KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood was recently rocked by controversy after a viral video claimed that no film celebrities attended the funeral of renowned filmmaker Partho Ghosh, known for his work on hits like 100 Days, Agni Sakshi, and Dalaal. The clip, circulating widely on social media, attracted sharp criticism, with users accusing the film fraternity of being “self-serving” and “insensitive”.
Who Was Partho Ghosh?
Partho Ghosh was a celebrated filmmaker who made a significant impact on Bollywood and Bengali cinema over three decades .
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He debuted as a director in 1991 with 100 Days, starring Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff—an adaptation of the Tamil film Nooravathu Naal .
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He went on to deliver hits like Agni Sakshi (1996), Dalaal (1993), Teesra Kaun? (1994), Yugpurush (1998), and Ghulam-E-Musthafa (1997).
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Ghosh passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack at his Madh Island home in Mumbai .
Madhuri Dixit, who starred in 100 Days, remembered him as “a storyteller who created moments that linger” . Rituparna Sengupta, another collaborator, called him an “exceptional talent” and “a visionary director” . Industry leaders like Filmfare and NDTV echoed these sentiments, noting his unique ability to blend social realism with mainstream appeal
The Viral Video and Public Reaction
The controversial video is believed to be from Partho Ghosh’s funeral procession, suggesting that “no Bollywood star” lent their presence to pay respects . A voiceover in the clip laments how, despite Ghosh’s role in directing numerous A‑list actors, none came forward in his final hours. It sarcastically criticizes the industry’s networking culture and emotional detachment.
Social media users responded fiercely:
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“A soulless world,” commented one user, referring to the stark audience reaction .
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Another slammed film celebrities as “greedy and self-serving” .
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Another tweet called the situation a testament to a “nation of opportunists” .
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One user asserted: “Bollywood is only what it appears to be,” reflecting widespread viewer disillusionment .
Are the Claims Accurate?
The veracity of the viral video is still unclear. Many seasoned actors and directors often prefer to arrange private goodbyes or visit family late in the evening, away from public attention.
Moreover, successors and future projects—including sequels to 100 Days and Agni Sakshi—were in the pipeline from artists like Madhuri Dixit . This suggests industry respect for Ghosh, even if professionals chose not to attend the public ceremony.
Partho Ghosh’s Film Legacy
Over a 40-year career, Ghosh delivered more than 15 significant films, including Bengali titles and shows. His versatile storytelling spanned psychological thrillers, social dramas, crime films, and romantic movies.
Highlighted Works:
| Year | Film | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 100 Days | Psychological thriller |
| 1993 | Dalaal | Drama |
| 1994 | Teesra Kaun? | Thriller |
| 1996 | Agni Sakshi | Domestic drama |
| 1997 | Ghulam-E-Musthafa | Crime drama |
| 1998 | Yugpurush | Emotional drama |
Even his later works like Ek Second… Jo Zindagi Badal De? (2010) and Mausam Ikrar Ke Do Pal Pyaar Ke (2018) reflected his unwavering passion for cinema .
Industry Tributes
Though no celebrity was visibly present at the funeral, public tributes poured in:
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Madhuri Dixit praised him as a creator of memorable cinematic moments .
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Rituparna Sengupta posted on social media that the industry lost a “visionary director” and “kind soul”
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Filmfare described Ghosh’s signature storytelling voice, one that seamlessly merged realism with commercial appeal .
The Bigger Picture: Bollywood Culture and Public Expectations
The lack of star attendance sparked widespread debate. Many users felt Bollywood had betrayed a foundational promise of solidarity, especially for a veteran filmmaker like Ghosh. Whether or not celebrities came, perceptions matter—and in this case, the public sentiment was clear: Bollywood was expected to show up.
This reflects a cultural tension: fans expect stars to pay emotional respect to the creators behind the camera. When they don’t, it can feel personal and disheartening—even if professionals had their own reasons.
Partho Ghosh’s passing marks the end of an era for thoughtful, socially conscious Bollywood films. His unique fusion of thriller elements with real-world issues left an indelible mark. Although a viral video fueled anger over the apparent absence of stars at his funeral, it’s important to balance empathy, privacy, and public expectation.
What cannot be denied is Ghosh’s rich cinematic legacy—his films will continue to resonate, even if his final farewell was marred by controversy. In the end, Partho Ghosh will be remembered not for the absence at his last rites, but for the stories and emotions he immortalised on screen.
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