Rashid Irani, the veteran film critic, was found dead at his residence in Mumbai on Monday. He was 74. Mumbai Press Club confirmed his demise on Twitter and said that Irani’s mortal remains were found in his home after a search was initiated by friends and police officials when he went missing for about two days.
According to the tweet, it is presumed that Irani died on July 30.
“He was one of the pillars of the Mumbai Press Club Film Society, and a core member of the club, who didn’t miss a day at the media centre writing his reviews and watching films. He will be missed sorely by all members and staff. Details about his funeral will be announced soon,” the Mumbai Press Club handle tweeted.
According to a PTI report in Indian Express, his close friend Rafeeq Ellias said, “It is terrible news. Most likely, he passed away Friday morning while having his bath because he was (found) in the bathroom. Since Friday, he had not been seen at the press club or at his usual breakfast place. We all thought he had gone out of town, so we waited, hoping he would be back on Sunday night. But today, we got worried. We called the cops and broke the door.”
Ellias also said that the veteran critic had contracted Covid-19 last year and had diabetes.
Irani had contributed to several articles in leading dailies such as The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and the news website Scroll. At the time of his demise, he was a member of the selection committee for international cinema at the Mumbai Film Festival.
Filmmakers Karan Johar and Sudhir Mishra took to Twitter to pay tribute to Irani.
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Sharing a picture with Irani, Johar wrote, “I remember all our interactions and conversations so fondly… Your insight on cinema will always be treasured.”
Recalling his early days in 1980s Mumbai, Mishra said Irani was “the kind of Bombayite I grew to love.”
Irani’s funeral will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at Dungerwady Tower of Silence, Kemp’s Corner in Mumbai.