Mani Kaul, pioneer of Indian parallel cinema passes away

Mumbai: National Award winner, filmmaker Mani Kaul passed away today after a prolonged illness. Kaul (66) was considered one of the pioneers of new Indian cinema with critically acclaimed films like Uski Roti, Ashad ka Ek Din, Duvidha and Idiot. Kaul, who breathed his last at 1 am after being discharged from the hospital on Tuesday night, is survived by two sons and two daughters. His uncle was well-known actor-director Mahesh Kaul. Mani Kaul began his career with Uski Roti in 1969 which won him the Filmfare Critics Award for best movie. A graduate from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Kaul got National Film Award for Best documentary film Siddheshwari in 1989. [caption id=“attachment_37221” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Kaul got National Film Award for Best documentary film Siddheshwari in 1989. Image from ibnLive”]  [/caption] Condoling Kaul’s death, information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni said Kaul was “one of the pioneers of new wave in Indian cinema, who explored new language and expression in his films”. His untimely death has left a void in the film industry which would be very difficult to fill, she said in her condolence message. Bollywood condoled the death of the noted filmmaker. “One of India’s great filmmakers unfortunately Europeans are more familiar with his work than are Indians,” filmmaker Anurag Kashyap tweeted. “Mani Kaul was one of the pioneer of new wave cinema in India. And a great conversationalist. Will miss his persona. RIP,” Veteran actor Anupam Kher said on Twitter. Filmmaker Shekar Kapur said, “The passing away of friends reminds you of the value of this moment. RIP Mani Kaul. Friend. Director. A life passionately dedicated to exploring the outer edges of the art of film. Will be missed.” Recollecting his meeting with Kaul, Filmmaker Onir said, “Remember meeting Mani Kaul last to show him ‘I AM’ at Anurag’s office and he told me warmly that he was happy to see a few of us making diff films… Remember the first time he called me I was in berlin. I was so excited n nervous that I couldn’t talk,” Onir said. “RIP Mani Kaul. A little known fact — Amol Palekar directed, Shahrukh Khan starrer Paheli was a remake of Mani Kaul’s 1973 film Duvidha,” director Shirish Kunder said. On hearing the news of Kaul’s demise, veteran actress Shabana Azmi tweeted, “oh no. How? When? Is there a condolence meeting?” PTI