Mumbai: Actor Javed Khan, whose repertoire spanned a lion’s share of comedy and a side serving of character roles, passed away after a prolonged illness ending in lung failure on Tuesday. He was 75. A native of Amroha, UP, Khan was an FTII alumnus and closely associated with theatre through IPTA. 

Doordarshan viewers recall the twinkle-eyed Karim barber of TV serial ‘Nukkad’ while film lovers double up with laughter over ‘Anand Akela’ courting Raveena Tandon in ‘Andaz Apna Apna’. Ashutosh Gowariker, who directed him in ‘Lagaan’, said, “He was known for his straight-faced humour. And I liked his work for that very reason. His one line that is unforgettable for me is the way he says ‘Hum Jeet Gaye!’ when the villagers win. His contribution to theatre and film is immense. Javed bhai will be missed!”

Khan's students at ZIMA (Zee Institute of Media Arts) in Andheri, which he headed, were conversant with his full range of performance. Khan had played Bharat Kapoor’s evil lackey in ‘Noorie’ and caretaker Sukh Lal in ‘Chak De India!’

He is survived by a son and daughter. The last rites were performed in Oshiwara Kabrastan at 7. 30pm on Tuesday.