Veteran Indian-born British actor Saeed Jaffrey died on Sunday, a close relative said.

He was 86, according to his niece Shaheen Aggarwal, who shared the news on her Facebook page.

"Today, a generation of Jaffreys has passed away. Saeed Jaffrey has joined his brothers and sister and is rejoining in the lap of his Heavenly Father, enternally," Aggarwal's post said.

Saeed is renowned for his roles in movies like "Gandhi" (1982), "Shatranj Ke Khilari" (1977), "Henna" (1991), "Masoom" (1983) and "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" (1985).

He was married to co-actress and travel writer Mehrunima (Madhur Jaffrey), but they parted ways in 1965. Together they have three daughters Meera, Zia and Sakina - who is also an actress.

Among many honours and awards, Saeed was conferred with the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to theatre, the first Indian to be so honoured.





