Noted film and theatre actor Sitaram Panchal, who appeared in 'Peepli Live' among other movies, died at his Mumbai residence this morning. He was 54.
He was battling kidney and liver cancer for the last four years and his health deteriorated in the past few months.
He belonged to Narwana in Jind district. and was an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi.
The Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) also shared a statement on their (unverified) Facebook page, in which they said: "With deep sorrow we express our heartfelt condolences and share the news about the sad demise of veteran artiste Shri Sitaram Panchal. May the Lord Almighty receive the departed soul with all his love and bless it with a place in his heavenly abode. May the Almighty also give his family the strength, courage to bear this irreparable loss."
Last month, Sitaram Panchal had reached out to several industry members requesting them to help him financially. Director Ashwini Chaudhary, who received one such message in July, wrote on Twitter: "Saddened at the passing away of Sitaram Panchal. Rest in peace Situ Bhai. You will be missed."
Dear Members, With deep sorrow we express our heartfelt condolences and share the news about the sad demise of...
Posted by Cine & TV Artistes Association on Wednesday, 9 August 2017
The actor celebrated his 26 marriage anniversary yesterday and had posted celebratory pictures on his Facebook page. His father Shri Ram Panchal was a tea vendor in Narwana.
After completing his schooling in Narwana, Panchal got admission at University College here. It was during his stay in Kurukshetra that the late actor got involved with theatre.
Panchal started his Hindi film career with acclaimed the 'Bandit Queen' in 1996.
During his lifetime, Panchal worked in films like 'Peepli Live', 'Pan Singh Tomar', 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh' and 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
Saddened at the passing away of Sitaram Panchal. Rest in peace Situ Bhai. You will be missed. https://t.co/drqZcHPmKD
— ashwini chaudhary (@DhoopAshwini) August 10, 2017
He was honoured with a lifetime achievement award during the Haryana International Film Festival organised here in April this year.
Unable to foot his medical bills, the actor and his colleagues in the film industry had started an online campaign to generate funds.
The Haryana Government had also recently granted a sum of Rs five lakh to the actor
Sitram Panchal was last seen in Akshay Kumar's Jolly LLB 2 and had also starred in films like Bandit Queen, Halla Bol and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster. He played the role of Lala Lajpat Rai in Ajay Devgn's The Legend Of Bhagat Singh.
Sitaram Panchal is survived by his wife Uma Panchal and son Rishabh Panchal. Uma and Sitaram Panchal celebrated their 26th anniversary yesterday.
