MUMBAI: Multi-talented artist Neeraj Vora, best known for writing and starring in cult hits such as “Rangeela”, “Satya”, “Phir Hera Pheri” and “Daud”, passed away today after being in coma for over a year. He was 54.
Vora died in a hospital early this morning, sources close to the actor said.
Vora, who worked with top stars such as the three Khans — Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh — and Akshay Kumar on many films, had been staying at producer Firoz Nadiadwala’s house since October 2016 after slipping into coma due to a heart-attack followed by a brain stroke.
Nadiadwala had brought him to his home and converted a room into a make-shift Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
When his health deteriorated, Vora was taken to the hospital last night where he passed away in the morning.
His last rites were performed at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in the presence of Bollywood personalities such as Rohit Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan and Ashutosh Gowarikar.
As a writer, Vora began working in late 80’s on TV shows, including superstar Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Circus”, while his first professional acting assignment was filmmaker Ketan Mehta’s “Holi”, which also starred Aamir Khan and was shot as part of a student project.
He went on to star in films like “Rangeela”, for which he also wrote the dialogues, “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman”, “Akele Hum Akele Tum”, “Daud”, “Virasat”, “Mann” and “Company”.
His last film as an actor was Anil Kapoor-starrer “Welcome Back” in 2015.
Vora also wrote the first part of the “Hera Pheri” series (2000), “Golmaal” (2006) and “Daud” (1997). His directing credits included films such as “Khiladi 420” and “Phir Hera Pheri”.
Before slipping into coma, Vora was working on the third installment of the “Hera Pheri” franchise. (AGENCIES)
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