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BOMBAY, Dec 10 (AFP) - India screen legend Ashok Kumar died Monday at his residence in Bombay after a prolonged illness, the film industry announced.

He was 90 and is survived by daughter Preeti Ganguly, also a Bollywood actress.

Kumar, the eldest of the three Ganguly brothers of Calcutta, dominated the Indian film industry for decades with his original and inimitable style of acting.

Fondly known as "dadamoni" (elder brother), Kumar was the 20th recipient of India's most prestigious acting prize, the Dadasaheb Phalke movie achievement award, in 1989.

A veteran who started his career during the silent era, Kumar has some of industry's mega hits to his credit such as "Achyut Kanya" (Untouchable Daughter), "Jewel Thief" and Mahal (palace). His last film was "Return of the Jewel Thief".

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who is currently touring Japan, and President K.R. Narayanan on Monday night expressed their sadness at the death of Kumar, who was idolised by fans both young and old.

"Ashok Kumar was a film star of great depth whose acting enthralled movie-goers down the years, President Narayanan said in a message in New Delhi.

Vajpayee in his message from Tokyo said: "Dadamuni ... had an emotive appeal that transcended all barriers and was a source of inspiration and a role model for many generations of aspiring actors.

"His demise is an irreparable loss to the world of cinema," the premier said as messages of condolence poured in from the leading lights of Bollywood, national leaders and fans from across the country and abroad.

Kumar started his career in 1936 with "Jeevan Naiya" (Life Boat) when well-known producer Himanshui Rai cast him at the last minute following the absence of the lead actor.

Along with his brothers the late Kishore Kumar, a singer and actor, and Anoop Kumar, dominated the film industry during the 50s and 60s.

The three featured in one of Bollywood's most successful comedies "Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi" ("A Car called Life") in the early 60s.

In recent years Kumar was running a film academy with his daughter Preeti. 

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