Pritish Nandy, a distinguished journalist, poet, and filmmaker, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 73 following a cardiac arrest at his Mumbai home. His last rites were conducted later in the evening, according to officials.
The news of his death has prompted tributes from all corners of India. Actor Anupam Kher expressed his shock and sorrow on social media, describing Nandy as a dear friend and an influential figure in his life. “Deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the passing of my dearest friend, Pritish Nandy. He was an extraordinary poet, writer, filmmaker, and a courageous editor/journalist,” Kher wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Kher continued, recalling the impact Nandy had on his early days in Mumbai. “He was my support system and a source of great strength. We shared many experiences and he was one of the most fearless people I knew. Though we didn’t meet much in recent years, there was a time when we were inseparable. I will always remember when he surprised me by featuring me on the cover of Filmfare and The Illustrated Weekly,” Kher added.
Journalist Sheela Bhatt also paid tribute to Nandy on X, describing him as a “game changer” in the world of journalism. “Pritish Nandy revolutionized the magazine journalism of the early 1980s. As the editor of Illustrated Weekly of India, he introduced daring topics, bold headlines, and large photographs that captivated young readers,” Bhatt wrote.
She also reflected on Nandy’s life and personality. “Pritish lived life on his own terms. Even before his passing, he made clear instructions for his daughters. He will remain unrivaled. I will always remember his famous interview with Kishore Kumar and many other stories. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Pritish,” Bhatt added.
Nandy, who also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha for the Shiv Sena, was an advocate for animal rights.
Through his company, Pritish Nandy Communications, he produced several iconic films, including Sur, Kaante, Jhankaar Beats, Chameli, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, and Pyaar Ke Side Effects. As a prolific poet, Nandy authored around 40 books of poetry in English and translated works from Bengali, Urdu, and Punjabi into English.
