Legendary filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar has passed away at the age of 67, leaving a void in the world of cinema that can never be filled. The director, who was known for his exceptional storytelling skills, breathed his last in a Lilavati hospital, in Mumbai where he was undergoing treatment for viral fever.
In the wee hours of the morning, between 3:10 and 3:30 am, the curtains of life closed on him at Lilavati hospital, as his loving wife recounted to PTI. Days prior, he had been struggling with a viral fever that persisted despite medication. As his condition worsened, he was promptly admitted to the hospital, where his vitals began to decline rapidly. In the ICU, he was hooked up to a ventilator and diagnosed with pneumonia, which relentlessly attacked his lungs. According to medical experts, he had numerous comorbidities that compromised his immunity, causing his blood pressure to fluctuate. Moreover, since contracting COVID-19 in July 2022, he had remained frail, making him all the more vulnerable.
Pradeep was a pioneer in the ad world and directed some of the most memorable commercials, including Cadbury’s iconic ‘Pappu paas ho gaya’ ad. He then made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film ‘Parineeta’ in 2005, which starred Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sanjay Dutt. The film earned him a National Award and cemented his position as one of the most promising directors in Bollywood.
Over the years, Sarkar directed several hit films, including ‘Laga Chunari Mein Daag’, ‘Mardaani’, and ‘Helicopter Eela’. He was known for exploring socially relevant topics and bringing them to the forefront with his unique perspective.
The news of his passing has left the film industry in shock, and several celebrities took to social media to pay their respects. On a sombre note, a poignant picture of the late director was posted on Twitter by filmmaker Hansal Mehta. In his post, he mournfully wrote, “Pradeep Sarkar. Dada. RIP.”
In response to this tragic news, actor Manoj Bajpayee expressed his shock and disbelief. He responded to Mehta’s tweet, conveying his deepest condolences and writing, “Ohh! That’s so shocking! Rest in peace Dada!!”
Ajay Devgn tweeted, “The news of Pradeep Sarkar’s demise, ‘Dada’ to some of us, is still hard to digest. My deepest condolences. My prayers are with the departed and his family. RIP Dada.”
Actress Kangana Ranaut, who was working with Sarkar on the film ‘Noti Binodini’, shared a heartwarming video of the last meal she shared with him during their prep meet. She expressed her shock and devastation at the news and said that she won’t be able to cope with the loss.
Sarkar’s versatile directorial skills extended beyond just the silver screen. He lent his creative vision to several web series, including the likes of ‘Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala’ (2019), ‘Arranged Marriage’ And ‘Forbidden Love’ (2020), and ‘Duranga’ (2022).
His exceptional work in the film industry did not go unnoticed either. Sarkar was bestowed with several prestigious awards, including the 2005 Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction and the Zee Cine Award for Most Promising Director, both for his magnum opus Parineeta. In 2006, he further cemented his position as a brilliant filmmaker by winning the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director.
Sarkar’s funeral took place at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai at 4 pm on March 24. The industry has lost a true gem, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers to come.
We at Social Kandura offer our deepest condolences to Pradeep Sarkar’s family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
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