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Mumbai: Big blow to Bollywood industry as veteran producer Dhirajlal Shah, who backed many Bollywood films like ‘Vijaypath’ and ‘Gambler’, passed away on Monday (March 11) morning. Dhirajlal’s brother Hasmukh told sources that he was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai.
Shah is known for supporting films like the 1996 film Krishna, Ajay Devgan’s 1994 film Vijaypath and The Hero: Love Story of a Spy starring Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra. Hasmukh said that Dhirajlal had COVID-19, post which he developed an issue with his lungs. “His health deteriorated in the last 20 days and we had to admit him to the ICU. His kidney and heart were affected, which resulted in multi-organ failure,” said Hashmukh.
Sources quoted ‘Gadar’ director Anil Sharma saying, “He was not only a good producer but a very lovely soul. He had created a video world which was revolutionary in a way. We will miss him.” Producer Harish Sughand said that Dhirajlal “bought the video rights of Shahenshah after which his life changed and he became the video king. He had the rights of almost all films”.
The Indian Film TV Producers Council extends condolences on the demise of Dhirajal. The council shared a photo of the producer on their X handle and captioned it, “Deeply Saddening News Owner of Apna Cinema & Time Video Mr Dhirajlal Nanji Shah Ji has passed away. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. Om Shanti.”
Deeply Saddening News Owner of Apna Cinema & Time Video Mr. Dhirajlal Nanji Shah Ji has passed away. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. Om Shanti. #omshanti #IFTPC #SajidNadiadwala @JDMajethia #RatanJain @NitinPVaidya @RameshTaurani @nrpachisia @tsunami_singh pic.twitter.com/V2OrET1mgh
— INDIAN FILM TV PRODUCERS COUNCIL (@IftpcM) March 11, 2024
Dhirajlal Shah is survived by his wife, Manju Dhiraj Shah, two daughters-Shital Punit Goel and Sapna Dhiraj Shah, son-Jimit Shah and daughter-in-law-Poonam Shah.
The espionage thriller film was released in April 2003. Directed by Anil Sharma, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy tells the story of Arun Khanna, an undercover Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent who is sent on a mission to India-Pakistan. border to collect sensitive information about Pakistani terrorist activities across the border and to prevent terrorist activities. Although it was one of the highest-grossing films of the year, Priyanka Chopra’s performance in the film was highly appreciated.
