'Multifaceted' Jaffrey would be remembered for his flair and versatility: PM

Expressing grief over the demise of veteran actor Saeed Jaffrey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the multifaceted actor would be remembered for his flair and versatility.

"Saeed Jaffrey was a multifaceted actor whose flair & versatility will always be remembered. Deepest condolences on his passing away," the Prime Minister tweeted on PMO's official twitter handle.

The 86-year-old actor's niece Shaheen Aggarwal confirmed the news of his death through a Facebook post.

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"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," Shaheen posted.

Jaffrey was known for his roles in acclaimed movies such as Sai Paranjpye's 'Chashme Baddoor' and Satyajit Ray's 'Shatranj ke Khiladi', for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He also made appearances in several international movies including 'Gandhi' and 'A Passage To India'. He played the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Richard Attenboroug's epic film 'Gandhi', which won eight Academy Awards.

He also appeared in prominent TV shows such as Tandoori Nights, The Far Pavilions and The Jewel in the Crown.

Jaffery was born on January 8, 1929, in Malerkotla, Punjab in a Punjabi Muslim family. He studied at Aligarh Muslim University, the Wynberg Allen School and Allahabad University. He also went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.