Popular film producer and media veteran Pradeep Guha breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday. He was 69 and is said to have been battling cancer.

Guha's wife Papia Guha and son Sanket Guha issued a joint statement that 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,".

Pradeep Guha has mentored the careers of several actresses including Priyanka Chopra during the initial stages of her career. 'Beast' actress Pooja Hegde has also mourned his passing away remembering his contribution to her career.

Pooja Hegde wrote "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.".

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. pic.twitter.com/EDPSYUkptt

— Pooja Hegde (@hegdepooja) August 21, 2021