Mumbai: Harivanshrai Bachchan, a doyen of Hindi poetry and megastar Amitabh Bachchan's father, died at his residence in Mumbai on January 18 night after prolonged illness. He was 96.

He is survived by his wife Teji Bachchan and sons Amitabh and Ajitabh.

The poet had been suffering from respiratory problems for quite some time and was in critical condition for the last few days.

Harivanshrai Bachahan's condition deterioriated on January 15, following complaint of breathlessness. Undergoing treatment at a specially set-up intensive care unit at his residence 'Pratiksha' at the Mumbai suburb Juhu, Bachchan's breathed his last at 11.40 pm (IST).

When the end came, all family members of the poet, including son Amitabh, daughter- in-law Jaya and grandson Abhishek were present at the bedside.

The funeral will be held on January 19 at 3.00 pm (IST) at Ruia Park crematorium, family sources said.

Hindi film industry's luminaries reached the poet's residence on hearing the news of his death.

A pall of gloom enveloped the Juhu-Vile Parle area of Mumbai, where the industry's leading lights reside, and a steady stream of mourners made their way to the house of the Bachchans.

Police beefed up security anticipating the surge of people in front of the poet's house.

PTI