The filmmaker suffered a cardiac arrest at 4:30 am on Wednesday.
Producer-director Raj Kaushal, husband of Mandira Bedi, dies at 49
Mumbai - 30 Jun 2021 11:58 IST
Updated : 04 Jul 2021 19:44 IST
Our Correspondent
Filmmaker Raj Kaushal, husband of actress Mandira Bedi, died at 4:30 am on Wednesday in Mumbai after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 49.
Actor Rohit Roy told the news website Indianexpress.com, "He was at home. By the time the family could get any medical help, Raj was gone."
One of my oldest, closest friends passes by and I can’t even be there at the funeral…can’t even see him okie last time…can’t pay my respects in person…and people think an actors job is all cushy and fun! It’s the most unenviable job in the world at times… @rajkaushal1 RIP🙏🏼
— Rohit Bose Roy (@rohitroy500) June 30, 2021
Filmmaker Onir, whose critically acclaimed film My Bother... Nikhil (2005) was produced by Kaushal, offered his condolences to the family.
Gone too soon. We lost Film maker and Producer @rajkaushal1 this morning. Very Sad. He was one of the producers of my first film #MyBrotherNikhil. One of those few who believed in our vision and supported us. Prayers for his soul. pic.twitter.com/zAitFfYrS7
— অনির Onir اونیر ओनिर he/him (@IamOnir) June 30, 2021
Kaushal began his career as a copywriter in an ad agency. After assisting on films such as Bekhudi (1992) and Mukul Anand’s Trimurti (1995), he went on to direct three projects of his own: Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999), Shaadi Ka Laddoo (2004) and Anthony Kaun Hai? (2006).
The filmmaker launched his own advertising production company in 1998 and helmed more than 800 ad films. Bedi and Kaushal married a year later. They were blessed with a son, Vir, in 2011 and adopted four-year-old Tara last year.
Several members of the film industry took to social media to offer their respects.
Awfully sad waking up to the news of our colleague Raj Kaushal’s passing away. Too young to be gone.
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 30, 2021
Actor Arshad Warsi, who was part of Anthony Kaun Hai?, wrote, "Today I lost a very dear friend, my condolences to his family. Known Raj Kaushal, for years, done a film with him, enjoyed every minute of his company. I have never seen a frown on his face, he was always smiling, always there if you needed him... will miss you brother... RIP.'
Today I lost a very dear friend, my condolences to his family. Known Raj Kaushal, for years, done a film with him, enjoyed every minute of his company. I have never seen a frown on his face, he was always smiling, always there if you needed him…will miss you brother… RIP. pic.twitter.com/5HpVNvxJ8r
— Arshad Warsi (@ArshadWarsi) June 30, 2021
Actor Anupam Kher, another close friend of the family, also expressed shock and dismay at the sudden passing of the filmmaker.
Deeply saddened & shocked to know about the sudden demise of #RajKaushal! A friend, a film maker & a very positive man. Have some great memories of working with him & spending time with him few years back. Sorry dearest @mandybedi & family for your irreparable loss. 🙏#OmShanti pic.twitter.com/HrzULdJhYd
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) June 30, 2021
Artistes Kriti Kharbanda, Rahul Dev and Manoj Bajpayee also took to Twitter to eulogize the filmmaker.
He was one hell of a nice guy ... Raj Kaushal you shall be missed ... Gone too early ... rest in peace ... Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/6ZGkLdQbId
— Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising) June 30, 2021
Deepest condolences to Mandira Ma’am, her children and their family. This is so shocking. Rest in peace #RajKaushal sir. 💔
— kriti kharbanda (@kriti_official) June 30, 2021
No news can be more shocking and tragic for us personally than loosing our dear friend and a fantastic human being Raj kaushal !! It will definitely take time to come to terms with this loss!! Rest in peace my friend 🙏
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) June 30, 2021
Raj Kaushal was a wonderful, happy soul. A tragic untimely departure. Mandira, my friend, deepest condolences. Thoughts and prayers with you and the children.#mandirabedi
— Charu Sharma (@Charuonsports) June 30, 2021
The first person to trust me with making music for a film, @rajkaushal created so many careers with, #PyaarMeinKabhiKabhi. Above that, he always stood with his friends.@mandirabedi, I don't know what to say. Can't imagine how you and the kids are feeling right now. I'm so sorry. pic.twitter.com/C1TkgvXdcO
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) June 30, 2021