Lekh Tandon, who discovered Shah Rukh Khan, passes away

16 Oct 2017

Lekh Tandon, popular filmmaker and actor, who has been a part of many esteemed films, passed away at his residence in Mumbai yesterday. Tandon was 88 years old and was bedridden for the past few months in his Powai residence. The demise took place at 5:38 PM. Lekh Tandon was born on February 13, 1929 in Lahore, situated in present-day Pakistan. He started as Assistant Director in Hindi movie industry in 1950s. He turned director with Professor and went on to back many memorable films like Jhuk Gaya Aasman, Andolan, Agar Tum Na Hote etc. His 1962 film Amrapali is considered to be a classic. It was also selected as the Indian entry for the Best Foreign Language film at the 39th Academy Awards. He directed his first television serial, Dil Dariya, in 1988 for Doordarshan. Through this serial, he was credited with discovering superstar Shah Rukh Khan.Later, Lekh Tandon also got into acting. He worked in three Shah Rukh Khan starrers Swades, Paheli and Chennai Express.He was also seen in a small role in Aamir Khan starrer Rang De Basanti.Besides, even in his late 70s, he directed a finite TV show named Aisa Des Hai Mera. Members of Bollywood fraternity came out to pay respects to Lekh Tandon on Twitter. Ashutosh Gowariker, who directed him in Swades , shared a wonderful on the sets still featuring Tandon. Rishi Kapoor reminded everyone that he had worked on his father Raj Kapoors films. Lata Mangeshkar wrote a wonderful message. Shekhar Kapur and Shabana Azmi also tweeted about the demise of Lekh Tandon. Lekh Tandons funeral will be held in Powai in the afternoon today. Very VERSATILE Director who gave several HITS! Was privileged to work with u in Swades! Will always miss ur gentleness Sir! RIP https://twitter.com/hashtag/LekhTandon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw #LekhTandon https://t.co/B4m1M96Cjc pic.twitter.com/B4m1M96Cjc Ashutosh Gowariker (@AshGowariker) https://twitter.com/AshGowariker/status/919604113087782912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw October 15, 2017 RIP Lekh Tandon ji, Directed Prince, Dulhan Wohi Jo Piya Man Bahaye etc. was my fathers assistant. Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/919589347053195265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw October 15, 2017 Abhineta aur film nirdeshak Lekh Tandon ji ka aaj swargwas hua.Ye sunke mujhe bahut dukh hua.Meri unko vinamra shraddhanjali. Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) https://twitter.com/mangeshkarlata/status/919607522062843904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw October 15, 2017 goodbye https://twitter.com/hashtag/LekhTandon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw #LekhTandon Extraordinary film maker/story teller of his times. Never ever refused an actor at his doorstep some warmth advice n tea Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) https://twitter.com/shekharkapur/status/919660005263134721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw October 15, 2017 I was lucky to do 2 beautiful films with https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lekh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw #Lekh Tandon Ek Baar Kaho and Doosri Dulhan a filmabout surrogacy way ahead of its time. Respect???? Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) https://twitter.com/AzmiShabana/status/919653021268635648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw October 15, 2017