Prominent Bollywood producer also killed in Turkey attack
- By Web Desk -
- Jan 03, 2017
ISTANBUL: At least thirty-nine people, including many foreigners, were killed Sunday when a gunman went on a rampage at an exclusive nightclub in Istanbul where revellers were celebrating the New Year. And among the deceased, there was a known Bollywood figure.
Indian producer Abis Rizvi was among the victims who fell prey to deadly shooting on the fateful day.
WATCH reaction of Deepika and Priyanka on death of Bollywood producer (scroll down)
Tributes have been paid to a “kind-hearted” Bollywood producer after reports of his deaths emerged.
His death has left the Bollywood industry in shock, with many stars speaking out against the attack.
Relatives and friends converged at the Mumbai home of Abis Rizvi, one of the two Indian victims of the New Year’s attack at the popular Reina nightclub.
They offered condolences to the bereaved family on Monday even as Mr Rizvi’s father left for Istanbul to bring back his son’s body. The body is expected to reach Mumbai on Wednesday, according to Bollywood actor and friend Raza Murad.
Mr Murad told reporters: “Those terrorists who have done this are not even human beings, they are not even Muslims, they are not even brave. Islam does not permit anybody to take anybody’s life like this.”
Abis Rizvi: a profile
In India, Rizvi was as known for his building company as he was for his filmmaking. Born in West Mumbai to a former Rajya Sabha MP, he became the CEO of his father’s real estate business and, along with his brothers and cousin, followed his uncle Sibte Hassan Rizvi into the film industry.
He acted as producer and co-writer of the Indian film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans, which was released in 2014, and founded the production company Abis Rizvi Films.
A third film, coming-of-age drama T for Taj Mahal, is still in production and was slated for release in March.
A known fashion designer of Indian also killed in attack
The other Indian victim of the Istanbul attack that killed 39 people was Khushi Shah, a fashion designer from Vadodara, a city in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
Reina, owned by the Su Entertainment Group and which opened in January 2002, had become popular as a destination for celebrities. It sits on the banks of the Bosphorus.
#AbisRizvi Producer Of Bollywood Movie ‘Roar’ & Khushi Shah From Gujarat Are 2 Indians Who Lost Their Life In #IstanbulAttack. #Istanbul RIP pic.twitter.com/Wia99J2p7k
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) January 1, 2017
Its website, which is currently offline, states: “Beyond the borders of the country, Reina has become an important tourist destination where, besides being an entertainment centre, foreign presidents talk about world affairs, businessmen sign deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars, world stars eat and have fun.”
Its report said seven victims were from Saudi Arabia; three were from Lebanon and Iraq each; two nationals were from Tunisia, India, Morocco and Jordan each. Kuwait, Canada, Israel, Syria and Russia each lost one citizen.
Shocking .. Life is too short, we take too much for granted.. #RIP #AbisRizvi .. Good man.. My condolences to the family 🙏 #istambulattack
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) January 1, 2017
Devastated to hear that our friend #AbisRizvi was shot dead in the Istanbul nightclub attack. My heart goes out to his family. RIP 🙏🙏💔
— Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) January 1, 2017
My childhood buddy #AbisRizvi who was more than a brother was killed last nght in #istanbulattack Condolences to the family.We will miss him pic.twitter.com/egt5YWHBKg
— Naved Jafri (@NavedJafri_BOO) January 1, 2017
My deepest sympathies go out to his family. May God give you the peace that you seek. May he rest in peace. #istanbulattack #abisrizvi
— ROUBLE NAGI (@ROUBLENAGI) January 1, 2017
Devastated by the death of my friend #AbisRizvi in the dastardly terrorist attack this morning in an #Istanbul nightclub.
— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) January 1, 2017