Gautam Adhikari dies at 67 of massive heart attack

Gautam Adhikari, one of the founders of the television company Sri Adhikari Brothers, film producer, and director, died today at his residence in Mumbai of a massive heart attack. He was 67. Adhikari died early in the morning at around 2:30.

Speaking to The Indian Express newspaper, Adhikari's sister-in-law said, “Gautam was earlier unwell because of a kidney transplant but had been doing quite all right lately. But he got a massive heart attack at 2:30am and passed away.”

Gautam and brother Markand Adhikari formed a small family-owned partnership firm in 1985. In 1995, it became the first publicly held television production company in India when it was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. 

Sri Adhikari Brothers went on to produce some memorable TV serials like Commander, Hello Inspector, Waqt Ki Raftaar, Silsila and Marshall. Gautam Adhikari also directed and wrote TV serials. 

Gautam Adhikari also had a stint in Hindi cinema. He directed films like Bhookamp (1993), Chehraa (1999) and Wajahh: A Reason To Kill (2004). He produced last year’s Great Grand Masti (2016), which was the third film in the Masti series.

The Adhikari brothers launched their own television channel, SAB TV, in 1999. The name is based on the initials of ‘Sri Adhikari Brothers’ and the channel is one of the leading Hindi entertainment channels currently.