Bollywood’s veteran action director Veeru Devgn, father of actor Ajay Devgn, passed away, said family sources. He was 85.

Back in the days when technology was not as advanced as today, Veeru choreographed some of the most interesting action sequences for Bollywood, making his actors’ and stuntmen’s safety top priority.

Remembering Veeru as a responsible director, actress Madhuri Dixit Nene said, “He was such a caring action director who used to encourage us, but at the same time was very cautious about our safety. When he choreographed an action scene, he kept the safety in mind. He was such a wonderful human being.”

Veeru breathed his last on Monday afternoon at a hospital due to age-related problems, according to a source.

Apart from directing action sequences for films like Himmatwala, Mr India, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Phool Aur Kaante, Dilwale and Laal Badshah, he had directed the 1999 film Hindustan Ki Kasam, starring Ajay and megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Film fraternity members Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Sajid Khan, Mahesh Bhatt and Harry Baweja visited the Devgn residence to pay condolences.

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta said he was really “saddened to hear about the demise of Veeru Devgnji.”

“I had the honour and pleasure of working with him in my (early) days as an assistant director. He was a fabulous human being and a master technician who always had a smile on his face. May God bless his soul,” he tweeted.

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, who worked with Veeru Devgn in the 1997 film Sanam, tweeted, “My heartfelt condolences to Ajay, Kajol and the family. There will be no better action director than you Veeruji. Will miss you.”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher wrote, “Deeply saddened to know about the passing away of Veeru Devgnji. Worked with him in so many films. He was a great action director. To him, the safety of actors and his fighters team was of utmost importance. A kind man with a great sense of humour.”

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit tweeted, “Sad to know that veteran action director Veeru Devgn is no more. He was a genius in choreographing fights on the big screen when there were no facilities available. My heartfelt condolences to Ajay Devgn and the entire family.”

“RIP Veeru Devgnji. A legend of Hindi cinema. Left his mark at a time when ‘pure action’ without VFX was the order of the day. Heartfelt condolences to Ajay Devgn and Kajol. May his soul rest in peace. Prayers are with the family,” Kunal Kohli wrote.

The funeral was held at the Vile Parle West Crematorium.