Reputed Hindi film producer Pradeep Guha passed away at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday. The news of Guha's demise was shared by his wife Papia Guha and Sanket Guha in a statement addressed to the media. The statement read, "We regret to announce the sad demise of our dear Mr Pradeep Guha. In these COVID times the family has requested to be allowed to grieve in private and will share a date for a prayer meeting in a few days. No condolence visit at home due to COVID restrictions. Please keep him in your prayers," According to reports, Pradeep Guha died battling cancer and was in his 60s. 

Known for producing the Hrithik Roshan and Karisma Kapoor-starrer Fiza (2000) and the 2008 film Phir Kabhi, Pradeep Guha carved a niche for himself over the years as a notable media personality. With over four decades of experience in advertising, branding, marketing and media, Guha, a St Xavier's College alumnus, worked for the Times Group, including taking on the role as the president of the company. He also served as the CEO of Zee Entertainment for three years, including joining as the vice president and area director of the International Advertising Association, Asia Pacific region. Right until his passing, Guha was serving as the managing director at 9X Media Private Limited.

The news of Pradeep Guha's demise has come as a massive shock to many leading celebrities across the country, with actor Manoj Bajpayee and actresses Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lara Dutta and Pooja Hegde among the notable few taking to social media to express their condolences. Manoj Bajpayee tweeted, "Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about my friend @guhapradeep's passing away !! May you rest in peace Pradeep." Paying her tributes, Priyanka Chopra Jonas wrote, "You were always my forever champion. Your random calls of encouragement, your zest for life and your ambition was something I have always admired so much. This loss is so personal. I will miss your voice and strength so much. I've had very few constants in my life and outside my parents, you were one that I truly saw as my mentor. You saw something in me I never knew I had. You never shied away from reminding me on how I could be better. You always lead with charge." 

Likewise, former Miss Universe and actress Lara Dutta remembered Pradeep Guha calling him the most successful "Queen maker". She wrote, "My dearest PG @guhapradeep you were always the KING who was the most successful 'Queen maker''. May we, your prot always keep your memory alive and shining bright and may you always watch over us as you have always done. #RIP." On a similar note, South Indian sensation and 'Thalapathy' Vijay's heroine in the upcoming Tamil film, Beast, posted her condolences along with a picture of Guha and said, "Absolutely shocked n saddened to hear about the demise of Pradeep Guha,post my Miss India days,he always told me that I was film star material and should think of taking it up!Thank you for believing in me.The industry has lost a stalwart.Sending out loads of light to his family."