Coronavirus update: Chandro Tomar, subject of Saand Ki Aankh, dies of COVID-19

Veteran shooting champion Chandro Tomar, who was lovingly known as ‘Shooter Dadi', died today of COVID-19 complications at a hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. She was 89.

Filmmaker Tushar Hiranandani’s movie Saand Ki Aankh (2019) was based on the lives of Chandro and her sister-in-law Prakashi, who is also a champion shooter. The women, who have inspired women across the nation with their grit and determination, were played in the film by Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu, respectively. 

Earlier this week, on 26 April, a relative of the sportswoman had tweeted in Hindi that she was unwell. “Dadi Chandro Tomar is corona positive. She was admitted to the hospital after experiencing shortness of breath. May God protect us all,” read the tweet. 

Reacting to the news of her death, Pednekar tweeted, “Devastated by the news of Chandro Dadi’s demise. Feels like a part of me is gone. She made her own rules and paved the path for many girls to find their dream. Her legacy will live on in them. Condolences to the family. Am lucky I got to know and be her.” 

Pannu shared a picture of herself with Chandro and wrote, “For the inspiration you will always be. You will live on forever in all the girls you gave hope to live. My cutest rockstar. May the victory and peace be with you.”

Actor Akshay Kumar also paid his respects on Twitter.

Never met #ShooterDadi but could feel the warmth in her tweets whenever we interacted. Deeply saddened to learn of her passing, my heartfelt condolences to the family :pray::skin-tone-2:

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 30, 2021