Filmmaker Ravi Chopra, 68, died on Wednesday afternoon in a private South Mumbai hospital. He had been admitted last Thursday since he was suffering from a lung ailment. He is best-known for directing the television series, Mahabharat, which ran from 1988 to 1990. Son of producer-director B R Chopra and nephew of Yash Chopra, Ravi started his career as a director with films such as Zameer (1975) and The Burning Train (1980).

‘Ravi Chopra has finally found peace’

The 68-year-old filmmaker, who had fallen in debt in the last six-odd years because of legal wrangles with a film corporation, was laid up with Motor neuron disease since 2010. Veteran stars like Mukesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor and Boman Irani were also at the crematorium. Several other celebrities turned to Twitter to pay tribute to director Ravi Chopra, who passed away on November 12 due to lung cancer. Meanwhile many celebrities including Aditya Chopra, Rani Mukerji, Katrina Kaif among others were present to pay their respects when his body was shifted from the hospital to his residence in Santa Cruz, on Wednesday evening.

Filmography As Director:

Zameer (1975)
The Burning Train (1980)
Mazdoor (1983)
Aaj Ki Awaz (1984)
Dahleez (1986)
Baghban (2003)
Baabul (2006)
Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai (Unreleased)
Also co-directed TV series: Mahabharat (1988-1990)

Ranbir, Katrina, Rani, Aditya pay their respects to Ravi Chopra:

Juhi Chawla: ‘Very saddened to hear of Raviji passing away .. But relieved too … He suffered for too long …Why is life so harsh to such nice people.’

Hema Malini: ‘Ravi Chopra is gone, leavg behind a void. Renu & he were like family & I will miss him. Rest in peace dear friend!’

Amitabh Bachchan: ‘It is the time in life when you do not make friends, but lose them.’

Farah Khan wrote: ‘One of the nicest, kindest n big hearted soul in the film industry passed away..Ravi Chopra.. May you rest in peace.’

Simi Garewal: ‘Saddened by the passing away of Ravi Chopra. But death was a release from the inhuman suffering he endured. May he sleep now in peace.’

Alok Nath: ‘Rest in eternal peace mr.Ravi chopra, i will ever be grateful to you for giving me a break in Aaj ki aawaz during my struggle time. RIP sir.’

Subhash Ghai: ‘I share my grief with chopra family on sad demise of our dear ravi chopra who was a name to trust at all levels n helped others with love.’

Sonu Nigam: ‘Saddened 2 learn of Shri Ravi Chopra’s demise. Always found him to b a robust man etrmly humble. Suffered a lot though. God bless his soul.’

Madhur Bhandarkar: ‘Saddened to hear about demise of Ravi Chopra-ji. Apart from being a fine filmmaker, he was also a very nice human being. Rest in Peace, Sir.’