Mumbai (PTI): Veteran screenwriter-actor Shiv Subrahmanyam , known for penning critically-acclaimed films "Parinda", "1942: A Love Story", and "Chameli", has died, filmmaker Hansal Mehta confirmed on Monday.

Mehta took to Twitter and posted a note about Subrahmanyam's demise, writing that it was a "terrible news to wake up to".

"With profound and heartfelt grief, we wish to inform you of the passing of one of the most dignified and noble souls to inhabit human form - our dearest Shiv Subrahmanyam. Incredibly talented, he was much loved and revered personally as well as professionally.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Divya, her mum, dad, Rohan, Rinki and family; Bhanu chitti and all of Shiv's family, and his huge legion of friends and fans," the note read, adding that Subrahmanyam's cremation will be held at Mokshdham Hindu Shamshanbhoomi, Andheri.

The cause of the actor-writer's death has not been shared with the media yet.

Various colleagues and industry friends including actor Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, among others took to Twitter to pay homage to Subrahmanyam.

"Terrible news. The sadness doesn't end. A great guy, and incredible talent. Gone too soon. #RIP #respect," Shorey said.

Pakistani filmmaker Beena Sarwar wrote that the news is "incredibly tragic" because Subrahmanyam passed away two months after the death of his only son.

"Gutted to hear this news. Incredibly tragic, esp as it happened just two months after the passing of his and Divya's only child - Jahaan, taken by a brain tumour 2 weeks before his 16th birthday. RIP," she tweeted.

Mishra said he was at a loss of words. Subrahmanyam had written Mishra's 1996 drama "Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin" and the acclaimed 2003 political drama "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi".

"Effing crazy. Nuts! Shiv, man! We lost each other some time ago. And now this! There is nothing to say," he tweeted.

Bajpayee wrote, "Rest in peace Shiv! Such a tragic news one woke up to! Condolences to the family & friends!"

Subrahmanyam started his film journey as a writer, penning the screenplay of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 1989 drama "Parinda". He later worked with the director on "1942: A Love Story".

As an actor he last featured in Karan Johar-backed "Meenakshi Sundareshwar" in 2021. His other onscreen appearances were in films "2 States", "Hichki", "Stanley Ka Dabba", "Kaminey" and the 2011 TV show "Mukti Bandhan", on which he played business tycoon IM Virani.

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Mangaluru: In the final hours leading up to the Lok Sabha elections in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, a contentious pamphlet circulated by the 'Bunta Brigade' has stirred controversy.

Titled 'Appeal to Bunta voters to ensure victory of Brijesh Chowta of our community', the pamphlet urges members of the Bunta community to rally behind BJP candidate Captain Brijesh Chowta, raising concerns about potential domination by the "Shudra class".

The pamphlet highlights the historical rivalry between the Bunta and Billava communities, with Captain Brijesh Chowta representing the former and Padmaraj Pujari of the Congress representing the latter. The pamphlet speaks about the critical challenge BJP faces in securing votes from the Billava community, traditionally a stronghold of the Congress.

Drawing attention to the perceived threat of Shudra caste rule, the pamphlet questions whether the self-respecting Buntas can tolerate the rule of Shudras. It accuses Janardana Pujari, a former parliamentarian from the Billava community, of diminishing the influence of the Bunta society through his political and business endeavours.

The pamphlet calls for concerted efforts within the Bunta community to ensure the victory of their candidate, emphasising the importance of countering potential vote-buying tactics employed by rival parties.

It urges the Bunta community to mobilise its resources and influence to sway voters towards the BJP, warning against the repercussions of allowing a Shudra candidate to assume power.

The controversial content of the pamphlet has sparked condemnation, with many denouncing its divisive rhetoric and caste-based appeals.