New Delhi, Jun 5 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condoled the death of veteran actor, comedian and Padma Shri Dinyar Contractor.

Contractor died on early Wednesday morning. He was 79.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Mr Modi said,'Padma Shri Dinyar Contractor was special because he spread lots of happiness. His versatile acting brought smiles on several faces. Be it theatre, television or films, he excelled across all mediums. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and admirers.'

Textiles and Women & Child Development Minister Smriti Z Irani tweeted, 'He brought bursts of laughter with him wherever he went, he lit up the screen and our lives with his wit & charm. We will miss your presence Dinyar bhai. Rest in Peace Padma Shri Dinyar Contractor - theatre legend, actor par excellence'.

The funeral will be held at Worli prayer hall in Mumbai at 1530 hrs.

Contractor was honoured with the Padma Shri in January 2019.

The actor had been suffering from various age-related illnesses.

Contractor was a stage actor, comedian and Bollywood/Tollywood actor. He acted in Gujarati theatre and Hindi theatre, as well as Hindi movies.

He started acting at school and began his professional career in 1966. He started working on television programs with Adi Marzban when Mumbai Doordarshan launched the DD-2 channel in Mumbai with 'Aao Marvao Meri Saathe', a Gujarati programme.

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