January 9, 2025: The passing of Pritish Nandy, the celebrated writer-turned-filmmaker, has deeply affected the film industry, with many colleagues and friends expressing their grief and admiration for his remarkable life and legacy. Nandy, who passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 73, left behind a profound mark on the worlds of journalism, filmmaking, and television. He was a visionary and a true pioneer, known for his creative genius, bold ideas, and unwavering integrity.
Anupam Kher was one of the first celebs who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his shock. In his post, the Indian actor-producer-director called Pritish Nandy, his support system and a great source of strength.
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling a moment when Nandy’s respect for boundaries and honesty shaped their lifelong friendship. Kapoor remembered how Nandy, known for his fearless editorial work, once canceled a controversial shoot to honor Kapoor’s comfort, exemplifying the man’s deep respect for people and their boundaries.
Actor Sanjay Dutt also paid tribute, calling Nandy “a true creative genius” and a “kind soul,” while Four More Shots Please! actress Sayani Gupta fondly remembered him as the “youngest guy in the room,” always warm and brimming with energy. Sayani shared that Nandy, a visionary who created some of the most iconic female characters in Indian cinema, was a rock-star feminist whose warmth and charm made him magnetic. She expressed her sorrow over his sudden passing and recalled the deep connection they shared.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who had a personal connection with Nandy, described him as one of the greatest patrons of his work. Mehta remembered how Nandy had shown immense belief in him and his ideas, even before many others did. Mehta shared that it was Nandy’s encouragement that gave him the strength to pursue stories that mattered to him, and though Nandy didn’t end up producing Mehta’s Omerta, the film and much of Mehta’s journey were shaped by Nandy’s support and mentorship.
Actor and filmmaker Neil Nitin Mukesh was also deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Pritish Nandy. “My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing and may you find strength in this difficult time. Rest in peace, sir,” he penned in his note.
Kareena Kapoor, who worked with the Indian producer in the 2004 movie Chameli, shared two unseen glimpses from the sets of the movie.
As the founder of Pritish Nandy Communications, Nandy was a driving force behind some of the most impactful films and series in Indian cinema, including Kaante, Jhankaar Beats, Chameli, and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. His influence continued with the success of the Four More Shots Please! series and the anthology Modern Love Mumbai. In the 1990s, his popular talk show, The Pritish Nandy Show, became a platform for candid conversations with celebrities, further cementing his place in Indian pop culture.
His untimely demise has left a void in the industry, but his contributions to cinema, media, and the people he inspired will continue to be remembered.
It’s evident that Nandy was not just a creative force but also a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light for many in the industry. His legacy will live on through the people he touched, the stories he told, and the fearlessness with which he navigated the worlds of media and cinema.
