Veteran Bollywood director Chopra dies aged 80

MUMBAI (AFP) - Renowned Indian film director Yash Chopra died in hospital aged 80 on Sunday, after suffering dengue fever, close friends confirmed to AFP, ending a decades-long career of flamboyant Bollywood blockbusters.

Dubbed "the king of romance" for his emotional and dramatic tales about the travails of love, Chopra was best known for classic hit movies including Deewar (Wall), Chandni, Silsila and Darr (Fear).

He worked until the final months of his life and his last film Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Till I am Alive), starring superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, will be released on Nov 13.

"It is sad news that Yash is no more among us," close family friend Amit Khanna, chairman of Reliance Big Entertainment, told AFP.