On Saturday, Bollywood lost renowned film producer Pradeep Guha. Reportedly, Pradeep, better known as PG in the industry, passed away due to liver cancer. He was in his late 60s and breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Pradeep's wife Papia Guha and son Sanket Guha informed about the unfortunate news in a statement to the media. The statement read, "We regret to announce the sad demise of our dear Mr Pradeep Guha. In these COVID times, the family has requested to be allowed to grieve in private and will share a date for a prayer meeting in a few days. No condolence visit at home due to COVID restrictions. Please keep him in your prayers."
Soon after the news of Pradeep's demise broke, Lara Dutta wrote, "My dearest PG @guhapradeep you were always the KING who was the most successful ‘Queen maker’. May we, your protégés always keep your memory alive and shining bright and may you always watch over us as you have always done."
Dia Mirza walked down memory lane and remembered Pradeep fondly. She wrote, "Our Dearest PG @guhapradeep as we so lovingly called him. A formidable force has left us… i think back to the courage he consistently gave me over the 21 years i’ve known him. A man who truly empowered us. I will never forget that car ride as he dropped me off to the airport as i left the country to represent India at the Miss Asia Pacific. “What if i lose?” I had asked him and he said “It will be their loss. You are a winner.” Those words were everything. They gave the 18 year old me so much strength. And over the years he stood by me. Through good times and bad. Always offering his wisdom. We will always work hard to make you proud PG. May you find peace and create magic wherever you are… Your legacy is the tremendous love and respect you helped so many individuals earn and the incredible faith you had in individual potential. Thank you for making each of us believe in ourselves. Papia Ma and Sanket we send you our prayers, love and strength. We are with you always."
Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared pictures and a video of Pradeep on Instagram. Her caption read: "You were always my forever champion. Your random calls of encouragement, your zest for life and your ambition was something I have always admired so much. This loss is so personal. I will miss your voice and strength so much. I’ve had very few constants in my life and outside my parents, you were one that I truly saw as my mentor. You saw something in me I never knew I had. You never shied away from reminding me on how I could be better. You always lead with charge. This video above, is part of an interview he did around the release of my memoir, in which he features prominently. As always, his words were an encouragement and an affirmation, something I knew I could always count on. I’ve learned so much from you PG. With such a heavy heart I say a final goodbye to a huge constant in my adult life. I’ll miss the laughter, the gossiping, the stories, the encouragement. Will keep striving to make you proud. Picture abhi baaki hai. Gone too soon. My love and condolences to Papia, @guhasanket and everyone whose life he touched. Love you and rest in peace PG."
Neha Dhupia remembered Pradeep and wrote, "I still remember the first day I stepped foot in Mumbai with dreams in my eyes of becoming #MissIndia and I had , had a brief meeting with you guys which was nerve racking and witty before that during the audition round in Delhi … our beloved #PradeepGuha . Who knew that life with its twists and turns would get us so close … It feels like yesterday, every life lesson you taught me I have carried forward till today , every time I would see you or call you , you only added value in my life … your loss will take a long time to process . Whats even harder is to hear that you suffered in the last few moths and did nt want to share your pain , whereas all you always did for us and ones closest to you , was be there for them in your entirety. … our beloved PG , our truly beloved PG … I don’t have the heart to to let go of your words , your digits any of you from my life . You will be with us forever … #gonewaytoosoon … my love to Papiya and @guhasanket … stay strong"
Manoj Bajpayee tweeted, "Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about my friend @guhapradeep's passing away !! May you rest in peace Pradeep."
Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about my friend @guhapradeep ‘s passing away !! May you rest in peace Pradeep
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) August 21, 2021
Subhash Ghai mourned Pradeep's demise and tweeted, "Goodbye my friend #Pradeep Guha I will always be indebted for your genuine love n support to I needed n we all @Whistling_Woods international 4 your enriched guidance as a director on board since its birth. U were the makers of many in our industry RIP MY FRIEND"
Good bye my friend #Pradeep Guha
I will always be indebted for your genuine love n support to I needed n we all @Whistling_Woods international 4 your enriched guidance as a director on board since its birth.
U were the makers of many in our industry
RIP MY FRIEND pic.twitter.com/Io33oh5gM3— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) August 21, 2021
Preity Zinta shared a picture with Pradeep and said, "So sad to hear you are no more with us PG. Your larger than life personality, your big heart and twinkling eyes will be missed by not just me, but every person who knew you. My heartfelt condolences to your family & friends. I’m happy the last time we met we laughed all night. I’m sad I did not get to say goodbye to you but life is never fair. I’m just happy you are not in any pain anymore. Rest in peace my friend."
Anupam Kher wrote, "Deeply saddened to know about the demise of my friend #PradeepGuha! A visionary & a pioneer! Specially in the field of entertainment. He fulfilled many dreams selflessly! He took Miss. India pageants to another level. Kind, compassionate & a man who always smiled!"
(Source: Instagram/Twitter)
