Big B grieves the death of his 'dear friend' Ravi Chopra

Nov 13, 2014 NR

"It is the time in life when you do not make friends, but lose them", is how an emotional Amitabh Bachchan expressed his grief over the death of Ravi Chopra.

Amitabh was in Kolkata to shoot for Shoojit Sircar's "Piku", when he received the shocking news.

"Ravi Chopra, my dear friend and director and producer passed away suddenly today (Wednesday), my son called to give me the news", Big B wrote in his official blog late Wednesday.

The veteran filmmaker, who was hospitalised in Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai, passed away at around 3.30 p.m on Wednesday. The 68-year-old had been reportedly suffering from a severe lung ailment for the last couple of years.

Son of legendary producer and director late B.R. Chopra, and the nephew of late Yash Chopra, Ravi is remembered for his soulful storytelling in films like "The Burning Train", "Aaj Ki Awaz", "Baghban" and "Baabul", among others.

On TV, he directed epic dramas like "Mahabharat" and "Ramayan".

"Filled with grief and sorrow, and unable to find words that could possibly describe what I go through, it is difficult to imagine those days spent together..."

"What does one write on such occasions, silence is the best condolence...", an emotional Big B said.

Chopra's debut as a director happened with "Zameer" with Big B and Saira Banu. Later on, the actor worked with him in "Baghban", "Baabul", "Bhoothnath" and "Bhoothnath Returns".

"It is the time in life when you do not make friends, but lose them", Bachchan tweeted in his unique style.