Filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar, who had made his Bollywood debut with Vidya Balan-Saif Ali Khan-starrer Parineeta in 2005, passed away at a Mumbai hospital early today. He was 68.

The director of films like Laga Chunari Mein Daag, Lafangey Parindey, Mardaani and Helicopter Eela had been on dialysis and was hospitalised after his condition deteriorated.

Sarkar’s funeral will be held at a crematorium in Santacruz at 4pm today. Members of the Hindi film fraternity have expressed their shock at the sudden demise of the filmmaker.

“The news of Pradeep Sarkar’s demise, ‘Dada’ to some of us, is still hard to digest. My deepest condolences 💐. My prayers are with the departed and his family. RIP Dada 🙏,” actor Ajay Devgn wrote on Twitter.

Director Hansal Mehta also tweeted about Sarkar’s demise. “Pradeep Sarkar. Dada. RIP,” he wrote.

“Waking up to another sad loss … too early,” filmmaker Onir wrote.

“Ohh! That’s so shocking! Rest in peace Dada,” actor Manoj Bajpayee wrote on Twitter.

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who worked with Sarkar in Lafangey Parindey, was heartbroken at the news of the latter’s demise. “DADA!!! Why??? I’ll miss you dada. Will always remember you as that child hearted, full of life man who taught me so much. Your creation Lafangey Parindey will always remain close to my heart ❤️. My prayers with the family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻,” he wrote on Twitter.

Pradeep Sarkar began his filmmaking career by making brand commercials. He also directed several popular music videos. Music band Euphoria’s Kabhi Aana Tu Meri Gully, featuring Vidya Balan, was one such notable video.