Saeed Jaffrey passes away, fans mourn

"Today, a generation of Jaffreys has passed away.Saeed Jaffrey has joined his brothers and sister and is rejoicing in the lap of his Heavenly Father, eternally," the actor's niece Shaheen Aggrawal posted on her Facebook page.

Known for his dynamic screen presence and wonderful presentation of the characters he had played onscreen, Jaffrey was 86 when death came.

Jaffrey was the star of many popular Bollywood and British films. Some of his movies include Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Richard Attenborough's Gandhi to name a few.

Jaffrey was also the first Asian to receive British and Canadian Academy Awards nominations.

Born on Jan 8, 1929, Jaffrey was born in Malerkotla, Punjab and later groomed himself up as an actor by joining theatre before showing his charisma on the silver screen.

He did his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and went to the United States on a Fulbright scholarship, where he took a second post-graduate degree in drama from The Catholic University of America.

Meanwhile, people from different sectors of  society mourned his death and some posted their feelings on social networking sites.

Indian PM Narendra Modi said: "Saeed Jaffrey was a multifaceted actor whose flair & versatility will always be remembered. Deepest condolences on his passing away."

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Saddened at the passing away of veteran actor Saeed Jaffrey. End of an era. Condolences to his family and friends."

Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said: "Condolences on passing away of screen legend #SaeedJaffrey. His range and acting depth will be remembered for long."

Senior Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor, who had acted in several films with Jaffrey, posted: "R I P.My friend,my colleague of several films-Syd Jeffries alias Sayeed Jaffri to the world,leaves us.Cheers to you! "

Director Shekhar Kapoor, who had started his directorial debut 'Masoom' with the actor, tweeted: "Goodbye dear Sayeed. Started my career with u in Masoom. Cant forget ur kindness n enthusiasm for your art n others."

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said: "Saddened by the demise of versatile actor #SaeedJaffrey ji. Had a privilege of working with him as a Asst Director. Condolences 2 his family."

Singer Shaan posted: "What a Fabulous Actor!! Shatranj ke Khiladi!!! My fav. Saeed Jaffrey film... RIP."