KATHMANDU: Veteran theatre artist Bishnu Bhakta Phuyal succumbed to injuries he sustained while acting in a play, in Kathmandu on Tuesday. He was 80.

Actor Krishna Bhakta Maharjan confirmed the tragedy.

Phuyal was playing the role of King Janak in Maharshi Yagyawalkya -- written by Satya Mohan Joshi and directed by Badri Adhikari --  at the Sanskritik Sansthan.

Injured after falling off the stage while performing, Phuyal was rushed to the Bir Hospital where he breathed his last during the course of treatment today.

The play had started on Sunday.

Phuyal was active in Nepali theatre for over five decades, according to actor and director Ghimire Yubaraj. Phuyal regularly acted on telefilms also.

His recent performances include Chidhiyeka Sanjhharu by Ghimire, Oedipus Rex and Nyayapremi by Sunil Pokharel and Baghbhairav by Satya Mohan Joshi.

He had published an anthology of plays - Sahidko Sapana - just a year ago.

The veteran was loyal to the CPN-UML and was an active member of its artist union, according to Ghimire.