Obituaries

Kalpana Chawla, Tuntun, Murasoli Maran, Bhisham Sahni, India had its share of deaths in 2003, losses that definitely left us poorer.

Bhisham Sahni Novelist, playwright and actor Bhisham Sahni died aged 87 on July 11. A key figure in Hindi literature, his pinnacle probably came with Tamas, which was serialized for television to huge acclaim. Associated with movements like Quit India (1942) and later a key member of IPTA, Sahni's voice was resounding in its support for communal harmony and amity.

Tuntun(Uma Devi Khatri) Popular actress of yesteryears, Tuntun or Uma devi, died on November 24 after a prolonged illness. She was 80. She began her cinematic career as a singer but is today remembered for her comic flair. her obese and slow gait often led to her being portrayed as an object of ridicule, but she was often the only comic relief in otherwise gloomy films.

Murasoli Maran A senior DMK leader and long time minister who died on November 23 at the age of 69, Murasoli Maran was known for his grasp on economic affairs and served the country in various key positions. A man of varying talents, he had worked as a journalist and script writer for films. After a heart valve transplant, he had been ailing for about a year.

Abdul Ghani Lone For long the moderate face of the militancy in Kashmir, Abdu Ghani Lone was gunned down on May 20 in Srinagar. He was as staunch a supporter of independent Kashmir as he was opposed to Kashmir being a part of Pakistan. One of the most prominent APHC leaders, Lone on occasion had not feared to be in the minority opinion against militancy.

Kuka Parrey Kashmir and chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Awami League, Mohammad Yosuf, better known as Kuka Parrey was shot dead on September 13. Parrey, a former militant himself, surrendered in the early 1990s and founded the Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen, a counter-insurgent force, which led him to being branded as a 'traitor'. His death is seen as a setback to the peace process.

Johnny Walker (Badruddin Jamaluddin Qazi) Legendary Bollywood comedian Johnny Walker, who brought a smile to many a lip with his inimitable flair for comedy, passed away in Mumbai on July 29 after prolonged illness. He was 79. Johny Walker worked in over 300 films, including memorables like Pyasa, CID, Mr and Mrs 55, Caudhvi ka Chand, Pyasa, Chhoo Mantar, Chori Chori and Madhumati. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and three sons.

Anil Biswas The doyen of Hindi film music directors, Anil Krishna Biswas, died aged at the age of 88 on May 31. He was 89. Anil-Da as he was popularly known, is survived by his wife and singer, Meena Kapoor, two sons and a daughter. Born in Banisal (now in Bangladesh) on July 7, 1914, he made his debut in the film industry in 1934, beginning with hits like Aaj Himalaya ki choti se fir humne lalkara hai and Door hato aie dooniya waalo Hindustan hamara hai.