Renowned cinematographer and filmmaker Gangu Ramsay, part of the famous Ramsay Brothers known for their cult horror films, breathed his last at a hospital in Mumbai on Sunday morning.
He was 83 years old. Ramsay had been grappling with health issues over the past month, said his family.
"With profound sadness, we announce the passing of one of the Ramsay Brothers, the legendary cinematographer, filmmaker, producer, and the second eldest son of F.U. Ramsay, Gangu Ramsay. He departed from us early this morning at 8 am, at the age of 83, after battling health issues for the past month. He was admitted in Kokilaben Hospital," the family said in a statement.
Survived by his daughter Geeta Ramsay and son Chander Ramsay, Gangu Ramsay's last rites were conducted at the Oshiwara Crematorium at 2 pm on the same day.
Gangu Ramsay's creative vision contributed significantly to over 50 iconic films under the Ramsay Brothers banner. These include classics like "Veerana", "Purana Mandir", "Bandh Darwaza", "Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche", and "Khoj" featuring Rishi Kapoor.
The Ramsay Brothers gained prominence for their unique blend of horror and erotica, producing a series of B-grade films in the 1970s and 1980s, featuring elements like zombies, vampires, and werewolves.
According to Amborish Roychoudhury's book "In A Cult of Their Own: Bollywood Beyond Box Office", Ramsay Brothers played a significant role in shaping the Indian horror film industry, with the 1972 film "Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche" serving as a cornerstone.
Each brother had their designated role in filmmaking, with Kumar Ramsay handling the script, Kiran Ramsay overseeing sound, and Gangu Ramsay managing the camera work. Their collaborative efforts brought several successful horror films to the Indian audience.
Gangu Ramsay's influence extended beyond the horror genre, as he worked on mainstream films like "Aashiq Awara" and collaborated with stars like Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar. Additionally, he made significant contributions to television with shows such as "The Zee Horror Show", "Saturday Suspense", "X Zone", and "Nagin".