'Not passed yet': Bollywood actor Vikram Gokhale's daughter, doctor dismiss rumours of his demise

Veteran Bollywood actor Vikram Gokhale's health condition is still critical and is on a life support system.

Dr Dhananjay Kelkar — from the Deenanth Mangeshkar Hospital where he is presently undergoing treatment — denied the rumours of the actor's death.

"Not true," he said.

Vikram Gokhale's daughter Neha also confirmed this, and told ANI:

"He is still critical and on life support and has not passed yet. Keep praying for him."

However, the actor is suffering from "multiple organ failure", explained his wife, Vrishali Gokhale.

"Mr Vikram Gokhale is critical since last 24 hours. Doctors are trying their best. He is not responding to the treatment as expected," she said.

"Doctors are making all efforts, but there are several complications. We will update you about further medical updates," Rajesh Damle, a family friend, told reporters.

"I appeal to all the people not to believe or spread any rumours about his health."

In the early hours of Thursday, news of the veteran actor's demise surfaced on social media, following which several Bollywood celebrities like Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Aly Goni, and Jaaved Jaafery, among others, took to Twitter to express condolences.

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Taking to Twitter, actor Ajay Devgn had written:

"Vikram Gokhale Sir brought a lot of gravitas to the roles he essayed. He always stood tall. I had the good fortune of sharing screen time with him. His passing away is very sad. I pray his soul finds eternal peace. RIP Vikram Sir. Condolences to his family. Shanti."

Taran Adarsh tweeted: "Saddened to hear about the demise of veteran actor #VikramGokhale ji... Heartfelt condolences to his family... Om Shanti."

The actor made his film debut in 1971 at the age of 26, in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Parwana. With a career spanning over 40 years, Gokhale has appeared in various Marathi and Bollywood films, including Agneepath (1990) starring Amitabh Bachchan, and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), starring Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

In 2010, Gokhale received the National Award for Best Actor for his work in the Marathi film Anumati. With the Marathi film Aaghaat, he also made his directorial debut.

Other notable work by the actor includes Mission Mangal, Hichki, Aiyaari, Bang Bang!, De Dana Dan, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

He was last seen in a Marathi film named Godavari.

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