MUMBAI: Eminent photographer, and father of Bollywood actress Antara Mali, Jagdish Mali passed away this morning in Nanavati hospital, Mumbai. Sources from the hospital said, “Yes. Jagdish Mali passed away today morning.” However, his relatives are not keen on disclosing the cause of his death.
Jagdish Mali was allegedly battling depression, alcoholism, and had been recently admitted to the hospital. Earlier this year, in January 2013, when small time actress Mink Brar reported photographer Jagdish Mali roaming the streets of Versova in a semi-nude state, she received flak for trying to seek free publicity. She called Salman Khan to rescue the photographer. It was reported then that Jagdish Mali was suffering from a chronic mental ailment, which his daughter Antara denied. (See our report here)
The photographer was responsible for some of the most iconic photographs of Bollywood celebrities after he began his career in the 80’s. He worked with famous stars like Rekha, Shabana Azmi, Kareena Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan and others.
Director Madhur Bhandarkar said,
shocked & very sad to hear abt the demise of Jagdish Mali. He was always so full of life, will miss him. RIP
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@mbhandarkar268) May 13, 2013
Cant forget my first photo shoot by mr jagdish mali!very kind man!may you rest in peace sir!sad day.
— Manoj Bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) May 13, 2013
Photographer Subi Samuel tweeted,
Iconic photographer, @jagdish mali passes from here to eternity. RIP Sir. You have been an inspiration to me, and… fb.me/1J4aKvKJE
— Subi Samuel (@subisamuel) May 13, 2013
Director – activist Ashok Pandit tweeted,
Ace photographer Jagdish Mali passed away at 11.20 am today at Nanawati Hospital. Will miss U jaggi.RIP.
— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) May 13, 2013
Jagdish Mali is survived by his daughter Antara Mali who had a short stint in films, having acted and directed under the Ram Gopal Verma films banner.