Veteran journalist, poet and filmmaker Pritish Nandy died in Mumbai on Wednesday, sources close to him said.
Padmashree awardee Nandi (73) died of a heart attack at his home in South Mumbai and his last rites were performed in the evening, he said.
In a social media post, veteran actor and Nandi’s friend Anupam Kher paid an emotional tribute to him.
“Deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the demise of #PritishNandi, one of my dearest and closest friends! Amazing poet, writer, filmmaker and a brave and unique editor/journalist!” Kher wrote.
“He was my support system and a huge source of strength during my early days in Mumbai. We shared a lot of things. He was one of the most fearless people I met. Always larger than life. I learned a lot recently. We didn’t meet much. But there was a time when we were inseparable when he surprised me by putting me on the cover of Filmfare and more importantly The Illustrated Weekly,” Kher added.
Nandi was also a former Rajya Sabha member of Shiv Sena and an animal rights lawyer.
His company Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) produced films like ‘Sur’, ‘Kaante’, ‘Jhankar Beats’, ‘Chameli’, ‘Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi’ and ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ and also produced web series. Four more shots please!’
Nandi wrote about 40 books of poetry in English and translated poems from Bengali, Urdu and Punjabi into English.
Other Bollywood actors also paid tribute to the veteran journalist-filmmaker.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Pritish Nandy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. May his memory be blessed and may you find strength in this difficult time. May your soul rest in peace, Sir.” Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh wrote
He wrote, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the demise of Pritish Nandy sir! He was a courageous man and achieved so much talent! He gave recognition to many talented people in the film business! Thank you, and farewell, sir! RIP ,” another actor Ranveer Shorey said in his condolence message.
According to the website of his company PNC, “Poet, painter, renowned journalist and editor, television personality, animal activist, Member of Parliament and producer of some of the most celebrated films of the last decade, Pritish Nandy has changed the face of Indian cinema.” The media has been over several times.”
He served as Chairman of PNC, one of the first media and entertainment companies to go public, in 2000.
Nandy received the Padma Shri, EM Forster Literary Award, UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award, International Association Award from the Humane Society of the United States, Friends of Liberation War Honor from Bangladesh and 100 award nominations for PNC films. Produce from around the world, the website said.
The company described Nandy as “a magician of words and a true pioneer for Incredible India”.
