Bollywood actor Sitaram Panchal passed away early morning today after battling kidney and lung cancer. He was 54.
The actor, who made his Bollywood debut in 1994 with "Bandit Queen" and went on to feature in critically-acclaimed films such as, Peepli Live, Slumdog Millionaire, Paan Singh Tomar and Jolly LLB 2, died at his residence here, family sources confirmed.
"He died today morning. He was suffering from cancer and was unwell. He wasn't keeping well in the last few months," family sources said.
The actor had celebrated his 26th wedding anniversary with his son Rishabh Panchal and wife Uma Panchal on Wednesday.
Panchal's son had posted a picture with the actor and wished his parents-- "Happy 26th anniversary mom and dad."
Sitaram Panchal, who was bed ridden for almost a year, had recently taken to his Facebook account asking for monetary help in order to afford proper treatment for kidney and lung cancer. He wrote, “Brothers, please help me, I am suffering from cancer, your actor brother, Sitaram Panchal.
Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) also appealed all to help the ailing late actor by posting a message on their Facebook wall. The post read: “It pains us to hear the suffering of our esteemed member Shri Sitaram Panchal. We assure him of all the help we can provide to him in his hour of need and also urge all of you to open your hearts.”
A few Bollywood personalities had also come forth to extend help to the 54-year-old National School of Drama graduate.
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