Veteran Journalist, Poet, and Filmmaker Pritish Nandy Passes Away at 73

Pritish Nandy, a distinguished journalist, poet, filmmaker, and former Rajya Sabha member, passed away on January 8, 2025, at his residence in Mumbai. The 73-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest. His last rites were performed later in the evening. Nandy’s death marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy in literature, journalism, and cinema.

Tributes Pour In

Anupam Kher’s Tribute

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, a close friend of Nandy, expressed his grief on social media platform X:

• “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!”
• Kher reminisced about their close bond and how Nandy had been a source of strength during his early days in Mumbai.
• He credited Nandy for giving him memorable moments, including featuring him on the covers of Filmfare and The Illustrated Weekly.

Sheela Bhatt’s Homage

Journalist Sheela Bhatt highlighted Nandy’s transformative contributions to journalism:

• “Pritish Nandy injected tremendous energy into the staid magazine journalism of the early 80s.”
• She applauded his daring editorial choices and his remarkable tenure at The Illustrated Weekly of India.
• Bhatt also shared insights into Nandy’s meticulous planning for his family even in his final days, calling him an individual who lived life on his own terms.

A Multifaceted Legacy

1. Journalism
   • As the editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, Nandy revolutionized magazine journalism with bold topics, eye-catching visuals, and thought-provoking narratives.
   • His fearless editorial style inspired a generation of young readers and journalists.
2. Poetry and Literature
   • Authored around 40 poetry books in English.
   • Translated works from Bengali, Urdu, and Punjabi into English, making regional literature accessible to a global audience.
3. Cinema
   • Founder of Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC), which produced iconic films:
     • Sur
     • Kaante
     • Jhankaar Beats
     • Chameli
     • Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi
     • Pyaar Ke Side Effects
4. Political and Social Contributions
   • Served as a Rajya Sabha member representing Shiv Sena.
   • Advocated for animal rights and supported various social causes.

The Final Chapter

Nandy’s passing came as a shock to many. Known for his larger-than-life persona and fearless approach, he left a profound impact on multiple fields. Even in his last days, Nandy ensured his affairs were in order, giving clear instructions to his daughters on managing matters after his passing.