Writer-actor Shiv Subrahmanyam passes away
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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TN seeks duty-free cotton imports to support textile sector: CM Vijay writes to PM
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove the import duty on cotton.
In his first letter to Modi after taking over as chief minister of the state, he said Tamil Nadu is the country’s largest textile and apparel exporting state.
Lakhs of people are dependent on this sector for both direct and indirect employment, especially women from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, Vijay pointed out.
Stating that the industry is facing a severe crisis due to an increase in cotton prices and consequently yarn prices, he said, “I understand this is caused primarily due to a shortage in cotton production and increased trading activity in the country.”
Pointing out that the price of cotton has increased from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy—an increase of 25 per cent over the last two months—while yarn prices have increased from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg, he said, “In this situation, the continued supply of raw material can be ensured only through imports.”
However, there is an import duty of 11 per cent on cotton, he said, adding that in such a situation, permitting duty-free cotton imports will help the industry meet increasing export commitments and remain globally competitive.
Vijay said that after agriculture, the textile and apparel sector is one of the largest employment-generating sectors.
“There is a significant responsibility on the government to safeguard the employment of lakhs of people and ensure the sustainability of the textile value chain," he said.
“Hence, I request your intervention to remove the import duty on cotton from the existing 11 per cent to 0 per cent to ensure the availability of raw material. This measure will enable the textile and apparel industry to remain globally competitive, enhance exports, and protect jobs,” he added.
