Mumbai: Former Censor Board Chairman, Vijay Anand, popularly known as "Goldie" passed away early this morning (Feb 23, 2004), according to hospital sources.

The 71 year-old Vijay Anand was brought to Leelavati Hospital on February 21 and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), after he suffered a massive cardiac arrest.

The Bollywood director and actor was suggested a bypass surgery earlier, but the film maker had not undergone the surgery, Dr Narendra Trivedi attending on Anand had said.

He was known for his strong direction skills and fine oratory.

Vijay, who began his career with his debut film, 'Nau Do Gyarah' (1957) and went on to direct a number of films 'Kala Bazaar', 'Tere Ghar Ke Samne', 'Guide', 'Teesri Manzil', 'Jewel Thief', 'Kahin Aur Chal', 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Tere Mere Sapne'.

The 71-year-old Vijay was the youngest of the four Anand siblings and took up to films like his elder brothers, Chetan and Dev Anand.

His other films included, 'Chuppa Rustam,' 'Black Mail' Bullet,' 'Ram Balaram' and 'Rajput.'

He also directed the box office hit, 'Teesri Manzil' outside his home banner, Navketan Productions.

Vijay's acting skills came through when he starred in some of the films like 'Kala Bazaar', 'Double Cross', 'Haqueeqat', 'Barood Road', 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki', and 'Hum Rahe Na Hum'.

The outspoken Vijay had resigned from the Censor Board following differences of opinion over the censorship issue.

Goldie had also planned an ambitious project to launch a channel, Lamhas, which would produce quality television programmes.