Before Bollywood could get over the grief of losing filmmaker actor Satish Kaushik, news of the death of director Pradeep Sarkar immersed the industry into a state of shock today early morning. Pradeep who launched actress Vidya Balan's career in Bollywood with his debut film, Parineeta, passed away at the age of 67. His friend and colleague of many years, Hansal Mehta, confirmed the same on Twitter. Hordes of messages started pouring in from the fraternity, including ones from actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Ajay Devgn.
Hansal took to his Twitter handle to share an image of the late filmmaker writing, “Pradeep Sarkar. Dada. RIP.” Manoj retweeted the post, adding, “Ohh! That's so shocking! Rest in peace Dada.”
Ajay Devgn also took to his Twitter handle to share a eulogy for the late filmmaker, writing, “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.”
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared a picture of Pradeep on his Twitter handle saying calling the director’s passing away a ‘great loss to the film industry’. “Sad to know that well-known brilliant filmmaker of our country Pradeep Sarkar ji passes away. A great loss to the film industry. Heartfelt condolences to his family and near ones,” the tweet read.
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh who had collaborated with the film director for the 2009 drama film Lafangey Parindey, shared some snaps of him with Pradeep on Twitter, writing, “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.
Pradeep directed several well-known music videos and advertisements before breaking into the film industry. With Parineeta, he made his filmmaking debut in 2005. The movie starred Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, and Vidya Balan in the lead roles.
He also helmed many other movies including Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Lafangey Parindey, and Mardaani, to name a few. His last film was the 2018 drama, Helicopter Eela, starring Kajol in the lead role.