MUMBAI: From a modest beginning in 1989 with Divya Films International, Sudhakar Bokade made inroads into Bollywood. The producer, with his brilliant vision made on to make his mark as a fine producer of the 90’s with several hit films. Sadly, just when the producer was marking a return to Bollywood after a sabbatical, fate plays a sad game. 

Sudhakar Bokade passed away on Sunday night at the Kokilaben Ambani hospital after being brought there, the previous day suffering a heart attack. He was 57.

Many of today’s generation will not be aware of Sudhakar Bokade as his last film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ made its way to theatres in 2009, almost nine years after its completion in 2000. While the film starring Saif Ali Khan and Pooja Bhatt was the last in Sudhakar Bokade’s illustrious career spanning over 22 years,the producer had made his mark with several hit films to his name.

The one BIG film that people synonymously associate with Sudhakar Bokade is the Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan,Madhuri Dixit starrer ‘Saajan’. The film truly marked the arrival of Bokade and his production house ‘Divya Films International’.

The producer also has made several films like, ‘Dhanwan’, ‘Izzatdar’, ‘Kalinga’ starring Dilip Kumar, ‘Kanyadaan’ and Nana Patekar’s directorial debut, ‘Prahaar’.

Sudhakar Bokade was generously open to working with new talent and gave several breaks to several artists from Bollywood, which include the likes of Sukhwinder Singh, Aadesh Srivastav, choreographer Rekha Prakash, cinematographer Kabir Lal and action director, Sham Kaushal.

Post a sabbatical; the producer was just about to start his next film. With the pre-production almost nearing completion it comes as a huge shock to hear this news.

Our heartfelt condolences to Sudhakar Bokade’s family and kids Divya, Kiran and Krishna.

Sadly for the illustrious producer, revival was just a hope. RIP Sudhakar Bokade.