Story highlights Celebrated Bollywood star and politician Vinod Khanna has died aged 70

The actor's career spanned four decades and over 100 films

(CNN) Veteran Indian actor Vinod Khanna has died at the age of 70, according to a hospital statement.

Khanna died of advanced bladder cancer on Thursday morning, said Tushar Pania, from the HN Reliance Foundation and Research Centre in Mumbai.

Dubbed Bollywood's "original heartthrob," Khanna had reportedly been battling cancer for several years.

Last month, he was hospitalized in Mumbai due to severe dehydration and bladder cancer, according to a report in the Hindustan Times. A photograph of him in a hospital gown looking very frail went viral on social media.

Sad to learn about the passing away of #VinodKhanna Sir,one of the most charismatic actors...truly end of an era.Condolences to the family🙏🏻 — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 27, 2017

Tributes to the actor poured in on social media, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paying his respects.

Will always remember Vinod Khanna as a popular actor, dedicated leader & a wonderful human. Pained by his demise. My condolences. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 27, 2017

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