Dev Anand dies, aged 88

Veteran actor Dev Anand has died, aged 88.

Anand passed away last night in London after a heart attack. He had been unwell for a few days and was in the UK for a medical check up, family sources told PTI. His son Suneil was with him when he died.

Anand made his debut as an actor in 1946 film Hum Ek Hain. By the time Ziddi was released in 1948 he was being heralded as a superstar of Indian cinema.

His biggest films included Paying Guest, Baazi, Jewel Thief, CID, Johny Mera Naam and Hare Rama Hare Krishna.

Anand was honoured with the prestigious 'Padma Bhushan' in 2001 and the 'Dada Saheb Phalke Award' in 2002 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

He established his film production company Navketan International Films in 1949 and has produced more than 35 movies.

Bollywood stars have been paying tribute to the actor on Twitter. "An era has come to an end. Dev Anand leaves a void never perhaps to be filled again. He never gave up belief, his joy of life," tweeted Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

Mr Bachchan wrote that he had met Anand at a film premiere recently. "He was weak but full of spirit," he said.

"Grew up watching your films. Sorry to say goodbye," tweeted writer Salman Rushdie.

Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt said: "As the new dawn breaks over Mumbai I salute the memory of this star who has left us with the glow of his smile."

Karan Johar wrote: "My father worked with devsaab for over 10 years. I grew up hearing about the sheer magic of DEV ANAND..RIP sir! Salute, Reverence and Respect."