The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of Pritish Nandy, the renowned filmmaker, journalist, and producer, who passed away on January 8 at the age of 73.

Nandy’s untimely demise has left a profound impact on those who knew him, with several celebrities taking to social media to share their condolences and fond memories.

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Veteran actor Anil Kapoor expressed his shock and heartbreak over the loss of his dear friend. In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, Kapoor reflected on Nandy’s integrity, bravery, and his unwavering commitment to his values.

Recalling a memorable incident during a photo shoot for ‘Illustrated Weekly’, Kapoor shared how Nandy, sensing his discomfort, scrapped the shoot and assured him, “If you’re not happy, I won’t publish it.” Kapoor described this gesture as the beginning of a lifelong friendship built on trust and respect. “I’ll always miss his presence, his voice, and the fearless spirit he brought to everything he did,” he wrote.

Actor Sanjay Dutt, another close friend of Nandy, also paid his respects, calling him a “true creative genius” and a “kind soul.” Dutt shared his sorrow on Instagram, saying, “You will be missed, sir.”

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Actress Sayani Gupta, who worked with Pritish Nandy on the popular web series ‘Four More Shots Please!’, penned an emotional tribute to the late filmmaker. In her Instagram post, Gupta described Nandy as the “youngest guy in the room” with an infectious smile and a love for meaningful conversations.

She fondly remembered his appreciation for the people around him and his genuine affection for Bengali women. “There are very few people who are this magnetic,” she wrote.

 

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Gupta also highlighted Nandy’s role as a visionary who created some of the most iconic female characters in cinema. Reflecting on his close friendship with business magnate Ratan Tata, Gupta expressed her disbelief at Nandy’s sudden passing, calling it a “deep, deep loss.”

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Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his films like ‘Shahid’ and ‘Omerta’, also shared his grief. Mehta recalled how Nandy had been one of his earliest supporters, giving him the confidence to pursue his creative vision.

In a poignant post, Mehta shared how Nandy had encouraged him to make ‘Omerta’, a film that would go on to become one of his most personal works. Although Nandy did not end up producing the film, Mehta credited him with providing the strength to dream big and tell stories that mattered to him.

“The past tense just isn’t for men like him,” Mehta wrote, emphasizing how hard it was to believe that Nandy was no longer with them.

Nandy, who breathed his last at his South Mumbai residence, was a multifaceted personality. He made his mark as a journalist, hosting the popular talk show ‘The Pritish Nandy Show’ on Doordarshan in the 1990s, where he interviewed several high-profile celebrities.

As a film producer, Nandy’s influence was felt in the early 2000s, with films like ‘Kaante’, ‘Jhankaar Beats’, ‘Chameli’, and ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’ becoming significant milestones in Indian cinema. He also made waves in the digital space, producing the successful web series ‘Four More Shots Please!’ and ‘Modern Love Mumbai’ under his production banner, Pritish Nandy Communications.