The Indian cinema fraternity mourns the loss of one of its beloved members, veteran film producer Inder Kumar Bahl, who departed this life on February 23 at the age of 91. Bahl, known for his work on several influential films including the iconic ‘Dream Girl’ (1977) and ‘Shaukeen’ (1982), took his last breath at his Mumbai residence in the upscale suburb of Juhu.
The news of his demise was confirmed by his son Bunty Bahl on Instagram, revealing that the distinguished producer had been suffering health complications and was undergoing dialysis treatment. Inder Kumar Bahl’s journey through life ended, yet his legacy endures, left in the care of his bereaved wife, Suwarsh, and his two sons, Bunty and Vicky Bahl, both professionals within the realm of the media industry.
Bunty Bahl, reflecting on his father’s life, shared touching sentiments with Radio City. Reminiscing, he said, “He led a life of grandeur, offering us the gift of freedom, knowledge, liberties, and love throughout his lifetime.” Bunty painted the portrait of an eternally optimistic man, “Remarkably optimistic and profoundly sensible, he approached every situation with a positive mindset, focusing on solutions rather than contributing to the problem.” He described Inder Kumar Bahl as a man who “Never once did he harbour ill thoughts or intentions towards anyone in his life.” Respected for his generosity, Bunty affectionately remembered his father as “Always a generous soul with a perpetually smiling face. A person of great goodwill and reputation, he was the keeper of secrets.”
The family orchestrates a prayer meet to honor Bahl’s memory, scheduled to take place today, February 26, at Iskcon, Juhu, between 5 pm and 6 pm, as shared on Bunty’s Instagram:
For those not in the know, I.K. Bahl played an instrumental role in the career of veteran actress Hema Malini, serving as her secretary for an extensive period. He stretched his wings into co-producing realms with ‘Dream Girl’, a film collaboratively produced with Hema’s mother, Jaya Chakravarty. Not only did the film star Hema alongside the legendary Dharmendra, but its eponymous song further entrenched Hema Malini’s status as the beloved “Dream Girl” of Bollywood.
That same illustrious year of 1977, Bahl produced another gem, ‘Swami’, under the direction of the esteemed Basu Chatterjee. This narrative weaved the poignant tale of a woman, portrayed by Shabana Azmi, whose heart belongs to one but finds herself wed to another, Girish Karnad’s character, who supports her through the trials of adapting to a new family life.
1982 ushered in the release of ‘Shaukeen’, another Bahl-produced film directed by Chatterjee, featuring a stellar cast including Rati Agnihotri and Mithun Chakraborty. This remarkable work added yet one more feather to Bahl’s cap as a prominent producer.
With time transitioning into the new millennium, Bahl proved his endurance in the industry by producing the 2006 motion picture ‘Banaras’, directed by Pankaj Parashar. The film boasted performances by talents such as Urmila Matondkar and Dimple Kapadia.
Inder Kumar Bahl’s versatility extended beyond the silver screen; he also ventured into television, directing the show ‘Darpan’ with Basu Chaterjee. The show assembled an impressive ensemble including Pankaj Kapur, Zarina Wahab, Annu Kapoor, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and K.K. Raina, captivating the audience with its storytelling finesse.
The death of Inder Kumar Bahl marks an end of an era for Bollywood. His passing away is felt deeply by his friends, family, and countless fans who admired his work and cherished the stories he brought to life. As the industry remembers his contributions, his spirit will continue to inspire future generations in the realm of film and beyond.
