Mumbai, Sep 20 (IANS): Actor-director Dinesh Thakur, who appeared as one of the leads in 1974 "Rajnigandha", passed away here Thursday, after a prolonged illness. He was 65.

Actor Raza Murad, his friend from the theatre industry, confirmed the news.

"Dinesh Thakur passed away today morning. He was not keeping well since last three to four years," Raza told IANS.

He is survived by actor-wife Prita Mathur.

Thakur mainly appeared in character roles in Hindi films, as a screenwriter and story writer. He is known for writing the story and screenplay of 1978 film "Ghar", which won him the 1979 Filmfare best story award.

He was also seen in popular television serial "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi".

The news of his death came as a shock for filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

"Terrible to hear Dinesh Thakur passed away so young. RIP," tweeted Kapur.

Thakur's last rites will be conducted Thursday at the Oshiwara crematorium around 4.30 pm.