Noted Bollywood comedian Laxmikant Berde died here Thursday after a brief illness. He was 50.

According to family sources, Berde had been suffering from a kidney ailment for some time. The end came at around 2.45 a.m.

Berde had been recuperating at home for a month after being discharged from hospital. He is survived by his wife Priya and their two children.

Berde began his career in Marathi films and starred in blockbusters like "Ashi Hi Banwa Banvi", "Thar Tharat", "Balach Bap Brahmchari", "Majha Chakula" before Bollywood beckoned. He then went on to star in Hindi films like "Saajan", "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" and "Maine Pyar Kiya".

The actor was cremated early Thursday with several prominent personalities from the Marathi film industry like Ashok Saraf, Sachin and Mahesh Kothare attending.