Bollywood and TV World Mourns the Sad Demise of Prem Sagar, Son of Legendary Filmmaker Ramanand Sagar

It was about 11.54 in the morning today (Sunday 31 August) and my phone rang.  The call was from Sagar world, and since these days the Mega serial  'Kamdhenu Gau mata', from the house of legendary Sagar world is being hailed and talked about, so it was not surprising to get a call from the production house for some press notes or the other . Mostly the Legendry son of Doctor Ramanand Sagar Mr. Prem Sagar was always on the other side of the phone. (Prem Sagar demise)I took the phone but this time, Prem Ji was not on the other side. It was Pinto ji, from Sagar world. I became a bit surprised and greeted him and then the news he gave me with a shivering but firm voice was devastating. He said, "Sulena ji, Today morning ten o clock we have lost our Great Sir, Prem Sagar ji. He was unwell since past one month, was admitted in breech candy hospital. Discharged from hospital yesterday but Today he passed away."(Ramanand Sagar son Prem Sagar)

Prem Sagar, Son of Ramanand Sagar, Passes Away

The news was as difficult for me to bear as it was difficult for Pinto Ji to convey me. We both couldn't hold our tears. It was unbelievable but true.(Prem Sagar obituary) It took me a couple of hours to get into the reality and control my emotions.

Today as I sit down to write about this , my heart aches with sadness and nostalgia over the passing of 'Prem Sagar,' the legendary gold medalist cinematographer, director, and producer, and the fourth son of the great legend Writer, producer, director Doctor Ramanand Sagar, who had created history with his block buster films and TV Siries.(Prem Sagar legacy)

Ten o’clock this morning marked the end of an era, a chapter that will forever remain a precious memory in my life and in the history of Indian cinema and television. I pay my heartfelt tribute with many many nostalgic events and share the very honest truths and feelings that Prem Sagar inspired in me, not just as a journalist for Mayapuri magazine but as someone deeply respected and loved by the Sagar family.(Prem Sagar Ramayan)

I remember the countless occasions when I was invited to every shooting of Sagar Group, every press conference, and even for no reason at all, simply because my house was close to Natraj Studio in Andheri, Mumbai. Natraj Studio which was co-owned by Doctor Ramanand Sagar and for me, it came to feel like my own maternal home. There was always a comforting welcome. Prem Sagar made sure of it.  Doctor Ramanand Sagar and Shri Prem Sagar were also close friends of Shri A. P. Bajaj, the founder of Mayapuri magazine, and his son Shri Pramod Bajaj. It was common for us, the Bajajs and the Sagars, to share moments that were simple, genuine, and blessed with warmth.

Remembering Prem Sagar: Pillar Behind Ramanand Sagar’s Legacy

Prem Sagar, the man whose passing we mourn today was never just a figure in the background. He was always at the helm, supporting his father, Doctor Ramanand Sagar, in every way he could, from cinematography, scripting to marketing the films and mega TV series that defined generations. (Sagar Arts productions) Films like 'Aarzu,' 'Geet,' 'Lalkar,' 'Bhagavat,' and 'Romance' from his home production Sagar arts were among the very beautiful and superhit creations he helped bring to life. He was integral in the phenomenal success and the making of the blockbuster series 'Ramayan,' a show so influential that it continues to shape the spiritual and cultural landscape of India even today.

Prem Sagar’s journey began after he graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, (1968 batch) where he was awarded a gold medal for best academic student and a silver medal for best photographed student film. From there, he stepped into the world of Indian cinematography with 'Lalkar' in 1970. By the way he was the director of photography (DOP) even before Lalkar, in his father, Doctor Ramanand Sagar's block buster hit film 'Arzoo' in 1965. His achievements as a cinematographer and technical adviser stretch across multiple acclaimed films, including 'Charas,' 'Bhagawat,' 'Hamrahi,' 'Pyara Dushman,' 'Armaan,' 'Jalte Badan,' 'Badal,' 'Prem Bandhan,' and 'Salma.' Prem Sagar then took a leap into direction with 'Hum Tere Ashiq Hain,' further proving his creative genius and passion for filmmaking.(Shri Krishna serial Prem Sagar)

But his genius was not locked in films alone. Prem Sagar was one of the pioneers of Indian television. In the early Eighties, he produced and directed India’s first fantasy serial, 'Vikram aur Betaal.'(Ramanand Sagar family) Then came his association with 'Ramayan,' a show Produced, Directed by his Legendary father Doctor Ramanand Sagar, that is still remembered with reverence for the devotion and discipline with which it was made.

Prem Sagar’s Timeless Legacy Across Iconic Serials

Prem Sagar's legendary creative contributions were prominently evident in other popular serials including 'Shri Krishna,' 'Sai Baba,' 'Prithviraj Chauhan,' and 'Chandra Gupta Maurya.' As a director and producer he touched countless hearts with shows like 'Jai Maa Durga,' 'Mahima Shani Dev Ki,' 'Jai Jai Jai Bajrang Bali,'  'Basera' and the ongoing super hit serial, 'Kamdhenu Gaumata'.(Indian television legends)

The recognition Prem Sagar received throughout his career is awe-inspiring. He won fifteen awards as Director of Photography, and numerous honors in the field of still photography, such as the associateship of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain and the Artiste Federation Internationale de L’Arts Photographique in Paris. Let it be  proudly known that his work in creating still images matched his mastery of moving pictures.(Bollywood and TV tributes)

Prem Sagar: A Gentleman Who Treated Everyone Like Family

One thing that will always remain etched in my memory is how Prem Sagar treated  people, known or unknown, veteran  writers, journalists, aspiring new teenage journalists like me and every crew member who walked into his world. He made everyone feel comfortable, respected, and included. I remember those long, insightful discussions and candid meetings with him where he would introduce me to the rest of the family, Doctor Ramanand Sagar and his brothers, Anand Sagar and Moti Sagar. No matter what the occasion, Prem Sagar went out of his way to make sure everyone was treated like family.(Prem Sagar filmmaker) He invited each and everyone who was present there in his office at lunch hour to share his home made lunch. He knew everyone's choice and likings. He knew I loved nothing but only cool Gold spot in the hot afternoons and he would shout out to his assistant, "Dhondu, jaldi se gold spot lao, the pretty gold spot girl aa gai hai" we all used to laugh together. There was never any artificiality, only a pure atmosphere of creativity and appreciation. He used to discuss everything with his staff, and even me about anything big or small. One day, when his favourite assistant  dhondhu got retired due to ill health, Prem ji asked me what gift should be given to him. We thought about it and together finalised on a large, multiple drawers Almirah. I remember, he had appointed a lady receptionist Indu in his office after choosing from many beautiful young girls.  Indu was older in age and a differently abled lady who could not walk without support of a special cane.(Prem Sagar contribution to TV)

As a journalist, I had the fortunate privilege of seeing Prem Sagar’s work and dedication  closely . He was never rattled by pressure and he took the responsibility of continuing his father’s legacy with great pride. He championed the artistry and discipline that made the Sagar Group legendary . Even as television changed with time, Prem Sagar stayed busy nurturing new talents, producing new shows and working tirelessly to keep the flame of quality and originality alive. Until his last moments, he remained engaged in creative pursuits, always thinking about what next would excite and touch the audience.(Iconic serials of Prem Sagar)

The flow of my memories takes me back to the days when Prem Sagar was a bridge between the old-school discipline and the new-age creativity. His understanding of the camera was profound. He was never content with mediocrity. Whenever he helped his father market those beautiful and superhit films, each campaign was a lesson in intelligence and personal touch. There were no shortcuts taken, only craft built on sincerity.

Prem Sagar: Storyteller Who United Generations Through TV

Prem Sagar’s connection with the audiences was unique. Whether through the grandeur of 'Ramayan' or the imaginative spirit of 'Vikram aur Betaal,' he touched the lives of millions, especially those in small towns and villages where his shows brought families together to watch television. The stories he told were honest and transcendent and he always made sure the entertainment carried a message of hope, belief, and culture.

He was also a true friend and confidante for writers. I am witness to the way he would hold hours-long discussions, listening patiently, guiding and offering honest feedback. He never let anyone feel inferior. For new age journalists like me, working with Prem Sagar was not just a professional relationship, it was familial and deeply fulfilling. He always pushed me to write scripts and I assisted in script writing in One of his serial. 

Last year while getting nostalgic, I asked him where was Dhondhu? He said, "up in the sky, where we all have to go some time or the other." his voice was heavy with emotion.

I was in touch with him forever.  I interviewed him about two months back, it was raining heavily and he said he was in his farmhouse, sitting for lunch enjoying the rains. While talking I told him that I have got one of his old rare photograph. He was happy and said, "send it to me, it will be included in our special album". I told him that it is somewhere in  one of my thousand of books  and I have to search it out. He said, better search out fast, or you may be late. I laughed at this. But yes I am truly late.(Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan team)

As for his personal life, Prem Sagar was deeply rooted in the values imparted by his father. He maintained a disciplined routine and even during India’s toughest times, he did not lose sight of his goals. He continued to push boundaries, whether it was experimenting with camera techniques or developing new storylines for television series.

Prem Sagar wrote the biography "An Epic Life: Ramanand Sagar" as a tribute to his father, Doctor Ramanand Sagar, fulfilling what he considered his putra dharam or son's duty. He use to say, "Though I can never repay the putra rin towards my legendary father but I am trying to fulfill my putra dharam."
The book provides an intimate account of Ramanand Sagar's life and career, covering his journey from Kashmir to his creation of the iconic TV series Ramayan and is presented as a testament to his legacy.

Before his passing, he was busy nurturing his legacy, working with passion and endless energy, still involved in productions and creative pursuits, still guiding younger members of his team and family,  his intelligent son Shri Shiv Sagar.

Prem Sagar’s True Legacy: Creativity with Kindness and Heart

Today, as I look back, I realize what a privilege it was to be so close to the Sagar family, a family that stood for creativity, values and community. Prem Sagar’s legacy is not just the films, the shows, or the awards, it is the kindness, honesty and respect with which he touched every person in his circle. Millions of people have a memory of his work, but only a few of us have had the blessing of knowing the warmth of Prem Sagar, the man.(Legends Never Die)

In closing, with his departure, a precious era has come to an end. Yet his memories, teachings and the stories he brought to life will continue to live on. Every frame he shot, every series he directed, every word he spoke to the people he cared for, these are the true treasures he leaves behind. As someone who was there in his world, able to witness the genuine heart behind the legend. I say with all my soul, ‘Prem Sagar was not just the gold medalist cinematographer, director, and producer; he was the ocean of love, kindness, and creativity that made Indian cinema and television what it is today.’ His curtain may fall, but his legacy will forever illuminate the world. Prem Sagar: The Eternal Legend did not die, 
  LEGENDS NEVER DIE, 

FAQ

Q1: Who was Prem Sagar?
Prem Sagar was the son of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar. He was a filmmaker, writer, and producer who carried forward the legacy of Sagar Arts.

Q2: What are some of Prem Sagar’s most notable works?
Prem Sagar contributed to iconic films like Aarzu, Geet, Lalkar, and Bhagavat, and was instrumental in TV classics such as Ramayan, Shri Krishna, Sai Baba, Prithviraj Chauhan, and Mahima Shani Dev Ki.

Q3: What role did Prem Sagar play in the success of Ramayan?
He played a key role in cinematography, scripting, marketing, and production, making Ramayan one of the most influential TV series in Indian history.

Q4: How was Prem Sagar remembered by people who knew him personally?
He was known for his humility, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel respected and included, from industry veterans to newcomers.

Q5: What is Prem Sagar’s lasting legacy?
His legacy lies not just in the films and shows he created, but also in the values of creativity, respect, and community he upheld throughout his life.

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