Renowned film critic Rashid Irani sadly passed away last week at his residence in Mumbai. He was 74 and had multiple health issues. The critic lived alone and likely breathed his last at his home in the South Mumbai neighbourhood of Dhobitalao, according to his close friend Rafeeq Ellias.
"It is terrible news. Most likely, he passed away Friday morning while having his bath because he was (found) in the bathroom. Since Friday, he had not been seen at the press club or at his usual breakfast place. We all thought he had gone out of town, so we waited, hoping he would be back on Sunday night. But today we got worried. We called the cops and broke the door," Ellias told a news agency.
Many Bollywood celebrities including Karan Johar, Randeep Hooda, Madhur Bhandarkar and Sudhir Mishra have now paid their tributes to the late critic.
Cinema a little less loved today ..
RIP #RashidIrani saab pic.twitter.com/ijKs3Mplnz— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 2, 2021
Rest in peace Rashid….I remember all our interactions and conversations so fondly…. Your insight on Cinema will always be treasured….. https://t.co/kWTyaQpmn4
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) August 2, 2021
Oh shit !When I came 2Bombay in d early eighties,this was the kind of Bombayite I grew to love .Gentle ,firm , held his own in a discussion but always listened. In front of him his city changed.He was in a sense like d Grandfather in Fellini’s Amarcord:lost near his own house ! https://t.co/3X4Pbvrywf
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) August 2, 2021
My deepest condolences. RIP #RashidIrani https://t.co/cp760TYyoW
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) August 2, 2021
The official social media account of the Mumbai Press Club also tweeted about Irani's demise.
Rashid Irani, 74, one of the country's foremost film critics, passed away probably on 30 July at home. He was not seen for 2-3 days; a search by friends, club officials and police led to his home, where his mortal remains were found. #Rashidirani pic.twitter.com/vGsi2KCzxW
— Mumbai Press Club (@mumbaipressclub) August 2, 2021
(Source: PTI/Twitter)