Pune, July 13 : Noted Marathi film and stage actor Nilu Phule passed away at a hospital here on Sunday night.

Phule was suffering from cancer.

The 77-year-old Phule is survived by his wife and a daughter.

Born in Pune in 1931, Phule made a mark in theatre and both Marathi and Hindi films.

His role as a corrupt politician in Jabbar Patel''s Marathi film ''Saamna'' and a similar negative role in Mahesh Bhatt''s Hindi film ''Saransh'', are memorable among several others.

Phule was associated with progressive, social movements in Maharashtra from his childhood.. He was a dedicated follower of the late socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. (ANI)