MUMBAI: Burjor K. Karanjia, renowned film journalist and former chairman of National Films Development Corporation (NFDC), popularly known as ‘BK’, died in Pune, a family friend said. He was 92.
Karanjia passed away late Friday evening. He is survived by two daughters and a son.
Born and bred in Quetta, now in Pakistan, the Karanjia family moved to India after partition. Karanjia qualified for the Indian Civil Service. Karanjia had named his south Mumbai residence as ‘Quetta Bungalow’, which stood a short distance away from the historic Jinnah House.
Karanjia’s younger brother, Russy K. Karanjia, also a well-known journalist, had died five years ago.
While Russy pursued investigative journalism, Karanjia pursued entertainment and film journalism. He avoided film parties and had a strong distaste for them.
After doing stints as a reporter, he went on to become the editor of Filmfare, Screen, Cine Voice, Movie Times and authored several books on the entertainment industry.
Karanjia was the founder of the trend-setter Films Financing Corporation. He later became the NFDC chairman and set a precedent to finance high quality, low-budget movies for new and talented film-makers, instead of doling out aid to big film-makers or banners.
BK’s funeral is scheduled to be held at the Koregaon Park Crematorium here Sunday morning.
