Pritish Nandy, a renowned journalist, filmmaker, and poet, passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 73. The cause of death was reported as a cardiac arrest, and the news has left the film and media industry in deep shock. Bollywood celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Hansal Mehta, and others, have paid heartfelt tributes to the late visionary, remembering him for his extraordinary contributions to both the world of journalism and cinema.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, who starred in Chameli (2004), a film produced by Pritish Nandy and his daughter Rangita under their production banner Pritish Nandy Communications, took to her Instagram Stories to share memories from the film’s set. In one of the pictures, she is seen chatting with Nandy between shots, with a heartfelt caption of red heart, folded hands, and infinity emojis, reflecting the love and respect she held for him.
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who worked with Nandy on the critically acclaimed film Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi (2003), shared his emotional tribute on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "Pritish Nandy changed my life. Only he could Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi. He taught me so much. I am so sorry Pritish Da. I couldn’t come up with an idea for the sequel." Mishra's words highlighted Nandy’s deep impact on his career and the film industry as a whole.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also expressed his sorrow over Nandy’s passing, acknowledging the profound influence the late filmmaker had on his own work. “Sad, sad news. My most personal work has lost one of its greatest patrons. You lived well Mr. Nandy. Will miss you terribly. Deepest condolences to the entire family,” Mehta wrote.
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who shared a long-time friendship with Nandy, paid tribute by sharing a monochrome picture of the late filmmaker. He wrote: “Shocked and heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend Pritish Nandy. A fearless editor, a brave soul, and a man of his word, he embodied integrity like no other.” Kapoor’s words underscored the personal and professional admiration he had for Nandy, who was known for his bold and uncompromising approach.
Sanjay Dutt, who worked in several films produced by Nandy, including Kaante (2002) and Shabd (2005), also paid his respects on X, saying: “A true creative genius and a kind soul, you will be missed sir. #PritishNandy.”
Anupam Kher, a close friend of Nandy, confirmed the news of his death and shared two monochromatic images of the filmmaker from different stages of his life. In a heartfelt tribute, Kher wrote: “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. He was my support system and a great source of strength in my initial days in Mumbai.” Kher also shared personal anecdotes, recalling how Nandy had been his pillar of strength during his early years in the city and how the two had an inseparable bond at one point in their lives.
Born in Bhagalpur, Bihar, to a Bengali family, Pritish Nandy was an agnostic who defied convention in every realm he ventured into. He was a painter, poet, journalist, and a producer with a keen eye for talent. Nandy was a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing Maharashtra as part of the Shiv Sena. His contribution to Indian journalism, particularly through his work at The Illustrated Weekly of India, and his involvement in Bollywood as a producer of films like Chameli, Kaante, and Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi, made him a multifaceted and influential figure in the cultural landscape of India.
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