Raj Kaushal, who directed over 400 ads & 'Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi', passes away; B-town offers condolences to Mandira Bedi
Actor Rohit Roy, who has starred with Bedi in the '90s hit series 'Shanti' and is friends with the couple, was one of the first ones to confirm the news to news agency PTI saying, "He passed away today morning, at around 4.30 am at his home. He had a heart attack."
Kaushal's last rites were held at Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar. Close friends from the industry including actors Ronit Roy, Sameer Soni, Ashish Chowdhry, and Dino Morea were among those present.
Kaushal, who started off as a copywriter, had assisted directors Mukul S Anand and Subhash Ghai in the early years of his career. In 1998, he went on to set up his own production house called Fuel, and had since directed over 400 commercials for leading brands including Hero Honda, Birla Plus, Nestle, Surf and Rin among others.He donned the directorial hat for Bollywood ventures like 'Shaadi Ka Laddoo', 'Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi' and 'Anthony Kaun Hai' which was his last big screen outing. He also produced film-maker Onir's 2005 acclaimed drama 'My Brother… Nikhil', starring Sanjay Suri and Juhi Chawla.
Onir was one of the first to mourn Kaushal's loss on Twitter, saying, "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," he tweeted.
Gone too soon. We lost Film maker and Producer @rajkaushal1 this morning. Very Sad. He was one of the producers of… https://t.co/5O4k4wcAoT
— অনির Onir اونیر ओनिर he/him (@IamOnir) 1625025338000
"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," Warsi wrote.
Today I lost a very dear friend, my condolences to his family. Known Raj Kaushal, for years, done a film with him,… https://t.co/BD32pb9v3o
— Arshad Warsi (@ArshadWarsi) 1625029085000
"Raj, we took this picture to create more and more memories... Can't believe you are not with us anymore... Mandira, my strong strong girl, I am at a loss of words. My heart belongs to Vir and Tara... I'm shaken up and in shock and disbelief as I write this, RIP Raj," Dhupia wrote alongside the picture.
Raj , we took this picture to create more and more memories… can’t believe you are nt with us anymore … Mandira , m… https://t.co/9tyJekMafj
— Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) 1625029797000
Shocked and saddened by the passing of #RajKaushal .May the Lord grant #mandirabedi and the family the strength to bear this loss.
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) 1625031748000
Deeply saddened!! One of the nicest people I knew!! Gone too soon my friend @rajkaushal1 ! RIP
— Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25) 1625028906000
He was one hell of a nice guy ... Raj Kaushal you shall be missed ... Gone too early ... rest in peace ... Ok Shant… https://t.co/7MULcPWgaX
— Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising) 1625028951000
Shocked to hear that the ever smiling Raj Kaushal has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to @mandybedi Vir and Tara. ॐ शांति