Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has expressed grief over the death of actor Mac Mohan, describing him as a "soft-hearted gentle soul".

Mac Mohan, known for his role as Sambha in the super hit film "Sholay", passed away Monday. He was 71.

"There is sadness in declaring that Mac Mohan passed away. He was a soft-hearted gentle soul. His frail body defeated the strength of his character and his kind nature. A person of great care and concern for all," Amitabh wrote on his blog.

Mac Mohan featured in Amitabh starrers like "Zanjeer", "Don", "Shaan" and "Satte Pe Satta".

"I worked with him in several films, films that can be identified as being some of the most memorable in my repertoire. Some of the roles he did were evil in nature, quite the opposite of his own personal demeanour. His laughter was full throated and free - a symbol of the free spirit he always depicted.

"He will be missed and remembered for many reasons, but perhaps the most for his reference in the film ‘Sholay' as Samba...," he added.

Mac Mohan, who suffered from lung cancer, died at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He is survived by his wife Mini, daughters Vinati and Manjiri and son Vikrant.