Mumbai, January 8, 2025 - The Indian media landscape mourns the loss of a multifaceted personality, Pritish Nandy, who died at his Mumbai residence today at the age of 73. Known for his diverse roles as a poet, painter, journalist, parliamentarian, and filmmaker, Nandy's contributions to both Indian culture and media have left an indelible mark.
Early Life and Journey into Journalism:
Pritish Nandy was born on January 15, 1951, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, into a Bengali family. He kickstarted his literary career at a young age, with his first book of poems, "Of Gods and Olives", published in 1967. His early education at La Martiniere College and Presidency College in Kolkata laid the foundation for his versatile career. Nandy took over as the Publishing Director of The Times of India Group and concurrently held the roles of editor for "The Illustrated Weekly of India", "The Independent", and "Filmfare" in the 1980s, significantly influencing Indian journalism.
Film and Television:
In 1993, Nandy founded Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd., venturing into film and television production. His company produced notable films like "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi", "Chameli", "Kaante", and "Jhankaar Beats", which were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. His foray into television was marked by hosting "The Pritish Nandy Show" on Doordarshan, where he interviewed notable personalities, adding a new dimension to Indian television.
Political Career:
Nandy was also an active participant in Indian politics, serving as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, representing Maharashtra for the Shiv Sena from 1998. His tenure was highlighted by his involvement in various parliamentary committees, including those for Defence, Communications, and Foreign Affairs.
Literary Contributions:
Beyond journalism and entertainment, Nandy was a prolific poet, with over forty books of poetry in English to his name. He also translated poetry from Bengali, Urdu, and Punjabi into English, enriching India's literary heritage. His translations of classical Sanskrit love poetry and a new version of the Isha Upanishad further showcased his literary prowess.
Activism and Humanitarianism:
Nandy was deeply committed to animal rights, founding People for Animals, one of India's largest animal protection NGOs, alongside Maneka Gandhi. His humanitarian efforts were recognized internationally when he received the International Humanitarian Award at the Genesis Awards in Los Angeles in 2012. Additionally, he established World Compassion Day in 2012, furthering the cause of compassion and non-violence.
Legacy:
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, among others, paid homage to Nandy, highlighting his support during Kher's early days in Mumbai and describing him as a fearless figure in media. Nandy's death marks the end of an era for Indian arts and media, with his legacy spanning across various domains, touching lives through his words, his films, and his activism.
Tributes and Reflections:
As tributes pour in, the Indian entertainment and media fraternity reflect on Nandy's fearless journalism, his lyrical poetry, and his transformative impact on Indian cinema. His bold editorial decisions and creative ventures have shaped generations, making him a figure of both reverence and inspiration.
Pritish Nandy's contributions will continue to resonate in Indian culture, celebrated for his fearless voice, creative genius, and his unyielding commitment to various social and cultural causes.