Film and television artiste Ajit Vachhani died at a private hospital in Mumbai on Monday, following a prolonged illness. He was 52.

Family members refused to elaborate on the nature of his illness.

He had acted in over 50 Hindi films, three Sindhi movies and Gujarati and Marathi dramas.

He was a regular with Sooraj R Barjatya and acted in the director's first three films, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! and Hum Saath-Saath Hai. He had also acted in Mr India, Aankhen, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.

Vachhani was a known face on Indian television. His last serial, Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka, ran for 1,000 episodes in Gujarati, Hindi and Marathi.

Vachhani took keen interest in stage plays while at school. He entered the film industry 27 years ago and made a name for himself as a character artiste.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.