Veteran Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey dead

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LOS ANGELES, Nov 16, (RTRS): Saeed Jaffrey, one of India’s best loved actors, who also had a long career in the UK, died on Sunday. He was 86. News of his death was announced by his niece Shaheen Aggarwaal. It was greeted by messages of condolence from the film industry and politicians alike.

“Saeed Jaffrey was a multifaceted actor whose flair & versatility will always be remembered. Deepest condolences on his passing away,” wrote Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter.

Jaffrey appeared in some 200 movies and TV shows over a long career. Iternational titles included “Gandhi,” “The Man Who Would Be King” and “A Passage to India,” but also featured in classic Indian films including Satyajit Ray’s “the Chess Players.”

He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, before winning a Fulbright scholarship to study in the US. He formed his own theater group Unity Theater in New Delhi performing stage plays by English-language masters including William Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams.

He was married to and had three children with Madhur Jaffrey, the actress and celebrity cook, before divorcing in 1965. He was the first Indian actor to receive the British civilian medal, the Order of the British Empire, for his contributions to drama.

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