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Mumbai: Film producer and well-known media personality Pradeep Guha died at a hospital in Mumbai on Saturday. Pradeep Guha, who had produced Hrithik Roshan and Karisma Kapoor-starrer “Fiza” as well as 2008 film “Phir Kabhi”, breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
The producer’s wife Papia Guha and son Sanket Guha shared the news of his demise in a statement issued to the media.
“We regret to announce the sad demise of our dear Pradeep Guha. In these COVID times the family has requested to be allowed to grieve in private and will share a date for a prayer meeting in a few days.
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According to a hospital source, Guha, who was in 60s, was battling with cancer.
“He passed away due to cancer today afternoon at the hospital. He was 68-69,” the source told PTI.
Guha, a St Xavier’s College alumnus, has over four decades of experience in the fields of media, advertising, marketing and branding. He worked with the Times Group for almost 30 years and served as the president in the company. He was also on its board of directors.
He later joined Zee Entertainment as CEO for three years. He was also the vice president and area director of the International Advertising Association, Asia Pacific region.
Guha was currently serving at the position of managing director at 9X Media Private Limited.
Film personalities Manoj Bajpayee, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Subhash Ghai, Lara Dutta and Adnan Sami condoled Guha’s death on social media.
“Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about my friend @guhapradeep’s passing away !! May you rest in peace Pradeep,” Bajpayee wrote on Twitter.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who first met Guha during her time at the Miss India pageant in 2000, said his death was a personal loss for her. She said she admired the media veteran”s zest for life.
“You were always my forever champion. Your random calls of encouragement, your zest for life and your ambition was something I have always admired so much. This loss is so personal. I will miss your voice and strength so much.
“I’ve had very few constants in my life and outside my parents, you were one that I truly saw as my mentor. You saw something in me I never knew I had. You never shied away from reminding me on how I could be better. You always lead with charge,” she wrote alongside a video Guha did around the release of her memoir “Unfinished”.
Lara Dutta, the winner of the Miss Universe crown the same year, said Guha was the most successful “Queen maker”.
“My dearest PG @guhapradeep you were always the KING who was the most successful ‘Queen maker”. May we, your prot always keep your memory alive and shining bright and may you always watch over us as you have always done. #RIP,” she wrote.
Actor and Miss Asia Pacific 2000 Dia Mirza recalled a conversation she had with Guha while leaving for the international beauty pageant that filled her with “strength”.
“I will never forget that car ride as you dropped me off to the airport as i left the country to represent India at the Miss Asia Pacific. ”What if i lose?” I had asked you and you said, ”It will be their loss. You are a winner.”
“Those words were everything. They gave the 18 year old me so much strength. And over the years you stood by me. Through good times and bad. Always offering your wisdom,” she posted on Instagram.