Bollywood is shocked over producer Abis Rizvi’s death in the shooting that killed 39 people at Istanbul’s Reina nightclub on New Year’s eve.
Speaking to The Quint, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and former Bigg Boss contestant Nora Fatehi expressed their disbelief and sadness over Rizvi’s tragic death in the Istanbul attack for which the ISIS has now claimed responsibility.
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I follow Sushma Swaraj on Twitter and when I saw the tweet, I was really shocked. I couldn’t believe it. I was just thinking and hoping that it wasn’t the same person. Abis and me, our friendship goes back 30 years. We’ve known each other since college days. Every Diwali, it was a tradition to go to his house and party and play cards. Even when we moved on in life life and got busy, once a year, we would pick some occasion or the other, we would meet at a common friend’s place to meet and talk. I’ve known Abis from those days you know, I just can’t get over that he’s no more. Last night, I went to his house. It’s unbelievable. He was such an enterprising and friendly guy, very down to earth. Just the thought of it, I cannot believe. It came as a shock to us. He always had a keen interest in film and all. Infact, he even called me a few days back and said as soon as I’m wrapped with my film, that we should meet and catch up. He was passionate and always wanted to produce movies, he wanted to do different kinds of cinema. Since last evening I’ve been seeing his picture and I’m still in disbelief. It is very difficult to think that he is no more. I feel really shattered, really shattered. I can’t believe it. Kya bole ab. Life can be cruel sometimes. Really cruel.Madhur Bhandharkar, Filmmaker
Actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Nora Fatehi, was launched by Abis Rizvi in her first film Roar.
Abis launched me in my first film and he became a really close family friend. He really supported me emotionally and gave me that push in the industry. He really believed in me and I always spent time with him and his family because in my initial year in India, I didn’t really know anyone. For me to hear that someone so close died, in such a random attack, somewhere outside of India - I couldn’t believe it. I actually called two-three people to confirm because I was in a state of shock. I’ve been very upset since yesterday, I haven’t slept. I’m very anxious as I’ve never experienced a loved one or a friend die, so I don’t really have any words. I am boarding a flight right away to go and meet his family. On New Year’s eve, I had called him to wish him, but he didn’t answer, so I messaged him and he still didn’t answer and I felt that as weird because he always replies. Then the next day I heard it and it just scared me. I feel sick just thinking of it.Nora Fatehi
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