Veteran actor Chandrashekhar, known best among fans for playing the role of Arya Sumant on the popular TV serial Ramayan, passed away on Wednesday due to age-related ailments. He was 98. Having also featured in films and most notably in Cha Cha Cha and Surang, the legendary actor died around 7 am at his residence, his son and producer Ashok Shekhar confirmed to PTI. Shekhar said, "He passed away in his sleep in the presence of family... the way he wanted. He had no health issues, it was just his age. He lived a good life." 

The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association’s Twitter page (CINTAA) too paid its condolences to Chandrashekhar, while informing that his last rites will be performed later today at the Pawan Hans Crematorium, Juhu at 4PM. The actor had served as the President of the association from 1985 to 1996. He is survived by three children. 

Born in Hyderabad, Chandrashekhar began his journey in the film industry as a junior artiste in the early 1950s and went on to land his first major starring role as the lead with V Shantaram's Surang in 1954. He then starred in films like Kavi, Mastana, Basant Bahaar, Kaali Topi Laal Rumaal, and Barsaat Ki Raat to name a notable few. He made his debut as a producer and director in 1964 with Cha Cha Cha, which also featured veteran actress Helen in her first leading role. Chandrashekhar then made a shift to television in 1987 when he starred as Arya Sumant, King Dasharatha's Prime Minister on the Doordarshan mythological show Ramayan, under Ramanand Sagar's direction. 

Having appeared in more than 250 films till the early 1990s, Chandrashekhar also assisted legendary writer-director Gulzar from 1972-1976 on films like Parichay, Koshish, Achanak, Aandhi, Khushboo and Mausam.