'Peepli Live' actor Sitaram Panchal passes away

Bollywood actor Sitaram Panchal passed away early morning today after battling kidney and lung cancer. He was 54.

The actor, who made his Bollywood debut in 1994 with "Bandit Queen" and went on to feature in critically-acclaimed films such as, "Peepli Live", "Slumdog Millionaire", "Paan Singh Tomar" and "Jolly LLB 2", died at his residence here, family sources confirmed.

"He died today morning. He was suffering from cancer and was unwell. He wasn't keeping well in the last few months," family sources said.

The actor had celebrated his 26th wedding anniversary with his son Rishabh Panchal and wife Uma Panchal on Wednesday.

Panchal's son had posted a picture with the actor and wished his parents-- "Happy 26th anniversary mom and dad."

Last month, Panchal had even put up a post on social media seeking financial help for his cancer treatment.

"Brothers, please help me, I have cancer, your artiste, Sitaram Panchal," he had written.

Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) then came forward to help the actor.

"We assure him of all the help we can provide to him in his hour of need and also urge all of you to open your hearts," it wrote at the time.

He was discharged from the hospital last month.