid Khan had arrived from Mumbai to pay their last respects to the actor, family sources said.

The actor did his schooling in Bangalore after which he went to Mumbai to pursue a career in Bollywood. He acted in popular films like 'Arzoo', 'Aurat' and 'Safar' as well as played important roles in his own directorial ventures 'Qurbani' and 'Dharmatma'.

Feroz Khan, known as the 'Clint Eastwood of the East', won a Filmfare award for best supporting role in 'Aadmi Aur Insaan' in 1970 and was honoured with the lifetime achievement award in 2000.