RIP Reema Lagoo: Mahesh Bhatt calls her an extraordinary actor, an even better human being

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt worked with actor Reema Lagoo in films such as Aashiqui, Gumrah and Naajayaz; says it’s tragic that she’s no more.

Film fraternity woke up to the sad news of veteran actor Reema Lagoo’s death on Thursday morning. The 59-year-old, who played mother to several leading stars in films, in her career spanning almost four decades, died of a cardiac arrest in Mumbai. Besides films, Reema also worked in some iconic TV shows — the most recent being Naamkarann, which is inspired by the 1998 film Zakhm, based on filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt’s life.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt was working with actor Reema Lagoo in his TV show Naamkarann.

“All I can say is that she was an extraordinary actor, undoubtedly, but she was an even better human being,” says Bhatt, who has conceptualized the show.

Actor Reema Lagoo has been part of films such as Hum Aapke Hain Kon..! Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Saath Saath Hain among others.

Recalling his professional association with the actor, Bhatt adds, “Reema began her journey with me in the world of movies with Aashiqui (1990), in which she played the role of a single parent [to Rahul Roy], who lives her life with great dignity even after he husband abandons her. In Gumrah (1993), which was produced by Dharma Productions, she played the role of Sridevi’s mother. And how can I forget the extraordinary part she played as Naseeruddin Shah’s secret beloved in Naajayaz (1995).”

Reema Lagoo and Rahul Roy in a still from the 1990 film Aashiqui.

After a long gap, Bhatt and Reema resumed their association last year, with Naamkarann, a daily soap, which is aired on Star Plus. “Reema had almost pushed herself into oblivion. She was hesitant to resume her relationship with the entertainment world and was unwilling to get herself out of that self-imposed exile. I begged her to play the part of Dayavanti Mehta, which was in fact, the heartbeat of the show. At first, she hesitated because she realised how much doing daily soaps draw out of you. “I will only accept this challenge, if you promise to oversee the writing and what happens on the sets, on a day to day basis.” When I assured her that I would, there was no looking back,” says Bhatt.

All praise for the late actor, Bhatt recalls how Reema committed herself to the show completely. “She shot for 8 to 10 hours every day without ever complaining. Her co-stars told me that she was glowing when she left the set the night before she passed away.”

Thanking the actor for adding so much to his films, Bhatt signs off, saying, “As I showered rose petals at the feet of her mortal remains, I realised how fortunate I had been to meet this wonderful lady, who was far more talented than the roles the industry offered to her. I am grateful to life that our paths crossed and she touched me so deeply and left an indelible mark in my heart forever.”

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