Daughter refutes actor Vikram Gokhale's death news, shares he's critical

Mumbai, Nov 24: Veteran TV and film actor Vikram Gokhale's family on Thursday dismissed rumours of his death that emerged on the internet late Wednesday night. Gokhale's daughter confirmed to the news agency ANI that the actor was on life support.

"Vikram Gokhale is still critical and on life support, he has not passed away yet. Keep praying for him," ANI quoted her as saying.

The ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' actor has ''multi organ failure'', his wife Vrishali Gokhale said in a statement.

''Vikram Gokhale is critical since last 24 hours. Doctors are trying their best. He is not responding to the treatment as expected'' said Vrishali said on Thursday morning. Dismissing reports of his death on Wednesday night, the acclaimed actor's daughter Neha Gokhale told PTI that her father is ''on life support and has not passed yet. Keep praying''.

A hospital official added that Gokhale was on ventilator support and doctors were trying their best.

Speaking to media, Rajesh Damle, a family friend of the veteran actor said,''Seasoned actor Vikram Gokhale's condition is very critical. He is fighting since the last 24 hours. He has suffered multiple organ failure. Doctors are trying their level best.''

PRO Shirish Yadgikar, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital as quoted by ANI said,''A meeting between Vikram Gokhale's family & doctors took place this morning at 10am. The actor is very much alive but critical & on the ventilator. News of his demise is wrong.''

Gokhale had been admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Pune after his health deteriorated earlier on Wednesday. His condition was critical. The 82-year-old actor was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for the last few days.

Gokhale made his directorial debut in 2010, with the Marathi film 'Aaghaat'. Produced by Sprint Arts Creation and executive producer Rajesh Damble, the film is based on a story written by Dr. Nitin Lavangare. The cast of the film includes actors Mukta Barve and Dr. Amol Kolhe and was shot in Pune.

Gokhale was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2011 for his acting in theatre, given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.

In 2013, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor category for his Marathi film 'Anumati'.

In February 2016, due to a throat ailment, Gokhale retired from stage activities, though he continued film work.