Prez gives Rs one lakh to ailing veteran actor A K Hangal

New Delhi, Feb 17 (PTI) President Pratibha Patil hasgiven Rs one lakh to ailing actor A K Hangal who is facingsevere financial crunch to foot his medical bills.

The cheque was sent to the 95-year-old actor, living withhis photographer-son Vijay and other family members in Mumbai,from the President''s discretionary grant.

According to family sources, Hangal is suffering fromserious old-age problems and requires at least Rs 15,000 permonth to meet expenses for his treatment.

Hangal has appeared is several memorable roles in over125 films. The actor was born in Sialkot, now in Pakistan, in1917. After migrating from Pakistan to Mumbai, he was involvedwith the theatre group IPTA along with Balraj Sahni and KaifiAzmi.

Hangal started his Hindi film career at the age of 50with Basu Bhattacharya''s ''Teesri Kasam'' in 1966 and went on toplay character roles in over 125 films including ''Sholay'' and''Guddi''.

"My father is overwhelmed and touched by your gesture...Iam personally so much touched by your humble gesture that Ihave no words to express my feelings. I thank you once againfrom the bottom of my heart for all that you have done forus," Vijay said in a letter to the President.