Ailing and lonely, yesteryear filmmaker Rajesh Nanda passes away at an old-age home

Filmmaker Rajesh Nanda, who had made films like ‘Nateeja’, ‘Behroopia’, ‘Pick Pocket’ and more, and also worked with stars like Vinod Khanna and Helen, took his last breathe on 20th May at an old-age home in Pune. Nanda, 80, was abandoned by his family during his last days and lived a life full of loneliness.

Singer Ashok Khosla, who owns the home, learnt from his lyricist friend Sudhakar Mishra that Nanda was hospitalised and had no one to look after him. Around one and a half years back, he was brought to the home. (Also Read: It hasn’t sunk in yet, Reema Lagoo’s daughter on her mother’s death)

“Over 15 months ago, we brought him to our Ashram from Mumbai. Sudhakar told me that he (Nanda) was unwell and there was nobody to take care of him. We picked him from the hospital… he recovered gradually… but later, he developed other medical complications due to old age. None of his family members inquired about him while he was here,” Khosla told Indian Express.

“It is the harsh reality of life. Once you are of no use to anyone, people don’t want anything to do with you and nobody cares where you are,” he added.

A sad ending for an artiste. We pray his soul rests in peace.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.