Veteran producer Salim Akhtar, who launched Rani Mukerji in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, passes away

Salim Akhtar (left) had launched Rani Mukerji in Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat.

Renowned film producer Salim Akhtar, who had launched actors Rani Mukerji and Tamannaah Bhatia in Bollywood, passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday (April 8). He was 82 years old.

Salim Akhtar was known for hit films like Phool Aur Angaare and Qayamat.

Salim Akhtar had produced several notable films, including Phool Aur Angaare (1993), Qayamat (1983), Loha (1987), and Batwara (1989).

He had produced many famous films, like Badal (2000), which had Bobby Deol and Rani Mukerji in the lead; Phool Aur Angaar (1993), featuring Mithun Chakraborty; Choron ki Baraat (1980); and Baazi (1995), with Aamir Khan.

The Hindi film industry in the 1980s and 1990s was greatly influenced by his contributions.​

Kamaal R Khan posted about Salim Akhtar's death.

"Veteran film producer Salim Akhtar passed away today (8th April) at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He launched actress Rani Mukerji in his film Raja Ki Aayegi Barat! RIP!," he wrote.

Veteran film producer Salim Akhtar passed away today (8th April) at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He launched actress Rani Mukerji in his film Raja Ki Aayegi Barat! RIP! pic.twitter.com/LFX7g1QOFt
KRK (@kamaalrkhan) April 8, 2025

Rani Mukerji, who is a known name in the film industry today, made her debut in the 1997 film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat produced by Salim Akhtar.

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He had also launched Tamannaah Bhatia in 2005 with 'Chand Sa Roshan Chehra.' ​

Salim Akhtar is survived by his wife, Shama Akhtar, and their son, Samad Akhtar.

Nobody from the family has made any official announcement about the sad demise.