Rituparno's death huge loss for LGBT community: Onir

Gay filmmaker Onir says that eminent filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh's demise will be a big loss for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.

Ghosh died Thursday following a cardiac arrest, said industry sources. He was 49.

The acclaimed Bengali filmmaker, who has movies like "Chokher Bali", "Antarmahal" and "Dosar" to his credit, was also known for his cross-dressing style and fascination for make-up.

"Very, very sad that the man whose every frame spoke of cinematic beauty and gave a new identity to New Wave Bengali Cinema is no more," tweeted 44-year-old Onir whose debut film "My Brother Nikhil" dealt with AIDS and gay-related issues.

"His passing away will be a big loss not only to lovers of cinema and art, but a huge loss to the LGBT community," he tweeted.

In fact, in director Sanjoy Nag's "Memories In March", Ghosh stepped in front of the camera to play a gay who loses his partner.

Onir also remembers Ghosh as a friend with huge knowledge not only of cinema but literature.

"Last met him at the day of the National Awards. he was radiant and happy like a child. When one stepped into his house...every corner spoke of an artist. Admired his knowledge of literature and cinema" he tweeted.

Onir says that Ghosh also wanted him to do a film with Madhuri Dixit Nene and Nana Patekar.

"The last time we met we spoke of doing a project together. He wanted me to direct a story idea by him with him, Madhuri and Nana Patekar," he tweeted.