Members of the Indian film industry poured their hearts out on social media after the death of filmmaker Raj Kaushal on Wednesday morning. He died at the age of 49. Manoj Bajpaye, in his eulogy for Raj Kaushal, wrote: "No news can be more shocking and tragic for us personally than losing our dear friend and a fantastic human being Raj Kaushal. It will definitely take time to come to terms with this loss! Rest in peace my friend." Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher, paid tribute to Raj Kaushal with these words: "Deeply saddened and shocked to know about the sudden demise of Raj Kaushal! A friend, a film maker and a very positive man. Have some great memories of working with him and spending time with him few years back. Sorry dearest Mandira Bedi and family for your irreparable loss."
"Deepest condolences to Mandira Bedi on the tragic passing of her husband Raj Kaushal. Such a sudden and unexpected loss is deeply traumatic. My heart is with her in her great sorrow," tweeted Kabir Bedi.
"I just don't know what to say. No words nor lines can express how devastating this news has been. One of the nicest guys with a heart of gold is now lighting up the heavens. Farewell my bro Raj Kaushal. Our world just got very very small,'" read Madhavan's tweet, who was a friend of Raj Kaushal.
Arshad Warsi, who worked with Raj Kaushal in the film Anthony Kaun Hai, tweeted: "Today I lost a very dear friend, my condolences to his family. Known Raj Kaushal, for years, done a film with him, enjoyed every minute of his company. I have never seen a frown on his face, he was always smiling, always there if you needed him... Will miss you brother... RIP."
Minissha Lamba, star of the Raj Kaushal-directed film Anthony Kaun Hai, tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear of Raj Kaushal's passing away. He was among the first directors I worked with in the early years of my career. I will always remember his gentle smile and soft spoken demeanour. A man of great warmth, interesting conversations and a winning personality RIP."
Music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani, in his tweet stated that Raj Kaushal was "the first person to trust me with making music for a film." He added, "Raj Kaushal created so many careers with, Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi Above that, he always stood with his friends. Mandira Bedi, I don't know what to say. Can't imagine how you and the kids are feeling right now. I'm so sorry."
Actor Randeep Hooda and filmmaker Kunal Kohli remembered Raj Kaushal with these tweets:
"Deepest condolences to Mandira Ma'am, her children and their family. This is so shocking. Rest in peace Raj Kaushal Sir," tweeted Kriti Kharbanda.
Film producer Ronnie Screwvala tweeted, "Deepest condolences Mandira Bedi for your sudden and deep loss - to lose a life companion is devastating and all our prayers with you and the family. Raj RIP."
Raj Kaushal, who began his career as a copywriter, was best-known for directing Anthony Kaun Hai, Shaadi Ka Laddo (also featuring Mandira Bedi) and Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi. He was the producer of the 2005 film My Brother...Nikhil. The film, directed by Onir, starred Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Suri.
Raj Kaushal is survived by wife Mandira Bedi and two children - son Vir, 10, and 4-year-old daughter Tara, who joined the family last year.