Production designer and art director Rajat Poddar, who has worked on films such Barfi, Fighter, Pathaan and the most recent Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 passed away on Friday night, confirmed his friend Anees Bazmee. The reason for his sudden demise is said to be cardiac arrest, but no statement has been issued by his family yet.
A heartbroken Anees reveals to us that Rajat Poddar did not have any underlying health issues. In fact, the two had a pleasant conversation just hours before Poddar's sudden passing. "I am speechless. He was such a great man and a dear friend. Rajat was in London and we had a good conversation last night. He told me how he really liked the teaser of Bhool Bhulaiyya 3 and asked me to share it with him. In fact, he posted a story of the teaser after that," Bazmee exclusively tells us.
He adds, "I can't believe he is gone. We have known each other for almost 30 years now. We were really close to each other."
During the shoot of Kartik Aaryan starrer, Bazmee reveals they spent a lot of time together. "He would accompany me everywhere. Chaahe wo recce ke liye jaana ho ya outdoor shoot par, hum ek hi car se jaate the, saath me chai peete the. Bahut waqt guzaara hai humne saath me. Unhone is film me itna accha kaam kara hai ki aap dekh kr khush hojaaenge. He was an extremely talented man. Aur main jab bhi koi bada aur accha set dekhunga toh unki yaad zaroor aaegi," he ends.
Bazmee also shared an Instagram post to remember his dear friend. See what he posted:
Meanwhile, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri also expressed condolences on X and shared that we was working with Poddar for his upcoming film 'The Delhi Files'. “My friend, brother and one of the best & the biggest production designer Rajat Poddar is no more with us. An absolutely healthy, always-happy, no stress guy Rajat had a cardiac arrest at night in London. I don’t know how can I ever make #TheDelhiFiles without you? Om Shanti Rajat?”.
About Rajat Poddar
Rajat Poddar has worked as a production designer for Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan, Hritik Roshan's Fighter and Ranbir Kapoor's Jagga Jasoos. He was associated with hit films such as Murder, Jannat, Awarapan and No problem as art director. For his exceptional work in several films, Rajat was felicitated with prestigious awards including Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction, Zee Cine Award for Best Production Design, IIFA Award for Best Art Direction.