NEW DELHI, April 27 (Xinhua) — India's veteran Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna died of cancer at a private hospital in Mumbai at the age of 70 on Thursday.

Khanna, also an active politician of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, had been suffering from the deadly disease and was admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai earlier this month after his illness became more serious.

"Khanna, who was admitted to the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital breathed his last at 11.20 a.m. due to advanced bladder carcinoma," the hospital said in a statement.

Interestingly his family told the media earlier this month that Khanna was hospitalised for severe dehydration. "The situation was quickly brought under control, he's doing much better and the doctors are looking to discharge him soon," his son Rahul had said.

Khanna, who was known for his macho image on screen and often seen as a counterfoil to the "angry young man" of Bollywood played by Amitabh Bachchan, acted in over 100 films, including blockbusters like "Amar Akbar Anthony" and "Chandni."

He began his career in 1968 film "Mann Ka Meet" and soon became a household name in India, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s when he played the starring role in a number of Bollywood hits.

Khanna was also elected to the Indian Parliament on BJP ticket from the northern state of Punjab four times and twice served in the Cabinet - once as tourism minister and once as junior foreign minister.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and top Bollywood actors, including his one-time co-star Rishi Kapoor, and filmmakers took to social media to pay their tributes to Khanna and express their grief over his passing away.

"Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Shri Vinod Khanna, a highly talented and acclaimed actor & MP," President Mukherjee tweeted.

Rishi Kapoor wrote on Twitter: "Will miss you, Amar." Amar was Khanna's on screen name in the movie "Amar Akbar Anthony."

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt told the media "I am poorer today with his passing away. He was one giant who touched my heart deeply. He trusted me when I was in my struggling years. We had adventures together. We went to the spiritual enlightenment."

Khanna is survived by his two sons, Rahul and Akshaye, his first wife Geetanjali and second wife Kavita.