MUMBAI: The National Film Development Corp of India lost one of its flag bearers on 17 May. Deputy general manager Raja Chhinal died in BLK Hospital in New Delhi where he was undergoing treatment after suffering from a brain abscess and undergoing surgery for the infection. He had been ailing for a while. He was only 47 and leaves behind his wife and twin daughters.
The reason why indiantelevision.com is writing about his is because he was the man who worked on a lot of the Indian independent film maker delegations that made their way to the Cannes Film Festival, Berlinale and MIPCOM and MIPTV, Hongkong Filmart and many other markets. And he was key to the pavilions that were set up there.
A mild and unassuming professional he was a hardcore long-term NFDC executive and played an important role - along with the then managing director Nina Lath Gupta - in transforming the film funding corporation into the outfit that it is today. For her, he was the go-to man for international markets. And for Film Bazaar, held in Goa, which has become the annual event for the independent film making community the world over.
Social media was full of expressions of shock and condolences to Raja.
“So sad to hear. A good soul,” wrote Lunchbox director Ritesh Batra.
“Very, Very Tragic,” expressed film maker Onir.
Said Indo German Films founder Stephen Ottenbruch: “ “We will miss you Raja. Rest in peace.”
“God bless his soul with eternal peace. A luvly human being...gone too soon.
Heartfelt condolences to his family. Sad,” opined VR Films joint managing director Krishi Dutt.
“Dear Raja, There's so much to write and say on the little ways in which you made a difference to the Indian indie scene and to NFDC! All I can say here is thank you, god bless & you will be missed. Rest in Power! And in Peace,” penned MovieSaints India head Anupama Bose, who worked with him closely at NFDC some time back.
We at indiantelevision.com also offer our condolences to his family and to his colleagues – former and current – at NFDC.
Picture courtesy: Svetlana on twitter
