He did not make it big, but he was a gentleman: Arun Govil

Mumbai, Feb 2 (UNI) An alumni of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Vijay Arora is regarded as a nice human being and a gentleman by contemporaries and colleagues alike and his death, they say, is a ''personal loss''.

Vijay Arora alias Meghnath (after his popular role in Ramayan) passed away in his sleep last night.

He worked in films like 'Sannata' (1981), 'Teri Maang Sitaron Se Bhar Doo' (1982), 'Jeevan Jyothi' (1976), '36 Ghaante' (1974), 'Phagun' (1973) and 'Yaadon Ki Baarat' (1973) to name a few.

Arora played guest roles in huge hits like Rajesh Khanna-Mumtaz starrer 'Roti', Southern belle Jaya Prada's Hindi debut film 'Sargam' with Rishi Kapoor, and superstar Madhuri Dixit starrer '100 Days' where he played a doctor .

He acted in over 100 films and television serials, including the immensely popular 'Vikram aur Betaal', 'Lakeerien' and 'Talaash'.

He made an award-winning serial like 'Ek Tara Bole'.

He had his own production house which makes corporate and ad films.

Prem Sagar, of Ramanand Sagar Productions, who produced 'Ramayan' said, ''Vijay Arora's death is the loss of a family member. As far as the Sagar family is concerned, he was one among us. Of the most memorable roles that he played was of the character 'Meghnath' - Ravan's son. Ravan did not do anything himself. It was through Meghnath. All his performances are on one side and the role of Meghnath is on one side. His performance was that powerful. If Ram looked like God, Ram looked ''maryada purshottam'' it was due to Meghnath. It is a big loss.'' Arora's co-star from 'Ramayan', Arun Govil ( who played Ram in the serial) told UNI, ''It is definately a very sad news. He did a very good job not only in 'Ramayan' but in other films as well. He came to the film industry as a hero, but was not very successful. It was a matter of luck that he did not make it. Even then, he was a fine gentleman to work with.'' UNI LS KU SHB VV2133