Veteran Bollywood actor-comedian Kader Khan died after a prolonged illness at a hospital in Toronto in Canada, a family member confirmed on Tuesday.

“My dad has left us. He passed away on December 31 at 6 pm as per Canadian time due to prolonged illness. He slipped into coma in the afternoon. He was in the hospital for 16-17 weeks. The last rites will be performed here in Canada only. We have our entire family here and we live here so we are doing it,” Khan's son Sarfaraz told PTI.

Earlier, speculations about his death had been circulating since last few days, however, his son had denied the rumors.  According to reports, the 81-year-old was suffering from breathing issues and had been put on BiPAP ventilator in a hospital in Canada.

He was one of the most versatile actors of Bollywood film industry. He acted in more than 300 films and also wrote dialogues for over 250 movies.