Indian film industry bids farewell to veteran producer Salim Akhtar, who died on April 8, 2025, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
The 82-year-old, leaving behind wife Shama Akhtar and son Samad Akhtar, has a legacy of producing stars and iconic movies.
While the cause of death remains unknown, his age can indicate natural causes, but the absence of any official word from the family has generated muted speculation.
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Akhtar worked in four decades, distinguished by his keen sense of talent. He launched Rani Mukerji into Bollywood with the 1996 drama Raja Ki Aayegi Baarat and brought Tamannaah Bhatia into Hindi cinema with Chand Sa Roshan Chehra (2005).
His body of work includes cult films such as the Mithun Chakraborty-starring Phool Aur Angaar (1993), the Aamir Khan-starring Baazi (1995), and Bobby Deol's Badal (2000). Some of his early successes such as Qayamat (1983) and Loha (1987) cemented his status as a cross-genre producer.
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Akhtar's collaborations with directors Ashutosh Gowarikar (Baazi) and actors Paresh Rawal, Gulshan Grover, and Prem Chopra also proved his contribution towards the moulding of 1980s-90s Bollywood. Choron ki Baraat and Batwara were some films that again pointed towards his skills in juggling commercial and storyline-based ventures.
Though no official information validates suspicious conditions, the abrupt announcement has left the fans looking for explanations. His efforts, however, continue to remain imprinted on Indian cinema as a legacy of his vision of developing talent and storytelling.