Celebrities and members of the film industry attended Producer Raj Kumar Barjatya cremation on Thursday, 21 February - which was carried out in the evening at Worli’s crematorium - hours after actors Madhuri Dixit Nene, Sonam K Ahuja and Anupam Kher, who had worked with him extensively, mourned the death of the "kindest, sweetest and most generous soul".
Members of the film industry including Mahesh Bhatt, Soni Razdan, Swara Bhasker, Mohnish Bahl and Bhagyashree were present at the crematorium where Barjatya’s last rites were being performed.
- 01/05Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan attend Barjatya’s funeral. (Photo: Yogen Shah)
- 02/05Swara Bhasker remembers Barjatya fondly.(Photo: Yogen Shah)
- 03/05Bhagyashree arrives at the venue. (Photo: Yogen Shah)
- 04/05Raj Kumar’s son, Sooraj Barjatya.(Photo: Yogen Shah)
- 05/05Mohnish Bahl arrives at the venue to pay his respects. (Photo: Yogen Shah)
Raj Kumar Barjatya, was the producer of popular films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! and Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United. Rajshri Productions Pvt Ltd was established by the late Tarachand Barjatya in 1947. It is a film production and distribution company and has also produced titles like Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, Vivah and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. Raj Kumar's son Sooraj Barjatya, who is in his 50s, resurrected the banner when it was on the verge of closing down when he directed Maine Pyar Kiya.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! actor Madhuri Dixit Nene said Raj Kumar was a warm soul. She described him as a person she would always look up to. "Deeply saddened by the demise of Raj Kumar Barjatyaji. Thank you for inspiring and guiding me through my journey. Condolences to Sooraj Barjatya and family. Hope you will find the strength to grieve this loss," Madhuri wrote.
Actor Anupam Kher, who has given memorable performances in multiple films of the banner, tweeted: "Deeply saddened to know about the demise of Raj Kumar Barjatyaji. Had known him since my first film Saaransh. Most humble and amazingly knowledgeable human being. Had a childlike curiosity. I loved speaking to him for hours about goodness. He practiced it. Will miss him.
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo actor Sonam K Ahuja said: "I have no words to express the deep and incredible sadness that accompanies the news of Shri Raj Kumar Barjatya's passing. He was a visionary whom I was lucky enough to work with and I pray for his family and loved ones."
Sonam's co-star in the film, Swara Bhasker, remembered the senior Barjatya as "the kindest, sweetest, most generous soul and most wonderful people" she has met. "I will never forget interactions I was blessed to have with you and your enthusiastic encouragement of a young actor. Deep condolences to Rajshri family a loss for us all," Swara added.
Actress Soni Razdan said the news of the demise was indeed "sad".
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