Veteran poet, writer, filmmaker, and former parliamentarian Pritish Nandy passed away on Wednesday at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by his son, Kushan Nandy, to India Today. Tributes from celebrities such as Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Ranvir Shorey, Sudhir Mishra, and Neil Nitin Mukesh poured in on social media, mourning the loss of the multi-talented icon.
Anupam Kher expressed his profound sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), calling Pritish Nandy his support system and a source of strength. Kher wrote, “Deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of one of my dearest friends #PritishNandy! Amazing poet, writer, filmmaker, and a brave and unique editor/journalist! He was my support system in my initial days in Mumbai. He was also one of the most fearless people I had come across… Rest well, my friend.”
Anil Kapoor shared his heartbreak, writing, “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.”
Neil Nitin Mukesh expressed his condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Pritish Nandy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing.”
Kareena Kapoor Khan, who collaborated with Nandy on the 2004 film Chameli, shared unseen moments from the film’s sets. Director Hansal Mehta extended his deepest sympathies to Nandy’s family, recalling his first meeting with the filmmaker in 2005.
He wrote, “Sad, sad news. My most personal work has lost one of its greatest patrons. You lived well Mr Nandy. Will miss you terribly. Deepest condolences to the entire family. I remember when I first met him in 2005 I had shared the idea for Omertà. Let’s make it he said. When nobody had belief in me or my ideas Mr Pritish Nandy gave me the strength to dare, to dream and to tell stories that mattered to me – no matter what. He did not end up producing Omertà eventually but I owe the film and a lot of my journey beginning from Shahid to him. We had the most delightful conversations, he was always candid with me and I always left his room very energized. So hard to believe that he is gone.”
Actor Ranvir Shorey tweeted, “Shocked and saddened to hear of @PritishNandy Sir’s demise! He was a maverick and wore his many hats with élan! He put so many talented people on the map in the movie business! Thank you, and farewell, Sir! RIP.”
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra paid tribute, writing, “What can one say about Pritish Nandy? He lived well, loved well, fought well, and had a sharp, biting sense of humor like no other. After the laughter came the silence when you understood he had just given you a life lesson.”
Sophie Choudary also remembered him fondly, tweeting, “Rest in peace @PritishNandy. Brave, provocative, and unique as a filmmaker & journalist/editor. Sending love and prayers to the family.”
Nandy, a man of many talents, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and journalism. As the founder of Pritish Nandy Communications, he produced numerous acclaimed films such as Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Meerabai Not Out, Ugly Aur Pagli, Shaadi Ke Side Effects, and Jhankaar Beats.
