The Indian film fraternity mourned the death of filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar on Friday with actors, singers and directors taking to social media to remember him.
Kangana Ranaut, who was supposed to collaborate with Sarkar for his upcoming biopic on Noti Binodini, shared a video of the last meal she had with the filmmaker. “Last meal I had with Pradeep dada, he knew I love Bengali food, this was during Noti Binodini prep meet, that’s his hand in the first frame… Such a terrible news, we were to meet as soon as I got to Mumbai… My heart is sinking and I won’t be able to cope with this shocking news,” the Queen actress wrote on Twitter.
Kajol, who headlined Sarkar’s last big-screen directorial Helicopter Eela, posted a photo with the director. "Dada, you will be missed. Your sense of humour, humility and all the work you put into your films will always be remembered. RIP," she wrote.
Abhishek Bachchan, who was part of Sarkar’s 2007 drama Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, tweeted, "Terrible news to wake up to. Rest in peace Dada. Thank you for the love and for making me a small part of your life. Will miss you #PradeepSarkar”
Singer Shreya Ghoshal said Sarkar’s demise was a “big loss to the world of films.” “#PradeepSarkar dada was one of the best, most passionate and nuanced director with whom I had the privilege of working in Parineeta, Laga Chunri mein daag.. ♥️🙏🏻 Om Shanti.”
Lyricist Swanand Kirkire, who collaborated with Sarkar in his films, said, “Dada your passion for the art of cinema will stay in your works,”
Raima Sen, who worked with Sarkar in Parineeta, tweeted a photo of her with the late director. “Cannot believe it ! May your soul rest in peace DADA . Will never be able to forget you,” she wrote.
Tahir Raj Bhasin, who made his film debut in Sarkar’s Mardaani (2014), penned an emotional note on Instagram, "I will always remember him with eternal gratitude as the man who trusted me with Mardaani. He was a maestro whose experience and guidance gave me the confidence to act to my fullest potential in my debut film. He mentored and then gave me space to create a part and in this trust lay his genius," he wrote.
Patralekha, who worked in the TV mini-series Forbidden Love (2020), wrote, "Good bye Dada...You will be missed ...Thank you for all the precious memories... I have learnt so much from you .Love and respect always...."
Filmmaker Pratim Dasgupta shared a photo of him with Sarkar from the sets of Parineeta (2005). “Parineeta changed the life of many people… Vidya Balan , Shantanu Moitra, et al.. but also this cub reporter who hatched a dream of making a movie some day only after this unforgettable on-set experience. Today is one of the saddest days,” he wrote.
Director Om Raut also mourned Sarkar’s demise. “He will always be remembered for his contributions towards Indian cinema. May his soul rest in peace🙏” he tweeted.
