Russia's famed theater director Yuri Lyubimov dies

Yuri Lyubimov, one of the leading names in Russian theater world, passed away Sunday at the age of 97.

Lyubimov, who founded the famous Taganka Theater, was rushed to Moscow-based Botkin hospital Thursday after he suffered cardiac problem, Xinhua reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Lyubimov, saying the artist's role in the development of Russia's modern theater cannot be overestimated.