Raj Kaushal, actor Mandira Bedi’s husband, has died at the age of 49. After a major heart attack on Wednesday morning, the writer-director-filmmaker departed tragically. “Raj passed early this morning, about 4.30 a.m., he suffered a heart attack,” actor Rohit Roy told indianexpress.com. Raj had died by the time the family could receive medical care because he was at home.” His children Vir and Tara, as well as his wife Mandira, survive him.
His funeral was held at Shivaji Ground in Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon. Among others who paid their tributes to the filmmaker were Rohit’s brother, Ronit Roy, and actor Ashish Choudhary.
Rohit also wrote an emotional farewell note to the director. “And with that, he’s gone, without even saying goodbye. Too overcome by grief and horror to respond. This isn’t right, this isn’t right,” he wrote.
Onir, who worked with Raj on My Brother Nikhil, too expressed astonishment at Raj’s death, saying, “Gone too soon. We lost Filmmaker and Producer @rajkaushal1 this morning. Very Sad. He was one of the producers of my first film #MyBrotherNikhil. One of those few who believed in our vision and supported us. Prayers for his soul.”
Raj Kaushal’s death was also grieved by Neha Dhupia, Ashish Choudhary, Anupam Kher, Ronnie Screwvala, Sudhir Mishra, and others. Neha shared a photo of Raj and Mandira from a recent get-together. “Can’t believe you are not with us anymore. Mandira , my strong strong girl, I am at a loss of words. My heart belongs to Vir and Tara. I’m shaken up and in shock and disbelief as I write this,” she tweeted.
Raj Kaushal was referred to be Ashish’s “big brother” in an emotional letter sent by Ashish, “My big brother, my guiding light, my happy quotient, my pamper-me-lots person, is gone. My brother who supported me fiercely like my sister Monica who I also lost, is gone. But yet, he’s filled positivity and gratitude real hard in me. He’s taught me well. To survive any storm. And I’ll do the same today. For him. I love you forever, my Rajiee. Until then my bro. Until we meet again.”
Anupam Kher stated he was “very grieved and shocked to know about #RajKaushal’s tragic demise.” He said that he has fond memories of working with him.
Ronnie Screwvala wrote, “Deepest condolences @mandybedi for your sudden and deep loss – to lose a life companion is devastating and all our prayers with you and the family.”
“Deeply saddened to hear of @rajkaushal1 passing away. He was among the first directors I worked with in the early years of my career. I will always remember his gentle smile and soft spoken demeanour. A man of great warmth, interesting conversations and a winning personality,” Minissha Lambba’s tweet read.
Kunal Kohli expressed his shock at the news of Raj Kaushal’s death, while Vishal Dadlani wrote, “The first person to trust me with making music for a film, @rajkaushal created so many careers with #PyaarMeinKabhiKabhi. Above that, he always stood with his friends.@mandirabedi, I don’t know what to say. Can’t imagine how you and the kids are feeling right now. I’m so sorry.”
Sudhir Mishra expressed his sadness for Mandira and their children, despite not having met Raj Kaushal. “Didn’t know him but knew many people who knew him well . Once we lived in the same lane ( Sherry Rajan Road , Bandra ) . Funny how our paths never crossed . Really sad . May Mandira and his kids have the strength to bear this loss.”
Actress Divya Dutta also shared her disbelief at Raj’s untimely passing. “What! Omg! No! Gone too soon Raj!” she exclaimed. The terrible situation was described as “shocking” by Tisca Chopra.
“My heart goes out to @mandybedi and her two lovely kids. #RIP our happy smiling Raj.. your gentle soul will be missed,” Tisca’s tweet read.
TV and film personality Roshan Abbas wrote, “Heard the terrible news about @rajkaushal1 . May your Jar of Hope always be filled in the afterlife as it was here. I will miss you terribly. Strength to the family and friends.”
Raj leaves behind a wife, Mandira, a son, Veer, and a daughter, Tara. Pyaar Mein Kabhie Kabhie, Shaadi Ka Ladoo, and Anthony Kaun Hai were the three films directed by the writer-director-producer. He began his professional career as a copywriter. He began his cinematic career aiding Mukul Anand on films like as Subhash Ghai’s Trimurti.
In 1998, he founded his own advertising production company and has since directed over 800 advertisements. Mandira and Raj tied the knot in 1999. They had their son Vir in 2011 and adopted Tara, a four-year-old girl, the following year.
