Pradeep Sarkar dies at 68

Pradeep Sarkar is an Indian film director and screenwriter. He is best known for directing the critically acclaimed films Parineeta (2005) and Mardaani (2014). Sarkar started his career in advertising, where he worked for many years before venturing into filmmaking. He has directed a number of successful commercials and music videos before making his debut as a feature film director with the film Parineeta. Apart from filmmaking, Sarkar has also served as a jury member for various film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival.

Pradeep Sarkar was born on April 20, 1955, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. He completed his graduation in English Literature from Calcutta University and started his career in advertising in 1975. He worked in various advertising agencies in Mumbai and Delhi, including Lintas and Contract Advertising, before starting his own production company called Apocalypso Filmworks in 1987.

Filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar died at the age of 68 in the wee hours of Friday. The filmmaker was reportedly on dialysis and his potassium levels dropped drastically. Sarkar passed away at a hospital where he was taken at around 3 am. Songwriter and actor Swanand Kirkire, superstar Ajay Devgn and Aligarh director Hansal Mehta paid their last respects to the departed soul. 

Swanand Kirkire remembered Sarkar for his passion of cinema. Kirkire wrote, “Film maker and dearest friend Pradeep Sarkar the mad man left us this morning. Rest in peace Dada your passion for the art of cinema will stay in your works! Duniya bhar ki mitti ikatthi karte the ab jannat ki mitti dibiya mein bharna. Thank you for loving me and my words (sic).”

Sarkar began directing commercials in the late 1980s and soon became one of the most sought-after ad filmmakers in India. He has directed numerous award-winning commercials for brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Cadbury, Nestle, and many others.

In 2005, Sarkar made his feature film debut with the critically acclaimed film Parineeta, starring Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Khan. The film was a commercial success and received several awards, including the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director.

Sarkar's other notable films include Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007), Lafangey Parindey (2010), and Mardaani (2014). Mardaani, which starred Rani Mukerji in the lead role, was a commercial and critical success and earned Sarkar widespread praise for his direction.

Apart from his work in films, Sarkar has also served on the jury of various film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, the Busan International Film Festival, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. He has received several awards for his work in advertising and films, including the Cannes Gold Lion and the National Film Award for Best Director.

Here is some more information on Pradeep Sarkar:

Sarkar has directed over 500 commercials in his career, and has won several awards for his work in advertising, including the Cannes Gold Lion, the Ad Club's Creative Person of the Year, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award.

In addition to directing films and commercials, Sarkar has also directed music videos for popular Indian musicians such as A.R. Rahman, Jagjit Singh, and Shankar Mahadevan.

Sarkar's films often deal with social issues and themes such as women's empowerment, family relationships, and poverty. He is known for his realistic and nuanced portrayal of characters and situations.

Sarkar is married to Amita Sarkar, who is a well-known art director in the Indian film industry. The couple has two children, a daughter named Shoumik and a son named Sagar.

In 2015, Sarkar was appointed as the chairperson of the National Film Awards jury by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

Sarkar has also been involved in the education and training of aspiring filmmakers. He has conducted workshops and masterclasses on filmmaking at various film schools and festivals, and has served as a mentor to many young filmmakers in India.

Sure, here are some additional facts about Pradeep Sarkar:

Sarkar has worked with many popular actors in the Indian film industry, including Vidya Balan, Rani Mukerji, Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone.

Sarkar's films have been screened at several international film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Berlin International Film Festival.

In addition to his work in advertising and films, Sarkar is also a trained classical singer and has performed in various music concerts.

Sarkar is known for his attention to detail and his meticulous approach to filmmaking. He is involved in every aspect of the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting to editing.

Sarkar's films have been praised for their strong female characters and their portrayal of women's issues. He has been vocal about the need for more women in leadership roles in the film industry.

Sarkar's upcoming film is titled "Penthouse" and stars Bobby Deol and Arjun Rampal in lead roles. The film is a crime thriller and is set to release in 2023.

Sarkar has been a mentor and inspiration to many young filmmakers in India. He has encouraged aspiring filmmakers to tell stories that are honest, authentic, and relevant to society.