Indian playwright Habib Tanvir dead at 85

BHOPAL, India, June 8 (UPI) -- Indian playwright and theater director Habib Tanvir has died in a Bhopal hospital following a brief illness, his family said Monday. He was 85.

Relatives told the BBC the Raipur-born actor and journalist was surrounded by loved ones when he died. His funeral is to take place Tuesday.

Among the award-winning scribe's works are the plays "Agra Bazar" and "Charandas Chor."

Tanvir also founded the Naya Theatre company in 1959 and served as a member of India's upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha, from 1972 to 1978, the BBC said.