'Khubsoorat' actor Ranjit Chowdhry passes away at 64
In a saddening piece of news, film and theatre actor Ranjit Chowdhry, best known for his roles in movies like Khatta Meetha and Khubsoorat, passed away on Wednesday. He was 64 years old. The news was shared by Ranjit's half-sister and Mumbai-based theatre personality Raell Padamsee. Ranjit's last rites will be held on Thursday, April 16. May his soul rest in peace.
According to a report in News18, Ranjit had been suffering from an illness for several months and was even admitted to a hospital for surgery. In a message posted on Instagram, Raell wrote, "For all those who knew Ranjit, the funeral will be held tomorrow and a gathering to celebrate his life n share his stories on May 5th (sic)."
Son of late theatre veteran Pearl Padamsee, Ranjit made his Bollywood debut with Basu Chatterjee's 1978 film Khatta Meetha. He then featured in other prominent Hindi movies like Baton Baton Mein, Khubsoorat, Chakra, and Kaalia. After moving to the US in 1980, Ranjit appeared in movies like Mississippi Masala, Bandit Queen, Fire, Bollywood/Hollywood, and Mira Nair's Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.
Ranjit also appeared in American TV series such as Prison Break and acclaimed sitcom The Office. He also wrote and worked as an actor in Deepa Mehta's Sam & Me, which went on to win an honorable mention at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival.
Miss him - a real loss. https://t.co/1fx0kpth38
— Deepa Mehta (@IamDeepaMehta) April 16, 2020
Gutted to learn of #RanjitChowdhry’s passing. Despite his diminutive frame, he was a towering icon of Indian diaspora cinema and a master of his craft. By far, one of the most endearingly quirky and acerbically witty people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. A true original!
— Rahul Khanna (@R_Khanna) April 16, 2020
