Poet, Filmmaker, Writer Pritish Nandy Dies At 73; ‘Heartbroken’ Friend Anupam Kher Pays Rich Tribute

Mumbai: Pritish Nandy, a multi-faceted and extremely talented personality, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 73.

His son, filmmaker Kushan Nandy, confirmed Nandy died following a cardiac arrest at his south Mumbai home.

A celebrated poet, filmmaker and writer, Nandy was also a painter, journalist, parliamentarian, media and television personality, animal activist. He served as a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra nacked by then-united Shiv Sena.

Actor Anupam Kher paid tribute to his close friend and colleague.

“Deeply deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of one of my dearest and closest friends #PritishNandy! Amazing poet, writer, filmmaker and a brave and unique editor/journalist! He was my support system and a great source of strength in my initial days in Mumbai. We shared lots of things in common. He was also one of the most fearless people I had come across. Always Larger than life. I learnt so many things from him. Off-late we didn’t meet much. But there was a time when we were inseparable! I will never forget when he surprised me by putting me on the cover of Filmfare and more importantly #TheIllustratedWeelky. He was the true definition of यारों का यार! I will miss you and our times together my friend. Rest well. 💔💔💔#HeartBroken,” Kher wrote on Instagram and shared pictures of a young and aged Nandy.

A prominent figure in the film industry, Nandy’s company Pritish Nandy Communications produced several successful and popular films like ‘Jhankaar Beats’ (2003), ‘Mumbai Matinee’ (2003), ‘Chameli’ (2004), ‘Shabd’ (2005), ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’ (2005), ‘Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena’ (2005), ‘Ankahee’ (2006), ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ (2006), and ‘Bow Barracks Forever’ (2006).

Writer and actor Suhel Seth paid tribute to Nandy.

“Deeply deeply saddened at the passing on of my dear friend @PritishNandy : we used to often engage in harmless (and humorous) banter on Twitter. Travel well Pritish,” Seth wrote on X.