Veteran actor Chandrashekhar, known for 'Ramayan', passes away at 98

Chandrashekhar breathed his last around 7 am at his residence

Veteran actor Chandrashekhar, who essayed numerous roles in Bollywood films, breathed his last in Mumbai on Wednesday.

He was 97.

In the black-and-white films era when giants like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Rajendra Kumar ruled cinema, Chandrashekhar succeeded in carving his own niche with his sheer hard work.

He was best known for playing supporting characters in films starring Rajesh Khanna in lead roles and later for playing Arya Sumant in Ramanand Sagar’s epic television series Ramayan.

Chandrashekhar had no ailments and passed away in his sleep, his family said.

With over a century of films, Chandrashekhar was a strict disciplinarian, who loved to dress up formally and enjoyed proper seven-course meals with mutton biryani being his absolute favourite.

Born in Hyderabad on July 7, 1923, Chandrashekar G Vaidya moved to Mumbai, then Bombay, in the early forties.

Following a recommendation from singer Shamshad Begum, he secured his first job with Shalimar Studios in Pune in 1948. He then received a junior artist role in Bebas (1950), with Bharat Bhushan as the lead character and went on to play junior artist roles in films like Nirdoshi (1951), Daag (1952), Farmiash (1953), Meenar (1954).

His first film as a protagonist was Surang (1953), produced by the legendary V Shantaram.

Some of his characters, as the supporting actor which became popular, were in films like Gateway of India, Fashion (1957), Barsaat Ki Raat (1960), Baat Ek Raat Ki, Angulimaal (1960), Rustom-E-Baghdad (1963), King Kong (1962), and Jahan Ara (1964).

He also produced, directed and acted as the lead in his hit musical film Cha Cha Cha (1964), which was the first film of Helen in a lead role.

Chandrashekhar was also the leading man in films like Kavi and Mastana (both 1954), Baradari (1955), Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959), Street Singer, and in a negative role in Basant Bahar.

He was a regular in ventures of Shakti Samanta and films with Rajesh Khanna, with films like Kati Patang, Ajnabee, Mehbooba, Alag Alag.

He also played roles in films including Charitraheen, Vardaan, Ranga Khush, Shakti, Shankar Dada, Anpadh, Saajan Bina Suhagan, Karmayogi, The Burning Train, Namak Halaal, Nikaah, Ayaash, Maan Gaye Ustaad, Disco Dancer, Sharaabi, Sansar, Hukumat.

Chandrashekhar served as President of the Cine Artistes Association (CINTAA) from 1985 to 1996.

He served in different capacities as President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, All India Film Employees Confederation, trustee of Cine Artistes Welfare Fund of India and Cine Artiste Welfare Trust, Vice-President of Indian Film Directors Association, associated as Member with Film Writers Association, Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association.

He was last seen in 2000 in Khauff at the age of 78.