Producers’ Guild CEO Kulmeet Makkar dies at 60

Kulmeet Makkar, CEO of The Film and Television Producers Guild of India, died yesterday of a massive heart attack in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. He was 60.

Makkar's death comes as yet another shock for the Hindi film industry which is still reeling from the deaths of Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The news was shared by Ashoke Pandit, producer and chief advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), on Twitter. Pandit also offered his condolences to the family.

Makkar was CEO of the guild since 2010. The guild put up a condolence statement for Makkar, which said, “Today we lost our pillar of strength. Kulmeet is irreplaceable. His passion, integrity, resourcefulness and commitment were only matched by his deep empathy and unique ability to find a way through the toughest situations. Today we have lost someone who has played a role — always unassumingly and behind the scenes — to nurture and grow the Indian film and television industry.” 

Prominent personalities from the Hindi film industry also sent condolence messages for Makkar. Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar wrote on Twitter: “Kulmeet, you were such an incredible pillar to all of us at the Producers Guild of India... Relentlessly working for the industry and towards its enhancement and advancement... You left us too soon... We will miss you and always remember you fondly.... Rest in peace my friend.” 

Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar said, “Seems like every day we’re waking up to losing someone we knew and someone who cared deeply about Indian films. RIP Kulmeet Makkar. Your work as the CEO of Film & Television Producers Guild of India will always be remembered.”

Other people from the industry like filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, actress Swara Bhasker, actor Sanjay Suri and producer Girish Johar also paid tributes to Makkar.