Bollywood actor Fardeen Khan offers prayers at his father's funeral in Bangalore, India, on Monday. Feroz Khan, a famous Bollywood actor, died early Monday. (Aijaz Rahi/Associated Press)

Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Feroz Khan, whose career spanned more than four decades, died of cancer early Monday at his home in India.

His funeral was held in Bangalore later in the day.

Diagnosed with lung cancer last year, Khan had been undergoing treatment in hospital in Mumbai. He asked to visit his family farmhouse where he passed away surrounded by family members, his manager Raaj Kumar told Reuters.

One of the most colourful personalities of Indian cinema, Khan was dubbed the Clint Eastwood of the East for his swashbuckling, maverick roles.

He appeared in more that 50 films, making his Bollywood debut in 1960 as the co-star of Didi.

Qurbani (Sacrifice), the 1980 film that he produced, directed and starred in, was the biggest hit of his career, making him one of India best-loved heroes. The film introduced foreign locations to Bollywood that are now a norm of the genre.

He is also known for Dharmatma (A Virtuous Soul), which he directed, produced and acted in. Inspired by Hollywood's The Godfather, it was the first Hindi-language movie made on location in Afghanistan.

His other hits include Jaanbaaz (Brave Heart) and Dayavaan (Kindhearted).

The last film he acted in was Welcome in 2007.

He was given several prestigious awards by the Indian film industry.

Khan is survived by his son Fardeen Khan, a Bollywood actor; a daughter Laila Khan Rajpa, and brothers Sanjay and Akbar Khan, who are both actors and filmmakers.