Rudaali director Kalpana Lajmi passes away

She was 64.

She was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year.

Actress Huma Qureshi tweeted earlier in the day that Kalpana Lajmi passed away at 4.30 am.

"Deeply saddened... at around 4:30 am today morning #KalpanaLajmi passed away .. May she rest in peace.," Huma tweeted.

Lajmi had last directed the movie Chingari.

It featured actors Mithun Chakraborty, Anuj Sawhney and Sushmita Sen in the lead roles.

The movie released in 2006.

Kalpana Lajmi was the daughter of painter Lalita Lajmi and niece of filmmaker Guru Dutt.

She debuted as an assistant director under the veteran film director Shyam Benegal.

She later went on to work as an assistant costume designer in Shyam Benegal's Bhumika: The Role.

She made her directorial début with the documentary film D.G. Movie Pioneer in 1978 and went on to direct more documentaries like A Work Study in Tea Plucking (1979) and Along the Brahmaputra (1981).

She debuted as a feature film director in 1986 with Ek Pal (A Moment), starring Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah. 

India mourns:

President of India Ram Nath Kovind and other politicians mourned the death of the filmmaker.

President tweeted: "Sorry to hear of the passing of Kalpana Lajmi, a film-maker of rare sensitivity. The repertoire of her work, from depicting strong and resilient women to cinematic renditions of Assamese life, was remarkable. Condolences to her family and well-wishers #PresidentKovind."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "Saddened by the passing away of acclaimed filmmaker, producer & screenwriter Kalpana Lajmi, who stood for breaking new ground in Indian cinema with films like ‘Rudaali’. My condolences to her family and admirers."

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal posted: "Saddened to learn about the demise of veteran filmmaker #KalpanaLajmi ji. Her contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered forever."

Ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi tweeted: "Deeply anguished by the passing away of acclaimed film maker, director & screenwriter #Kalpana_Lajmi.She was known for her devotion, boldness & undaunted spirit in the Indian film industry.Her oriented films Rudali & Daman will remain eternal.May her departed soul rest in peace."

Bollywood condoles: 

Bollywood mourned the death of the filmmaker as celebrities posted their messages on social media platforms.

Actress Soni Razdan posted: "Our dear beloved friend Kalpana Lajmi has gone to a better place. RIP my darling Kalpan. I shall miss you so terribly."

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta tweeted: "Just heard about Kalpana Lajmi passing away. Had worked with her as an editor when she made Darmiyaan. Will always remember her with fondness and respect for being a fearless woman and a powerhouse of a person in a male dominated industry. Rest In Peace dear Kalpana."

Filmmaker Nandita Das said: "Deeply saddened by the news of Kalpana Lajmi leaving us. I had promised to meet her in the coming week, after the Manto release. No greater pain than losing one's child, so my deepest condolences to Lalitaji."

Boman Irani, actor, mourned by posting:  "Deeply saddened by the news this morning.Your boundless energy will be missed....and will always cherish your films and contribution to the Indian Cinema, #KalpanaLajmi Ji. Sincere condolences to her near and dear ones."

Actor-politician Raj Babbar said: "Deeply saddened. In #KalpanaLajmi ji's passing away we've lost a great soul.While doing #Rudali with her, I couldn't stop admiring her immense capability to empathise. Always, a great friend - Kalpana ji, you will be missed very much."

Actress Raveena Tandon said: " You will be missed Kalpanaji.Was not your time to go..but may your heart now be at peace. . Those days while shooting Daman will be a treasured memory. #KalpanaLajmi Om Shanti."  

Image: Raj Babbar Twitter page