Haryana-born ''Peepli Live'' actor Sitaram Panchal passes away

Tribune News Service

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Kurukshetra, August 10

Noted film and theatre actor Sitaram Panchal, who appeared in 'Peepli Live' among other movies, died at his Mumbai residence this morning. He was 54.

He was battling kidney and liver cancer for the last four years and his health deteriorated in the past few months. 

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He belonged to Narwana in Jind district. and was an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. 

The actor celebrated his 26 marriage anniversary yesterday and had posted celebratory pictures on his Facebook page.

His father Shri Ram Panchal was a tea vendor in Narwana.

After completing his schooling in Narwana, Panchal got admission at University College here. It was during his stay in Kurukshetra that the late actor got involved with theatre.

Panchal started his Hindi film career with acclaimed the 'Bandit Queen' in 1996.

During his lifetime, Panchal worked in films like '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 this year.

Unable to foot his medical bills, the actor and his colleagues in the film industry had started an online campaign to generate funds.

The Haryana Government had also recently granted a sum of Rs five lakh to the actor.