One of the most accomplished actors of his time, Jaffrey was the first Indian to take Shakespearean plays on a tour to the US.
Veteran actor Saeed Jaffrey, who gave sterling performances in over 100 Bollywood movies including classics like Shatranj Ke Khilari, Masoom and Chashme Buddoor besides leaving his mark in Hollywood and British films, died here due to age-related ailments. He was 86.
In a career spanning over five decades, Jaffrey, who also acted in over 100 international movies, TV shows and theatre, "passed away at his home in London peacefully on Saturday," a family friend told PTI. The news about the India-born British actor's death was first shared by his niece Shaheen Agarwal on Facebook.
"Today, a generation of Jaffreys has passed away. Saeed Jaffrey has joined his brothers and sister and is rejoicing in the lap of his Heavenly Father, eternally," she posted.
"The entire Jaffrey Family bids you, 'adieu', you beautiful, beautiful man."
Jaffrey had three daughters Zia, Meera and Sakina (also an actress) from his ex-wife Madhur, an actress and celebrity cook. They divorced in 1965. His second marriage was to casting agent Jennifer Sorrell in 1980.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Jaffrey as a "multifaceted actor". "Saeed Jaffrey was a multifaceted actor whose flair & versatility will always be remembered. Deepest condolences on his passing away," he tweeted.
Director Shekhar Kapur, who worked with the noted actor in his directorial debut Masoom, remembered Jaffrey as a kind man. "Goodbye dear Saeed. Started my career with you in Masoom. Can't forget your kindness and enthusiasm for your art and others," he tweeted.
Born in Maler Kotla, Punjab in 1929, Jaffrey began his career as a theatre artiste. He later set up Unity theatre in Delhi while working at the All India Radio. He went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London from where he went to the US on a Fulbright scholarship. He took a second post-graduate degree in drama from The Catholic University of America.
One of the most accomplished actors of his time, Jaffrey was the first Indian to take Shakespearean plays on a tour to the US.
His popular Hindi films are Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khiladi opposite Sanjeev Kumar, Chashme Buddoor, Masoom, Kissi Se Na Kehna, Mandi, Mashaal, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Ram Lakhan, Ajooba and Henna.
Jaffrey's international career saw him working with Sean Connery, Michael Caine, James Ivory, Richard Attenborough, John Huston, Stephen Frears, David Lean and Daniel Day-Lewis. His noted international projects are Gandhi (where he played the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel), The Man Who Would Be King, Death on the Nile, Sphinx, The Jewel in the Crown, A Passage to India, My Beautiful Laundrette, The Deceivers, After Midnight, On Wings of Fire and Chicken Tikka Masala.
Jaffrey received a BAFTA nomination for My Beautiful Laundrette. He was a regular on the British small screen as well by acting in Gangsters, Tandoori Nights, The Jewel in the Crown, Common as Muck, and Coronation Street.
The actor is also the first Indian to receive the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to drama.
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