Chandigarh: Veteran Punjabi film actor Mehar Mittal, who was best known for his comic roles, today passed away at a hospital in Mount Abu in Rajasthan. He was 82.

Mittal, whose wife died in 2004, is survived by his four daughters.

"He was not well for past sometime and he slipped into coma three-four days back. He died at a local hospital in Mount Abu," said Mittal's maternal grandson Sanjeev Gupta, who lives in Chandigarh.

Mittal had been living in Mount Abu for the past 3-4 years.

Born in village Chughe Khurd in Bathinda on September 20, 1934, Mittal had a celebrated three-decade long career in Punjabi films.

His popularity during his career was such that almost every Punjabi movie featured him.

After completing his LLB from Panjab University in 1964, he practiced as tax advocate. He acted in plays before moving into Punjabi movies.

He was awarded with Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award and Punjabi Sahit Award.

Mittal had worked in more than 100 movies. Prominent among them were "Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun", "Putt Jattan De", "Babul Da Vehra", "Bhulekha", "Long Da Lishkara", "Peengan Pyar Deeyan" and "Jeeja Sali".

In Priti Sapru's "Qurbani Jatt Di" (1990) he was seen alongside Dharamendra and Gurdas Mann. He produced two films-- "Ambe Maa Jagdambe Maa" (1980) and "Walayati Babu" in 1981.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh today expressed grief and sorrow over the
demise of legendary Punjabi comedian Mehar Mittal.

In a condolence message, Badal recalled the superb performance of Punjabi comedian film icon, who ruled over the hearts of millions of Punjabis for over past three decades.

With Mittal's death, a void has been created in Punjabi culture and film industry, which was difficult to be filled, Badal said.

Amarinder described his demise as a major loss not only for the bereaved family but also the Punjabi entertainment industry.

He said that Mittal's contribution to the Punjabi film industry was immense.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Captain Amarinder said in a statement here, "I pray for peace for the departed soul."

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party expressed grief over the  demise of renowned comedian and Punjabi film actor, Mehar Mittal and described it a big loss to the nation.
 
In a press statement, AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich said that Mehar Mittal ji was an asset for the Punjabi theatre and his demise is a great loss to the art world.

Waraich said that as an actor he learned a lot from Mittal and his work will continue to motivate coming generations to learn theater.