National Award-winning music director Vanraj Bhatia passes away

National Award-winning composer Vanraj Bhatia passed away at his residence in Mumbai today. He was 93. He was reportedly bedridden due to age-related issues, and had not been well for a while now.

Vanraj was known for his work in films like Ankur, Manthan, Bhumika, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Mohan Joshi Haazir Ho! and 36 Chowringhee Lane., He has also worked on some iconic TV shows like Wagle Ki Duniya and Banegi Apni Baat. 

The composer won the National Award for his music in Govind Nihalani's Tamas in 1988 and was a recipient of the Padma Shri in 2012.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta took to social media to mourn the loss, while actor Farhan Akhtar wrote, "RIP Vanraj Bhatia... apart from the many other brilliant musical works he created, I vividly remember the theme of Tamas that started with a shriek so filled with anguish, it could send a chill up anyone's spine and break anyone's heart."

Musician Ehsaan Noorani of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio wrote, "Farewell Vanraj Bhatia one of India's finest composers... glad to have known you, worked with you and been part of your music. There will not be another you."