Writer-actor Shiv Subrahmanyam passes away

Veteran screenwriter-actor Shiv Subrahmanyam , known for penning critically-acclaimed films Parinda, 1942: A Love Story, and Chameli, has died, filmmaker Hansal Mehta confirmed on Monday.

Mehta took to Twitter and posted a note about Subrahmanyam's demise, writing that it was a "terrible news to wake up to". "With profound and heartfelt grief, we wish to inform you of the passing of one of the most dignified and noble souls to inhabit human form - our dearest Shiv Subrahmanyam. Incredibly talented, he was much loved and revered personally as well as professionally.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Divya, her mum, dad, Rohan, Rinki and family; Bhanu chitti and all of Shiv's family, and his huge legion of friends and fans," the note read, adding that Subrahmanyam's cremation will be held at Mokshdham Hindu Shamshanbhoomi, Andheri.

The cause of the actor-writer's death has not been shared with the media yet. Various colleagues and industry friends including actor Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, among others took to Twitter to pay homage to Subrahmanyam.

Mishra said he was at a loss of words. Subrahmanyam had written Mishra's 1996 drama Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin and the acclaimed 2003 political drama Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi.

Subrahmanyam started his film journey as a writer, penning the screenplay of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 1989 drama Parinda. He later worked with the director on 1942: A Love Story.

As an actor he last featured in Karan Johar-backed Meenakshi Sundareshwar in 2021. His other onscreen appearances were in films 2 States, Hichki, Stanley Ka Dabba, Kaminey and the 2011 TV show Mukti Bandhan, on which he played business tycoon IM Virani.