Pritish Nandy, a celebrated poet, filmmaker, and influential media personality, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, at the age of 73. The news of his demise was confirmed by his son Kushan Nandy.
Tributes Pour In From Friends And Admirers
Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing his grief and admiration for his long-time friend. “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!” Kher wrote.
Kher reminisced about Nandy’s unwavering support during his early days in Mumbai, describing him as a “true friend” who was larger than life. Kher fondly recalled a gesture from Nandy, who once surprised him by featuring him on the covers of Filmfare and The Illustrated Weekly.
Writer and actor Suhel Seth also paid his respects, remembering their “harmless Twitter banters” and lamenting the loss of a dear friend.
Pritish Nandy’s Multifaceted Legacy
Pritish Nandy’s career was a tapestry of achievements spanning journalism, poetry, film production, and public service. As the publishing director of The Times of India and editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, Nandy shaped Indian journalism during a transformative era. His fearless editorial approach and sharp insights made him a household name.
In the literary realm, Nandy was a celebrated poet with several acclaimed poetry collections that resonated with readers worldwide. His contributions to Indian literature earned him widespread recognition as a pioneering literary voice.
Pritish Nandy In Indian Cinema
As the founder of Pritish Nandy Communications, he played a pivotal role in reshaping contemporary Indian cinema. His production house delivered films like Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Meerabai Not Out, Ugly Aur Pagli, and Jhankaar Beats, blending commercial success with critical acclaim.
Advocate For Social Causes
Beyond his professional endeavors, Nandy was an ardent advocate for animal rights. He co-founded People for Animals, one of India’s most prominent animal welfare organizations. His passion for social causes extended to his tenure in the Rajya Sabha, where he championed progressive policies and cultural preservation.
Pritish Nandy’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind an indelible legacy in Indian media, culture, and cinema. His fearless creativity, profound empathy, and larger-than-life persona will continue to inspire generations.