Pritish Nandy: A Multifaceted Legacy in Indian Arts and Media

Pritish Nandy, the esteemed poet, journalist, filmmaker, and former Rajya Sabha member, passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 73. He died of a cardiac arrest at his residence in South Mumbai, with his last rites conducted the same evening.

Early Life and Literary Contributions

Born on January 15, 1951, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, Nandy was a prolific poet and writer. He authored over 40 books of poetry in English and translated works from Bengali, Urdu, and Punjabi into English. His poem “Calcutta If You Must Exile Me” is considered a pioneering classic in modern Indian literature.

Journalistic Career

In the 1980s, Nandy made significant strides in Indian journalism. He served as the Publishing Director of The Times of India Group and was the Editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, The Independent, and Filmfare. His fearless and unique approach to journalism earned him widespread acclaim.

Filmmaking and Media Ventures

In 1993, Nandy founded Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC), a media company that produced notable films such as “Sur,” “Kaante,” “Jhankaar Beats,” “Chameli,” “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi,” and “Pyaar Ke Side Effects.” PNC also ventured into television and streaming content, creating the acclaimed series “Four More Shots Please!” which received an International Emmy nomination in 2020.

Political Involvement and Advocacy

Nandy was a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing Maharashtra on a Shiv Sena ticket. He was also an animal rights advocate, founding People for Animals, India’s first animal rights NGO.

Tributes and Remembrances

The news of Nandy’s passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from various quarters. Actor Anupam Kher expressed his grief, recalling Nandy as a “brave and unique editor/journalist” and a “great source of strength” during his early days in Mumbai.

Summary of the news