Bollywood remembers Pradeep Sarkar
Director Pradeep Sarkar died yesterday (March 24) after suffering from a prolonged kidney ailment. Sarkar, 67, was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai in the wee hours of Friday after he complained of discomfort. Though he was put on ventilator, the infection had spread to his lungs, causing pneumonia that led to his death. He was cremated at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium around 4pm.
Sarkar made his Bollywood directorial debut with Parineeta (2005), starring Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Khan. Khan says, “I’m very sad to hear about Pradeep da’s passing. He was a real artiste. We did a beautiful, poetic film Parineeta together and he was very kind and paternal.”
He also directed films such as Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007), Lafangey Parindey (2010), Mardaani (2014) and Helicopter Eela (2018). Actor Rani Mukerji says, “I’m shocked by the news of Dada’s passing away.
We were planning to meet this week. His wife, Panchali boudi, called me at 4am when this happened… Life is so unpredictable.” Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin says, “I’ll always remember him with gratitude, as someone who trusted me with Mardaani. His guidance gave me the confidence to act to my fullest potential in my debut film.” Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh says, “Dada was full of life, energy and positivity. Working on Lafangey Parindey was a brilliant experience, thanks to him.”
Besides Hindi films, Sarkar also directed OTT projects such as Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala (2019), Arranged MarriageForbidden Love (2020) and Duranga (2022). Actor Gulshan Devaiah says, “He directed me for two episodes of Duranga and it was fun. He was in very poor health even then.” Arranged Marriage-Forbidden Love actor Patralekhaa adds, “I will always remember him as someone very childlike.”