Saawan Kumar Tak, director of films like Souten, Saajan Ki Saheli, Sanam Bewafa, Mother and many more films, passed away today evening at around 4:15 p.m. due to heart failure. He was 86 at the time of his death. His nephew, Navin Kumar Tak, confirmed the news to the press. On Wednesday, the director was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, in a “critical” condition. He was being treated for a lung infection as well as breathing problems.
Saawan Kumar Tak’s career began as a producer with the 1967 film Naunihal. He is credited with giving the film’s lead actor, Sanjeev Kumar, his screen name. Gomti Ke Kinare, Meena Kumari’s final film, was his directorial debut in 1972. Souten (1983), starring Rajesh Khanna, Tina Munim, and Padmini Kolhapure, was his most memorable film, and recieved cult status among viewers.
Apart from being a filmmaker, Saawan Kumar Tak was also a lyricist who often wrote the lyrics for some of the songs in the films he produced or directed. He also wrote lyrics for other filmmakers. Some of his most popular songs include Zindagi Pyaar Ka Geet Hai from his film Souten, as well as Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein, Jaaneman Jaaneman, and Chand Sitaare for Rakesh Roshan’s 2000 hit, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, starring Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel.
May his soul rest in peace!