Legendary composer Vanraj Bhatia passes away; Hansal Mehta mourns the loss

Veteran

music composer Vanraj Bhatia who scored music in several films such as Shyam Benegal’s ‘

Ankur

’, Naseeruddin Shah starrer ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ and more, breathed his last today at the age of 93.

The senior musician was living alone with his domestic help. Suffering from age-related issues, he was bedridden at his apartment on Napean Sea Road. As per reports, his health further deteriorated for the last couple of months while he remained with only a little activity at his home. Avoiding doctor’s appointment owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the music composer also seemed to suffer from loss of appetite.

Reacting to the unfortunate news, filmmaker Hansal Mehta tweeted, "RIP Maestro."

Mourning the loss of the composer, Farhan Akhtar wrote on social media, "RIP #VanrajBhatia .. apart from the many other brilliant musical works he created, I vividly remember the theme of ‘Tamas’ that started with a shriek so filled with anguish, it could send a chill up anyone’s spine and break anyone’s heart.".


Trained in western classical music, Vanraj attended the Royal Academy of Music, London and has several contributions in the field of cinema, television, advertising and stage.

While he is a recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Nation Film Award Award for Best Music Direction for Tamas in 1988, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1989 and Padma Shri in 2012, some of his best works in Hindi films are ‘Manthan’, ‘36 Chowringhee Lane’, ‘Junoon’, ‘Bhumika’, ‘Mandi’and many more.