India 'film villain' Nambiar dies

Veteran Indian film star MN Nambiar has died at home in the southern city of Madras (Chennai) after a brief illness.

Nambiar, who was 89, was frequently cast as a villain during his career which spanned six decades.

He made his screen debut in 1935 and went on to act in more than 1,000 films in Tamil, Hindi and several other languages.

Nambiar was deeply religious and loved to keep fit. His discipline made him a role model for many Indian actors.

Correspondents say he was also free from the scandals and rumours which are common in the Indian film industry.