Veteran Gujarati actor Naresh Kanodia dies at 77, PM Modi pays tribute

Veteran Gujarati film star-turned-politician Naresh Kadia died at a city-based hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for coronavirus, on Tuesday, a hospital official said.

77-year-old died at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre at around 9.17 am, resident medical officer Kaushik Barot said.

Kadia, who was mitted to hospital on October 20 after testing positive for coronavirus, was in a critical condition and h undergone a bypass surgery, official said. His death comes two days after his elder bror and Gujarati singer Mahesh Kadia died at his residence in Gandhinagar after prolonged illness.

A superstar of Gujarati cinema, Kadia h worked in over 100 films in his career spanning several deces. He later joined politics and was elected as a BJP MLA from Karjan constituency between 2002 and 2007.

Kadia brors were popular Gujarati film personalities and performed toger in a number of st shows in India and abro.

Born on August 20, 1943 at Kada vill near Mehsana, Naresh Kadia started his film career in 1970 and went on to act in over 100 films, several of which were highly successful. Condolences poured in from all quarters following veteran actor's demise.

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Sdened by death of veteran actor and former MLA Naresh Kadia. His contribution to field of entertainment and social service will always be remembered. Condolences to family members and fans." "In a span of two days, we have lost both Maheshbhai and Nareshbhai Kadia. ir contributions to world of culture, especially popularising Gujarati songs, music and atre will never be forgotten. y also worked hard to serve society and empower downtrodden," Modi said in ar tweet.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tweeted, "I am sdened by s demise of Gujarati film superstar and BJP leer Nareshbhai Kadia. Gujarat will always feel loss of an evergreen actor who won hearts of Gujaratis by popularising Gujarati films through his leing performances.

His invaluable contribution in social and art fields will inspire new generation," he said. Kadia's son Hitu Kadia is a BJP MLA from Idar constituency. PTI KA PD ARU ARU

(Photo Credit: Twitter/narendramodi)