Mac Mohan, the lovable salt-and-pepper haired character actor best known for his role as Sambha in the super-hit "Sholay", passed away Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer, a family member said.

"He had been suffering for long of a tumour in the right lung and breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital this (Monday) evening, " his daughter Manjiri told.

Mac Mohan was 71 and is survived by his wife Mini, another daughter Vinati and son Vikrant.

Mac Mohan was the maternal uncle of wellknown Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, who was present at his home when his body arrived from the hospital, Manjiri added.

During his career in Bollywood, Mac Mohan worked in about 200 films and mostly played negative roles. Some of his films are "Zanjeer", "Majboor", "Rafoo Chakkar", "Don", Shaan" and "Satte Pe Satta". His last film was "Journey Bombay to Goa: Laughter Unlimited".