Producer-director-lyricist Saawan Kumar Tak, who was admitted to a suburban hospital in critical condition, passed away on August 25. He was cremated in the presence of close family members on August 26 in Mumbai.

The filmmaker, 86, succumbed to a lung infection, for which he was being treated for the last couple of days. He was known for films like Sanam Bewafa and Souten.

Padmini Kolhapure, who played central characters in his films like Souten and Preeti, says, “We had a great rapport, which extended beyond the journeys of these movies. We stayed in touch — over the years he came to watch my play and we would meet and talk. He was a lovely human being and so full of life.”

Anu Agarwal, who was in her 20s when she headlined Khal Naaikaa, recalls, “Saawan ji was always very respectful. I was a young girl, with Aashiqui’s success behind me. He chose to cast me in the film over so many senior and more reputed leading ladies. He showed a lot of faith in me and made people see me as an actress who could deliver a good performance in a tough role like that. The industry’s perception of me changed after that. I will always be grateful to Saawan ji for that.”

Prem Chopra, who was at the funeral, adds, “We did five-six films together. When he told me recently that he wanted to make his next film, I had told him to go easy with things. He had so many creative pursuits. He took highs and lows in his stride and never stopped his work. He was an involved and evolved filmmaker. And a dear friend.”

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