In some unfortunate news today, veteran actor Chandrashekhar, famously known for his stint as Arya Sumanta in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana, passed away today at the age of 98.

The Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA) confirmed the news and shared that his last rites will be performed at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu at 4 PM today.

The veteran actor’s son, Ashok Shekar, also took to his social media to inform everyone about his father’s demise. Sharing a picture of his father from his younger days, he wrote that he died in his sleep at the age of 98, due to old age issues.

Here is the post he shared:

Chandrashekar Ji, who hailed from Hyderabad, started off as a junior artiste in the industry before he made his film debut in a lead role with the film, Surang in 1953. He then went on to do films like Mastana, Basant Bahaar, Barsaat Ki Raat, Kati Patang, Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal, and many more films. The last film he acted in was Khauff in 2000. In 1964, he made his production and directorial debut with Cha Cha Cha, which is also actress Helen‘s debut film in a lead role.

Chandrashekar Ji was also actor Shakti Arora‘s maternal grandfather. Shakti, who is known for his roles in shows like Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka among other shows, had shared a picture with his grandfather a few years ago on his social media.

Here is his post:

Here’s praying Chandrashekhar Ji’s soul rests in peace.