MUMBAI: Yesteryears renowned film writer Ali Raza passed away early this morning due to a heart failure. He was admitted in Nanavati Hospital seven days back to be operated for artery blockage in the heart. He was 85 years old.

In his career spanning 47 years, Raza worked closely with Mehboob Khan. His last film as a writer was Pravin Nischol’s English Babu Desi Mem in 1996.

Apart from this, he has also written films like Andaz, Anand, Aan, Mother India, Saraswatichandra, Reshma Aur Shera, Raja Jani, Dus Nambri, Sawan Badho. In 1968 he won the Filmfare award as best dialogue writer for Saraswatichandra.     

In 1974 he even directed a film with Sunil Dutt and Rekha titled Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye.