Hindi film director Raj Kanwar, who launched actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, passed away due to kidney ailment in Singapore on Friday afternoon.
Shammi Chhabra, assistant director and close associate of Kanwar family, said: "He was suffering from kidney problem for quite some time."  Kanwar had undergone a kidney transplant three days ago and was under observation following some complications. His wife Anita Kanwar and nephew Sunny Singh were with him when he breathed last.

Kanwar, who made his debut in film direction with Deewana (1992), is remembered for hits such as Laadla (1994), Jaan (1996) and Judaai (1997). His last film was Sadiyaan: Boundaries Divide, Love Unites in 2010.

Raj's last rites will be performed in Mumbai on Sunday. "The body will be flown into the city around 10pm on Saturday. The cremation will be carried out at Oshiwara cremation centre on Sunday," said Chabbra. The bhog will be held at Santacruz gurudwara at 11am on Tuesday.

On the micro-blogging site Twitter, Shah Rukh Khan wrote: "My friend RajKanwarji passed away. The impermanence of life, makes one feel so helpless.
 
May his soul rest in peace. Aisi Deewangi..miss u sir. "Saddens me so much, my first director Raj Kanwar passed away..RIP Rajji..You believed in me when even I didn't. Andaaz taught me everything I know," tweeted Priyanka Chopra.