The sad news of CinePhototographer Jagadish Aurangabadkar committing suicide at his own residence reached me as a big shock today . He was 65. Jagdish was staying all alone in Mumbai. The reason for committing suicide is not known, but Jagadish had written a note, before committing suicide, expressing his wish for Organ donation.
Only two days ago, our common friend Dilip Thakur was talking about him, after watching a press show. “Jagadish is very active on whats app. Whenever he watches something interesting on television, he calls me to discuss that issue over phone. Now days, he doesn’t move from his house, as he has problems while walking,” said Dilip. Even today morning, he sent a message as usual saying, Good Morning. But, at 12.30 the news about his death reached me and this was really shocking,” added Dilip.
Considering this as not so serious news, I only expressed my sympathies for this most modest cine photographer, whom I had met on several occasions, during Bollywood film functions held during late 80s and early 90s. He was very polite and never criticised anyone. He had very cordial relationship, not only with all film journalists, but also with all senior artistes and newcomers. He was very close to Late Dev Anand and Rajesh Khanna. He had even performed in the film ‘Pukar’, where he was shown playing a hangman, supposed to hand Randhir Kapoor in that film. It was unfortunate that in real life he hanged himself. It was very sad that his end would come so soon and in this manner. May his soul rest in peace.