We lost a gentleman producer of film & television industry – Mr. Pradeep Uppoor

Producer Pradeep Uppoor breathed his last on March the 13th in Singapore, where he was undergoing medical treatment. He produced successful films like Holi, Ardh Satya, Aaghat, Chakra and Purush. He famously produced Hip Hip Hurray in partnership with Manmohan Shetty.

He was also the producer (along with B.P. Singh) of India’s longest running and extremely popular TV serial, C.I.D., that became a household name. He has been a part of the ventures that gave budding actors a step into the film industry. Aamir Khan made his debut in Holi in a small role. Likewise, Chakra saw Satish Kaushik debut as an actor.

Pradeep Sir’s propensity towards film extended to documentaries, AVs and TV commercials as well – which gave me the great fortune of interacting with him. It was in these interactions that our lovely friendship developed – and only because, despite all his fame and fortune, he was an unpretentious, good, human being who always put people and relationships first.

I was extremely fortunate to work with him as he produced a number of brand ad films for me. My impression of him was that unlike regular producers, he worked like a silent, super-efficient, back-office corporate leader.

For all his achievements, he could have been anything he wanted or put on an air of superiority; instead he was the most humble producer and one of the kindest men I have ever known. Soft spoken and extremely generous, he remains deeply admired by, and an inspiration to, all who ever had the privilege of interacting with him.

Indeed, a thorough professional, and yet a gem of a gentleman, upon whose passing I am left with a terribly vacant feeling.

His loss is shocking and devastating, leaving behind a huge hole in the film and television industry. On a personal scale, I deeply regret not having met him during the past few years. It will take a long time to digest the fact that he has gone at just 64. Fate has left us all poorer for his passing.