Veteran Bollywood filmmaker and director Rakesh Kumar dies of cancer on 10th November in Mumbai. Rakesh Kumar who was known for his work in Khoon Pasina, Do Aur Do Paanch, Mr. Natwarlal, and Yaarana, was 81 years. He was battling cancer since a long time. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. His 1992 blockbuster movie Suryavanshi starred Salman Khan, Amrita Singh and Sheeba in key roles. A prayer meeting in his memory is being held today on November 13 in Mumbai’s Andheri.
After hearing the news of Rakesh Kumar’ demise, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan wrote a heartfelt note, on his blog. Big B wrote, “Morose is the day… for another colleague has left us and me in particular… Rakesh Sharma , first AD to Prakash Mehra on ZANJEER. then independent director for other PM (Prakash Mehra, as we often joked with him, as the PM of the country) films. and singularly – Hera Pheri, Khoon Pasina, Mr Natwarlal, Yaarana , et al. and such great camaraderie on sets and elsewhere, socially, during events and Holi.”
Amitabh concluded by writing: You made many of us prominent with your innovative ideas for story and film, Rakesh, and you shall ever be remembered.