Musthafa, Agni Sakshi director Partho Ghosh dies of heart attack at 75

Musthafa, Agni Sakshi director Partho Ghosh dies of heart attack at 75

Veteran Indian filmmaker Partho Ghosh, best known for his impactful storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship in the 1990s, passed away on Sunday following a heart attack. He was 75. The news of his demise was confirmed by actor Rituparna Sengupta, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing her grief over the loss of the celebrated director.

“Heartbroken beyond words. We have lost an exceptional talent, a visionary director, and a kind soul. Partho da, you will always be remembered for the magic you created on screen. Rest in peace,” Sengupta wrote in an emotional message. Ghosh had introduced Sengupta to Hindi cinema in 1994, and the two remained close collaborators throughout his career.

Partho Ghosh’s contribution to Indian cinema, particularly during the 1990s, is marked by a string of memorable films that blended commercial appeal with social depth. His 1996 film Agni Sakshi, starring Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff, and Nana Patekar, was a critical and commercial success that brought the issue of domestic violence into the cinematic mainstream. The film won numerous awards and was lauded for its sensitive treatment of a difficult subject.

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Following this, Ghosh directed Ghulam-E-Musthafa (1997), another standout film that portrayed the life of a principled gangster, played by Nana Patekar, with a compelling emotional core. The film, also starring Raveena Tandon, became a cult classic and remains one of the most revered gangster dramas in Hindi cinema.

Other notable films by Ghosh include Teesra Kaun? (1994), a murder mystery with comic undertones, and Yugpurush (1998), a philosophical drama exploring themes of loneliness and identity, again starring Nana Patekar. His ability to balance gripping narratives with complex emotional themes earned him a respected place among India's top filmmakers.
Beyond feature films, Ghosh made significant contributions to television, directing several Hindi and Bengali serials that enjoyed wide popularity. Even in his later years, he remained creatively active, working on sequels to his earlier hits 100 Days and Agni Sakshi.

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of a director whose work continues to inspire. Colleagues, fans, and film enthusiasts are remembering Ghosh not only for his cinematic achievements but also for his humility and deep passion for storytelling.