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Veteran Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey, who is known for his critically acclaimed performance in Shatranuj Ke Khiladi, passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday, his niece announced on Facebook.

Her post confirmed the demise of the actor who is often dubbed a screen legend: "Today, a generation of Jaffreys has passed away. Saeed Jaffrey has joined his brothers and sister and is rejoicing in the lap of his Heavenly Father, eternally."

The actor had also been part of international ventures like Gandhi and A Passage to India and had worked with acclaimed actors Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Pierce Brosnan.

He also appeared on foreign TV shows Tandoori Nights, The Far Pavilions and The Jewel In The Crown.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences on Twitter as the social media saw fans and celebrities alike remembered the great actor:

Born in Malerkotla, Punjab, Jaffrey studied at Aligarh Muslim University, the Wynberg Allen School and Allahabad University. He also attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art or RADA in London and was the first Indian actor to receive an Order of the British Empire or OBE.