New Delhi: Veteran filmmaker Johnny Bakshi left for his heavenly abode on Saturday (September 5) after suffering a cardiac arrest, a report in PTI said. He was 82. The producer-director was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai on Friday (September 4) morning after he complained of breathlessness. Bakshi underwent a COVID-19 test, the results for which came out as negative. He passed away on Saturday morning due to a cardiac arrest.

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Johnny Bakshi’s funeral took place at a crematorium in Mumbai in the presence his family members.

"He was hospitalised yesterday due to breathlessness and was put on ventilator. The COVID-19 test was conducted and he tested negative for it. He passed away between 1.30-2.00 am due to cardiac arrest," Johnny Bakshi's daughter Priya said in a statement to PTI.

Several Bollywood celebs including Anupam Kher, Shabana Azmi mourned Bakshi’s demise on social media. Anupam Kher expressed grief over his death and recalled how the filmmaker was an 'integral part' of his early life in the Maximum City.

"Deeply saddened to know about the demise of dear #JohnnyBakshi. He was a very integral part of my early life in Mumbai. As a producer, friend, a supporter and as a motivator. He had the most infectious laughter which made everybody happy around him," Kher tweeted.



'Hum Tum' director Kunal Kohli tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the passing of #JohnnyBakshi sir. Met him during my days in #PlusChannel with @MaheshNBhatt & @amitkhanna. He was a sweet helpful man. Always smiling. Part of the old guard of the film Industry. RIP sir."



"Sorry to learn about the passing away of filmaker Johny Bakshi this morning.. Did a film with him Vishwasghat very early in my career. He was invested in cinema.Condolences to the family and friends," Shabana Azmi wrote on the micro-blogging site.



Kabir Bedi shared throwback pictures with Johnny Bakshi along with a heartfelt note.

"MOURNING the loss of Johny Bakshi, my oldest and most loyal friend in the Indian film industry, who passed away this morning. His cosmic laugh will echo through eternity. His column”My Cinematic Journey” in “Complete Cinema” illuminated our film history. All of us will miss him," the 'Khoon Bhari Mang' actor tweeted.

Johnny Bakshi produced several films in his long career including 'Meraa Dost Meraa Dushman', 'Manzilen Aur Bhi Hain' and 'Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee', to name a few. He backed 'Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain', which marked the directorial debut of Mahesh Bhatt.

Bakshi also directed films like 'Raavan', 'Daku Aur Police' and 'Khudai'.

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Several notable Bollywood celebs including Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Saroj Khan and Sushant Singh Rajput passed away in 2020.

We extend our deepest condolences to Johnny Bakshi's family.