Pritish-Nandy,

Pritish Nandy’s Legacy Lives On Through His Groundbreaking Work in Journalism and Cinema: Dies at 73 Age Due to Cardiac Arrest, Anupam Kher, Jaya Bachchan, Manoj Bajpayee, and Others Pay Tribute

 

Pritish Nandy, a media mogul and much-loved figure in Indian journalism and filmmaking, died on January 8, 2025 at 73. His death, due to cardiac arrest, has left a void in both the media and film industries. 

Popularly known as "The Rupert Murdoch of India," Nandy's influence paned across journalism, poetry, filmmaking, and even politics, making him a towering figure in Indian society.

 

A Pioneering Journalist in India

 

Nandy started his journalism career in the early 1980s as the editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, a man who came out with his bold, fearless, and often iconoclastic style, changing Indian print media as never before. He led the Weekly to be the trendsetter in investigative journalism, feature writing, and opinion pieces on issues of burning social and political importance at the time.

His style was unique—intelligent yet accessible, provocative yet insightful. Nandy's fearless journalistic pursuits earned him widespread respect and recognition worldwide, and he became an influential voice shaping modern Indian journalism.

 

Master filmmaker and producer

 

In addition to his journalistic success, Nandy was also a renowned filmmaker and producer known for his deep love of storytelling and cinema. In 1993, he established Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC), a production house that produced some of the most iconic and thought-provoking films in Indian cinema.

Some of the iconic films produced by PNC include Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Chameli (2004), and the hit streaming series Four More Shots Please!, which became a cultural phenomenon.

Nandy was an important production house that brought diverse stories to the silver screen, but usually of a character-driven kind and complex themes. The present partnership towards pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema and pop culture makes him a household name to people in the industry, whose influence extends from his own productions that shape many filmmakers and actors.

 

A Politician and Animal Rights Champion

 

His influence was far-flung and reached beyond the world of media and cinema. He also made his presence felt in politics as a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing Maharashtra. Known for his bold views and unwavering commitment to the issues he cared about, Nandy represented a respected parliamentarian.

In addition to his political career, Nandy was a passionate animal rights advocate. He was the founder of People for Animals, India’s largest animal protection organization, where he tirelessly worked to raise awareness about animal welfare issues. His work in this field reflected his broader commitment to social justice and compassion.

 

Tributes from the World of Cinema and Journalism

 

The news of Pritish Nandy's death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Bollywood celebrities, journalists, and industry leaders, highlighting his pioneering contributions to Indian media and cinema.

Actor Anupam Kher said that Nandy had been a source of strength during his early years in Mumbai, providing encouragement and guidance. Jaya Bachchan recalled the revolutionary impact Nandy had made in journalism, "how he changed journalism forever". Rakhee Gulzar remembered Nandy as a connoisseur of art and aesthetics and Manoj Bajpayee said Nandy was a stalwart figure both in journalism and cinema.

Renowned filmmakers Sudhir Mishra and Hansal Mehta spoke highly of Nandy. They acknowledged the key role he played in their respective success stories, as well as his paternalistic approach to mentoring young talent. His impact on the film industry and media will be there for generations to come.

 

A Lasting Legacy

 

Pritish Nandy will be remembered at the end of an era and lasting legacy as Indian journalism and entertainment lose this great soul, but his work is far from over. A pioneering journalist who has made strides in filmmaking and activism through his tireless efforts, his mark on Indian media will undoubtedly inspire journalists, filmmakers and more. 

His wife, Rina, survives Nandy, along with his children, Kushan, Ishita, and Rangita. It was the loss of a visionary in the making whose input had molded Indian media, entertainment, and political sensibilities. 

The death of Nandy will thus remind us of the intense power that lies in telling stories, how the truth in journalism is extremely important, and how creative or rather compassionate leadership is desperately needed.