Senior film critic of India’s leading news-daily Times of India, Nikhat Kazmi passed away early Friday morning after a long battle with cancer. At 53, the lady who had spent almost 2 decades with the newspaper was known famously among the film circuit for her ingenuous reviews, criticisms and appreciation alike. She was one of the few who started the star-rating trends. Her pre-release feedbacks were of prime importance to many film-makers, so much so that they would host special private screenings.
Despite being ill, she continued to relentlessly watch and review films till the very end with the likes of Ghost, Sadda Adda being her last few ones. She is survived by her son, Rehaan, 26.
While the news spread thru the day on social networking sites, members of the film industry took to Twitter with tweets in her regard.
Amitabh Bachchan: a sad passing away of Nikhat Kazmi, film critic with TOI .. sincere, full of life, and never too harsh ..
Karan Johar: Was truly shocked to hear about the untimely death of Nikhat Kazmi… the TOI critic of several years… prayers and thoughts with her family. Death is always a reminder of life that most of us do not lead.
Abhishek Bachchan: The first ever review I read of Refugee, my first film, was by Nikhat Kazmi. She always pointed out the road to improvement to me. RIP ma’am.
Neil Nitin Mukesh: Nikhat Kazmi ji the one person who has always encouraged me. Wrote so beautifully and one film critic I respected a lot! May her soul RIP
Akshay Kumar: Tragic news. Extremely sad to know about the demise of Nikhat Kazmi, one of the most persistent film critics. Am sure wherever you are, it’ll be a five star rating, RIP. May God give strength to your loved ones.
Bipasha Basu: Life is so unpredictable.RIP Nikhat Kazmi.
Sonam Kapoor: RIP Nikhat Kazmi. What sad news to hear first thing in the morning.
Priyanka Chopra: Shocked at the news of nikhat kazmis sad demise.. She just reviewed Don 2.. Wow..unpredictability of life..RIP..my prayers to her family..
Madhur Bhandarkar: The country lost one of the finest film critics today. RIP Nikhat Kazmi, may god give strength to your loved one!
Taran Adarsh: Deeply saddened by the news of Times of India movie critic Nikhat Kazmi’s demise. RIP.
Sangeeth Sivan: Shocked at the news of Times of India Movie Critic Nikhat Kazmi’s demise – RIP.
Our thoughts go out to her friends and family.
