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Prem Sagar Passes Away: Son Shiv Sagar Says With Him an Entire Era of Cinema Has Gone

Veteran producer, cinematographer, and director Prem Sagar, son of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar and father of producer Shiv Sagar, passed away on 31st August.

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Prem Sagar Passes Away: Veteran producer, cinematographer, and director Prem Sagar, son of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar and father of producer Shiv Sagar, passed away on 31st August at his (Prem Sagar demise) residence in Mumbai at the age of 81. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, from the 1968 batch, Prem Sagar was a Gold Medalist for Best Academic Student and a Silver Medalist for Best Photographed Student Film. His brilliance laid the foundation for a remarkable career in cinema and television. (Ramanand Sagar son Prem Sagar)

Prem Sagar: Creator of Ramayan and Shri Krishna Legacy

Prem Sagar: Creator of Ramayan and Shri Krishna Legacy

Beginning his journey as a cinematographer, he worked on several celebrated films under the Sagar Arts banner, including Ankhen, Charas, Bhagawat, Hamrahi, Pyara Dushman, Armaan, Jalte Badan, Badal, Prem Bandhan, Salma, and more. His debut project, Lalkar, a romantic film set against a war backdrop, showcased his sensitive and (Prem Sagar obituary) imaginative eye for storytelling. Prem Sagar went on to expand his creative vision as a producer and director, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s television landscape with iconic shows such as Vikram Aur Betaal, Ramayan, and Shri Krishna. These landmark productions captivated audiences nationwide and became part of the golden era of Indian television. Together with his son, he also founded Sagar World Multimedia (SWM), which continues to produce a wide variety of content. (Prem Sagar legacy)

Ramanand Sagar's grandson Shiv Sagar expresses his gratitude for the  successful run of their show Kaakbhushandi Ramayan

Remembering his father, producer Shiv Sagar said, “He was diagnosed with colon cancer a month ago and was undergoing treatment. He returned home on Saturday and passed away peacefully on Sunday, 31st August, on the 5th day of the Ganesh festival. It was also Radha Ashtami, (Prem Sagar Ramayan) making the day doubly special. Prem ji was like his name—full of love and emotions. He was a doting father, yet strict when needed. The camera was simply an extension of his hand. In spite of being an ace cinematographer and even directing a movie with Jeetendra ji and Hema Malini, he started the television wing of Sagar Arts with Vikram Aur Betaal, which was the precursor to Ramayan (1987). Later, (Ramanand Sagar family) he became the marketing director of Sagar Arts and traveled the world more than 20 times. Prem ji was always very original and embraced new technology. He loved our recently released show Kamdhenu Gamata on Star Bharat. He even visited the set a couple of times when we were shooting for it. I learnt everything I know about life and filmmaking from him. He was my guru too and had the gift of the gab, (Sagar Arts productions) and we worked together on many projects. I admired his patience, storytelling abilities, marketing vision, and his talent for making people laugh and feel at ease. He had deep knowledge of Hinduism, spirituality, and cinema. With him, an entire era has gone.”

Arun Govil and Sunil Lahiri, the famous Ram–Lakshman duo from the TV show Ramayan

The whole industry is in mourning. Arun Govil and Sunil Lahiri, (Shri Krishna serial Prem Sagar) the famous Ram–Lakshman duo from the TV show Ramayan, attended the funeral, where Shiv Sagar performed the cremation rites. The prayer meet will be held on 3rd September in Mumbai.

People also search for Prem Sagar (FAQs)

  1. When did Prem Sagar pass away?
    Prem Sagar passed away on August 31, 2025, at around 10 AM at his residence in Mumbai.

  2. How old was Prem Sagar at the time of his passing?
    He was 81 according to PTI reports, though some sources mention 84—multiple media outlets, including India Today and NDTV, have noted both figures.

  3. What was the cause and circumstances of his death?
    Prem Sagar had been ill for some time and was treated at Breach Candy Hospital for a severe infection that spread in his blood; he was sent home and passed away shortly after.

  4. Where were his last rites held?
    His cremation was conducted at Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, with the ceremony around 3 PM on the day of his passing.

  5. How has the film and television industry responded to his death?
    The Producers Guild of India paid tribute to him; actors like Arun Govil and Sunil Lahri expressed grief on social media, calling it a deeply saddening loss.

  6. Who was Prem Sagar, and what legacy did he leave behind?
    Prem Sagar was a renowned cinematographer, producer, and director. A graduate from FTII (1968 batch), he played a key role at Sagar Arts—continuing the family legacy in Indian TV and (Indian television legends) film with programs likeVikram Aur BetaalandRamayan.

  7. What notable films did he contribute to as a cinematographer?
    He worked as a cinematographer on films such as Lalkar, Charas, Aankhen, Hamrahi, among others, under the Sagar banner.

  8. What television shows did he direct or produce?
    He produced and directed TV series likeVikram Aur Betaal,Alif Laila,Shri Krishna,Mahima Shani Dev Ki,Jay Bajrang Bali, and others. He played a vital role in visual storytelling from behind the camera.

  9. What honors did Prem Sagar earn in his career?
    He received multiple honors, including a fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society (UK), awards at international photography contests, and lifetime achievement recognitions from the Indian Television Academy. He was also featured among the industry’s top personalities.

  10. How deeply connected was he to the Ramanand Sagar legacy?
    As director Ramanand Sagar’s son, he not only assisted in continuing the legacy—especially through cinematography and production—but also managed marketing efforts that tookRamayanto over 200 countries in multiple languages. He also led the Ramanand Sagar Foundation and archived his father’s memories.

Read also:

Prem Sagar biography | Prem Sagar books | Prem Sagar cinematographer | Prem Sagar filmography | Prem Sagar legacy | Prem Sagar Ramanand Sagar son | Prem Sagar Ramayan contribution | Prem Sagar Sagar Arts

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