Action director and Ajay Devgn's father Veeru Devgan dies, Bollywood mourns

Veeru Devgan, the popular action director behind films such as "Roti Kapda Aur Makaan" and "Mr Natwarlal" and the father of actor Ajay Devgn, passed away here Monday morning. He was 77. The cause of death is immediately not known but family sources said Veeru had not been keeping well for some time.

His funeral was held at Vile Parle West Crematorium at 6 pm. Ajay's colleagues from Bollywood, including superstars Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, have all condoled the industry veteran's death.

Akshay took to Twitter to express grief over the action director's death. "Extremely sad to hear about the demise of #VeeruDevgan, one of the finest action directors of our industry. My heartfelt condolences to @ajaydevgn and family," he posted.

Aamir said he had the honour of working with Veeru Devgn, whom he called "one of the best in his field". "I'm very sad to hear about Veeruji passing away. I had the pleasure & privilege of working with Veeruji. He was an amazing person to work with, extremely professional & one of the best in his field. My heartfelt condolences to Ajay & everyone in the family. Love and respect," the actor wrote.

Mahesh Bhatt shared a throwback photo of the father and son duo on Twitter. "#VeeruDevgan & I began our career together in the 70’s. 'Make Ajay a great actor.' I remember him telling me after Ajay's debut film became a big hit. Ajay & I finally worked together in 'Zakhm' which won him his 1st (best actor) national award. Adieu Partner @ajaydevgn," he captioned the photo.

Actor Sanjay Dutt said he is "deeply saddened" by Veeru's demise. "He was a gem of a person and extremely gifted. So grateful that I had a chance to work with him on multiple films. My heartfelt condolences to @ajaydevgn and the entire Devgan family," he said.

Shahid Kapoor wrote, "Deepest condolences to @ajaydevgn sir and the entire family. Prayers and love." Veteran actor Paresh Rawal also posted his condolences on Twitter.

"#VeeruDevgn ji. Most caring and affable personality. Best in his field. Aum Shanti," he tweeted. Filmmaker duo Abbas Mastan wrote, "Our heartfelt condolences to @ajaydevgn @KajolAtUN and the entire family on the sad demise of #VeeruDevgan ji... May his soul rest in peace."

Veeru, who hailed from Amritsar, ran away from his home to try his luck in films. He initially wanted to become an actor but became a stuntman and later an action choreographer, the veteran stunt director had recalled in several interviews. He, however, fulfilled his dream of breaking it big in Bollywood through son Ajay, considered one of the most successful and versatile actors of his generation.

Veeru worked in more than 80 Bollywood films and did stunt work for major heroes such as Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra among others. One of Veeru's most famous action scenes is son Ajay's first appearance on the silver screen -- balancing on two bikes in his introduction in his 1991 debut film "Phool Aur Kaante".

Veeru also turned director with "Hindustan Ki Kasam" in 1999.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)