Noted filmmaker Gulshan Rai died in Mumbai on Monday after a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 80.

Born and educated in Lahore, Gulshan Rai came to Bombay in 1947 and within the short span of two years, he had become a film distributor of note. As a distributor, Gulshan Rai has enjoyed unprecedented success. To date he has released more than 180 films in Bombay territory, 40 of which have celebrated Silver Jubilees.

He has taken more than 15 films on world right basis and almost 50 films for overseas distribution. Besides Bombay, he also opened distribution offices in Bengal, Punjab and Delhi-UP.

He started his own production banner Trimurti Films Pvt. Ltd. and his very first film, Johny Mera Naam proved to be a bonanza, breaking all previous box office records.

Other Trimurti productions include hits like Joshila, Deewaar, Trishul, Vidhaata, Yudh, Tridev, Vishwatma, Mohra, Gupt and the now-under-production Pyar Ishq Aur Mohabbat. Almost nine of these films have celebrated silver jubilees and won numerous popular awards.

Rai is survived by a son and a daughter.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid tribute to noted filmmaker Gulshan Rai who died in Mumbai, saying he had displayed a rare sensitivity towards the social issues of the day.

"The wholesome entertainment provided by his films inspired a whole of generation of youth," Singh said in a condolence message.

Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy said Rai had exhibited the concern for social issues confronting the society.