Govinda and Padmini Kolhapure pay tribute to Bollywood filmmaker Esmayeel Shroff, who passed away at the age of 62

According to sources, Esmayeel Shroff passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday due to an ailment. According to reports, the filmmaker was hospitalised to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai over a month ago after having a heart attack. He was 62. Govinda, Padmini Kolhapure, and Ashoka Pandit paid homage to the deceased director.

He directed a number of Bollywood films, including Ahista Ahista, Zid, Agar, God and Gun, Police Public, Majhdhaar, Dil Akhir Dil Hai, Bulundi, Nishchaiy, Suryaa, and Jhuta Sach. Thoda Tum Badlo, Thoda Hum, his final film as a director, was released in 2004. Arya Babbar and Shriya Saran played the key parts.

Govinda, whose debut film Love 86 was directed by Esmayeel Shroff, lamented the director’s passing. He told ETimes, “I’m profoundly distressed. I began my career with his movies. unko jannat naseeb karaye uparwala unko jannat naseeb karaye uparwal  His soul shall rest in peace. Not only did he provide me with job, but he also had faith in me. He was the first person in my life to assert that Govinda is a film buff. He was instrumental in my becoming Govinda from Govind.”

Padmini Kolhapure recalls working alongside the late director as she paid her respects. She described him as a “very compassionate” and “smiling” director. Separately, in an interview with ETimes, the actor stated, “With him, I completed Thodisi Bewafaii and Ahista Ahista. Ahista Ahista holds a special place in my heart. Despite his stern appearance, he had a smile on his face. He was certain of what he desired, and he would express it. We got along quite well as actors and directors. He was a filmmaker with great sensitivity. It is a massive loss. He left an impression on the industry.”

Padmini added that she and her co-stars Shashikala and Nanda always spoke Marathi while filming Ahista Ahista. She stated that Esmayeel would inform her that he did not comprehend what was being spoken. She recalled him and remarked that he was a man of few words. She said that he was quite quiet and unassuming.

Ashoke Pandit, a filmmaker, too lamented the passing of Esmayeel Shroff. On Thursday, he tweeted, “Saddened to learn of the passing of renowned filmmaker Esmayeel Shroff ji… Had directed numerous hits, such as Ahista Ahista, Bulandi, Thodi Si Bewafai, and Surya, among others. Another significant loss for the film industry. Sincere condolences go out to his family…”