A K Hangal: Life in pics

A tailor by profession, Avtar Kishen Hangal was an active participant during the freedom struggle, moving to Mumbai soon after the Partition. He then joined the Indian People Theater Association along with Balraj Sahani and Kaifi Azmi. (Pic courtesy: bollywoodactorswallpaer.blogspot.in)

His entry into movies was rather late. As a 50-year-old, Mr Hangal was introduced to Hindi films in Basu Bhattacharya's Teesri Kasam and Shagird in 1966. (AFP)

Through the 60s to the 80s, AK Hangal was seen in hits such as Sholay, Aandhi, Kora Kagaz, Bawarchi and Guddi playing father or uncle to the leading actor's man, and portraying either a man of principles or the quintessential meek and opressed man.

He was part of most films starring the late superstar Rajesh Khanna - from Aap Ki Kasam to Thodisi Bewafai. (AFP)

The 1982 comedy Shaukeen, directed by Basu Bhattacharya, was one of his best films.

Mr Hangal was last seen on the silver screen in Amol Palekar's Paheli in 2005. The actor's last appearance was in the TV serial Madhubala a few months ago, but despite a career spanning five decades and over 200 films to his credit AK Hangal's twilight years were spent in financial penury. He was unable to make ends meet including his medical expenses. (AFP)

Mr Hangal's critical condition came as a shock to the industry who stood up in support for a man who had devoted his life to the studios.