Guwahati: Khaplang Kai-famed actor Rahul Das passed away at 12.15am on Monday here at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. He was 56.

He was under treatment in the ICU since Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest on Friday. He was first admitted to a city-based private hospital and later shifted to the GMCH. Das is survived by his wife and son.

The veteran comedian, popularly known as Khaplang Kai, started his career as a dramatist in Kohinoor Theatre (a mobile theatre group of Assam) in the late 90s. Das started his acting career in an audio comedy, Borola Kai, where he had played the lead role, in 1998. In 2004, Khaplang Kai, the superhit video film, released in Assam.

"Das's demise is unfortunate. He was busy shooting till October 13 and suddenly fell ill. Many of his works remain incomplete," his colleague, Saju, said. Das was part of the Assamese film, Priyar Priyo, directed by Munin Barua and slated to release next month. "He said he had a dream to work with Zubeen Garg. Finally, his dream was fulfilled," Barua told The Telegraph.

Das was cremated at his hometown Mangaldoi in Darrang district on Monday evening.