Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, August 10
Film and theatre actor Sitaram Panchal died at his Mumbai residence today.
He was battling kidney and liver cancer for the last almost four years and his health deteriorated in the past few months.
The 54-year-old actor belonged to Narwana in Jind district. He was an alumnus of the National School of Drama.
The actor celebrated his 26th marriage anniversary yesterday and posted pictures of celebrations on his Facebook page.
His father Shri Ram Panchal was a tea vendor in Narwana. After completing school studies in Narwana, Panchal got admission at University College here. It was during his stay in Kurukshetra that the actor got engaged in theatre.
He started his Hindi film career with acclaimed Bandit Queen in 1996.
He worked in Peepli Live, Pan Singh Tomar, The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Slumdog Millionaire.
He was honoured with a lifetime achievement award during the Haryana International Film Festival organised here in April.
Unable to foot medical bills, the actor and his colleagues in the film and theatre industry had started an online campaign for funds.
The Haryana Government had also recently granted Rs 5 lakh to the actor.