Bollywood veteran actor Joy Mukherjee, who acted in films like "Love in Simla", breathed his last at Lilavati Hospital here on 9th March 2012, a close relative said. He was 73.

He is survived by his wife Neelam Mukherjee and three children - two sons and a daughter.

"He died at 9.30 a.m. His wife was by his side," Mukherjee's spokesperson R.R. Pathak spoke to the media. "The place and time of cremation is still to be decided. But people have started gathering," he added.

Mukherjee's body will be taken to his residence in few hours after the hospital formalities are completed.

The evergreen star was admitted to the hospital Monday in a critical condition and was put on a ventilator.

Mukherjee started his career with 1960 hit film "Love In Simla". His popularity soared with projects like "Shagird", " Love In Tokyo", "Ziddi", "Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon" and "Ek Musafir Ek Hasina".

He comes from a film family - his father Sashadhar Mukherjee, who was married to legendary actor Ashok Kumar's sister Sati Devi - was the co-founder of Filmalaya Studios. He was the paternal uncle of actors Kajol and Tanisha Mukherjee.