Actor-director Neeraj Vora passes away after months in coma
Bollywood actor-director Neeraj Vora, seen in movies like 'Rangeela', 'Virasat' and 'Satya', passed away today. He was 54. He had been in coma since he suffered a heart attack last year. He had been staying at a makeshift ICU in producer Firoz Nadiadwala's Mumbai home. After his condition deteriorated yesterday, he was rushed to hospital, but he didn't survive.
Several hits under his belt as actor and director
Vora's work as a writer included Shah Rukh Khan-starrer TV show 'Circus', the first 'Hera Pheri' and Rohit Shetty's 'Golmaal'. As an actor, he debuted with 'Holi'. Following that, he was seen in 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman', 'Akele Hum Akele Tum', 'Mann', 'Pukar' and more. He last appeared in 'Welcome Back' (2015). When he suffered the stroke, the 'Phir Hera Pheri' director was working on its third instalment.
Firoz Nadiadwala mourns his "brother and friend's" death
Firoz Nadiadwala mourned the loss of his "brother and friend". When he suffered the stroke, Nadiadwala said he couldn't "leave him to die". In his house, he decorated Vora's room with pictures of his life. Veena music and recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa was arranged. He was given attendants, medical experts and cooks. He was "slowly recovering", but his condition deteriorated suddenly, Nadiadwala said.
Tributes pour in from industry leaders
Tributes poured in on social media. "An energetic and creative personality, he will be remembered for his films and warm nature," said PM Narendra Modi. Akshay Kumar mourned the loss of "one of the main reasons behind my foray into comedy". "The man who spread smiles, Neeraj Vora, has passed away," posted film critic Taran Adarsh. "Shocked & saddened!" said Tusshar Kapoor.
