Indian actor Jagdish Raj, who was best known for playing a police detective in some 144 Bollywood films, has died in Mumbai aged 85.

His son-in-law Rakesh Malhotra told The Times of India he had been "in and out of hospital for the past two years" and died following a respiratory arrest.

Raj held the Guinness World Record for being the "most typecast actor in the movies" during his 21-year career.



He starred in films such as Don, Shakti and Mazdoor before he retired in 1992.

As well as his many appearances as a policeman, he also played a judge on two occasions and a doctor in 1985 film Salma.

Celebrities in Mumbai have paid tribute to the actor.

"Shri Jagdish Raj, the official Police Inspector of the Indian film industry, passed away. RIP," director Rahul Rawail wrote on Twitter.

Filmmaker Ashok Pandit said: "Sad to know Jagdish Raj is no more. The industry lost its great police officer."

Actress Saumya Tandon tweeted: "RIP Jagdish Raj, the quintessential police officer for generations in Indian films. Your works will live on."

Raj is survived by his daughters Roopa Mahotra and Anita Raj, who is also a prolific Bollywood actress.

bbc.com