King of romance no more
After a week-long hospitalisation, veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra (80) succumbed to dengue fever at Lilavati Hospital, Bandra on Sunday evening. Chopra was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) on last Saturday after he was diagnosed with dengue.
Doctors said that he was on ventilator throughout his stay at the hospital. “He had developed acute renal failure and was on dialysis too,” a senior doctor from the hospital said, adding that his platelet count was alarmingly low.
Sources at the hospital said that he was declared dead at around 5.40 pm on Sunday evening. During the hospitalisation, he had also developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, which further worsened his condition.
With the death of legendary filmmaker who was active until his admission into the hospital and in the midst of directing his last film with Shah Rukh Khan, the film fraternity paid its last respects online on social media. The death of the filmmaker evoked unequivocal response of awe and deep sense of respect. Actor and long-time friend, Amitabh Bachchan, declaring the news tweeted, “Yash Chopra passes away .. Just now a hour ago .. (sic).”
The usually mute official Twitter handle of the Prime Minister tweeted, “An icon of Indian Cinema, he entertained many generations with his rare creativity. He had an aesthetic talent to make his films look larger than life. His flourish to essay romance and social drama was unmatched. He established the popularity of Indian cinema internationally and was honoured by many governments. He will be remembered by millions. I send heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire film fraternity at this loss.”
Soon after the news of the filmmaker broke out, actor Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee arrived at the hospital.
On his 80th birthday, the maker of landmark films like Deewar, Trishul, Chandani and Lamhe had declared that Jab Tak Hai Jaan would also be his last film that he would be directing. And, that he would like to assume the larger role of being a mentor to youngsters and newcomer.
Yash Chopra, who was born in pre-independence era in Lahore, Pakistan, was also one of the most decorated filmmakers winning six national awards and 11 Filmfare awards. He was also awarded with Dadasaheb Phalke award and Padma Bhushan in 2001 and 2005 respectively. The School of Oriental and African Studies, London had also honoured him with a doctorate.
The last rites of the filmmaker will held at 3 pm on Monday in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
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