Prez gives Rs one lakh to ailing veteran actor A K Hangal

President Pratibha Patil has given Rs one lakh to ailing actor A K Hangal who is facing severe financial crunch to foot his medical bills.

President Pratibha Patil has given Rs one lakh to ailing actor A K Hangal who is facing severe financial crunch to foot his medical bills.

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The cheque was sent to the 95-year-old actor, living with his photographer-son Vijay and other family members in Mumbai, from the President's discretionary grant.

According to family sources, Hangal is suffering from serious old-age problems and requires at least Rs 15,000 per month to meet expenses for his treatment.

Hangal has appeared is several memorable roles in over 125 films. The actor was born in Sialkot, now in Pakistan, in 1917. After migrating from Pakistan to Mumbai, he was involved with the theatre group IPTA along with Balraj Sahni and Kaifi Azmi.

Hangal started his Hindi film career at the age of 50 with Basu Bhattacharya's Teesri Kasam in 1966 and went on to play character roles in over 125 films including Sholay and Guddi.

"My father is overwhelmed and touched by your gesture...I am personally so much touched by your humble gesture that I have no words to express my feelings. I thank you once again from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for us," Vijay said in a letter to the President.