The last few weeks have been hard for members of the Indian film fraternity. First, it was the loss of established filmmaker Shyam Benegal, and now, reports have come in about the demise of Pritish Nandy - a celebrated journalist-turned-filmmaker. Nandy was known widely for his contribution to the fields of journalism, poetry, filmmaking, and additionally animal activism.
Born on January 15, 1951, and hailing from Bhagalpur, Bihar, Pritish Nandy donned many hats very early on- as a poet, writer and journalist. His first literary work- a book of poems Of Gods and Olives was published in 1967-. Thereafter, many volumes of Pritish Nandy poems were written and published through the 1960s and 1970s. Further Pritish Nandy also went on to edit and publish a poetry magazine called 'Dialogue'. This was, of course, just the beginning of his journey. Such was the impact of Pritish Nandy poems on the literary world that in 1977, he was honoured with a Padma Shri by the Indian Government for his significant contribution to the world of Indian literature.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, Pritish Nandy was also the publishing editor and managing editor of some of the country’s most widely read newspapers and magazines. By the early 90s, he set up his own communications group which backed some popular TV shows and streamed content called Pritish Nandy Communications.
He also dabbled with having a political career and even founded People For Animals, an NGO (and the largest one in India) that works for the welfare and protection of animals.
While Pritish Nandy was acclaimed for plenty of his television content, he was also at the helm of India’s very first weekly business show, Fiscal Fitness: The Pritish Nandy Business Show, which he hosted on Zee TV. Among the 24 films his company Pritish Nandy Communications has made, some of his most well-known productions have been Kaante, Jhankaar Beats, Chameli, and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. Four More Shots Please! an original content series created under Pritish Nandy’s banner, also earned an International Emmy nomination in 2020. The platform on which it streamed also released a statement that the show was among its “most-watched shows out of India”.
The Indian film industry mourned Pritish Nandy death, with tributes pouring in on social media platforms. Director Sudhir Mishra wrote on X, “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.” (sic) Anil Kapoor mourned the loss of his friend, and 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.” (sic)
Actor Sanjay Dutt, who starred in Nandy’s productions Kaante and Shabd, wrote, “A true creative genius and a kind soul, you will be missed sir. #PritishNandy.” (sic) Well-known veteran actor, Anupam Kher, also a friend of Nandy’s, expressed, “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.” (sic) Kher further added, “We shared lots of things in common. He was also one of the most fearless people I had come across. Always larger than life. I learnt so many things from him. Of late we didn’t meet much. But there was a time when we were inseparable!” (sic)
Veteran journalist Sheela Bhatt also expressed on the platform X stating, “PritishNandy, poet, editor, film producer and more is no more. He died today in Mumbai due to heart attack. He was a game changer. He injected tremendous energy into staid magazine journalism of early 80s. When he edited Illustrated Weekly of India we were awestruck. Daring subjects, bold letters, catchy titles and big size photographs attracted young readers.” (sic)
Several other actors, including Kareena Kapoor Khan (who starred in Chameli), posted their condolences.