FEROZ KHANBollywood paid tribute to the life and career of actor, director and producer Feroz Khan when he died aged 69 following a year-long battle with cancer.He appeared in more than 50 films and was dubbed "the Clint Eastwood of the East" because of his maverick red-blooded roles and on-screen swagger.He was known for his intense romantic roles and unique action sequences and as an actor was noted for his flamboyance.Feroz Khan made his Bollywood debut as co-star in Didi in 1960 and his acting resulted in starring roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s.Qurbani (1980), where Khan's character is a stunt motorcyclist who has become a daring thief, was the biggest hit of his career, introducing foreign locations to Bollywood that are now the norm.Other popular movies including Dharmatma (A Virtuous Soul) - inspired by the Hollywood film, The Godfather - Jaanbaaz (Brave Heart), starring a young Anil Kapoor, who went on to feature in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, and Dayavan (Kind-Hearted).His brother Sanjay, also an actor, said: "He was a lion. He was a wonderful, passionate man. His contribution to the film industry is immense. It's a deep loss to the family. I can say that there was a lion who used to roar but today he is no more."Feroz Khan was born to a father with Afghan roots and a mother of Iranian origin. From his early years he would watch Hollywood matinee idols on the silver screen and dress like his heroes in childhood games.He married Sundari in 1965, and had two children with her before their divorce after 20 years.Away from the movies, he was a racing buff and owned several horses.He died on April 26 at his home in southern Bangalore state.
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