In a heartfelt tribute to the late veteran press photographer Pradeep Bandekar, a prayer meet was held in Mumbai on Friday, drawing a host of Bollywood celebrities who came to pay their final respects. Pradeep Bandekar, a revered figure in the industry, passed away on August 11 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of iconic photographs and cherished memories.
The prayer meet saw the attendance of several notable figures from the film industry. Vicky Kaushal, one of Bollywood’s leading actors, was spotted at the event, alongside his father, renowned action director Sham Kaushal. Their presence highlighted the deep respect the Kaushal family held for Bandekar, who had documented countless moments of their careers.
Vidya Balan, another luminary of Indian cinema, also attended the meet, offering her condolences to Bandekar’s family. Her presence underscored the impact Bandekar had on the industry, with many stars remembering him not just as a photographer but as a friend.
Anil Kapoor arrived to pay his last respects, reflecting on the long-standing relationship he shared with Bandekar over the years. Dalip Tahil and Gulshan Grover were also seen at the event, further emphasizing the broad impact Bandekar had across generations of Bollywood.
Sonali Kulkarni marked her presence at the meet, joining the list of celebrities who came to honor the memory of the late photographer. Among the other attendees were Shah Rukh Khan, who was accompanied by his manager Pooja Dadlani, and Aamir Khan alongside Jackie Shroff.
The news of Pradeep Bandekar’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity. Stars like Ajay Devgn and Bipasha Basu took to social media to express their sorrow, with Ajay writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Pradeep Bandekar ji’s passing is a personal loss… His decades-long bond with our family goes beyond the lens…. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Om Shanti.”
Pradeep Bandekar’s illustrious career spanned decades, during which he worked closely with many of Bollywood’s biggest names, capturing moments that have since become iconic. His work was not just about photography; it was about building relationships and trust with the stars he photographed, from Ajay Devgn to Manoj Bajpayee, and many others.
As the industry gathered to say their final goodbyes, the overwhelming sentiment was one of respect and admiration for a man who had dedicated his life to capturing the essence of Bollywood through his lens. Pradeep Bandekar’s legacy will live on in the countless images he captured, and in the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
