Rani Mukerji's father Ram Mukherjee, who launched her in films, passes away

Mumbai: Rani Mukerji’s father Ram Mukherjee passed away at a hospital in Mumbai on Sunday.

He is said to have been unwell for some time, but had to be admitted to a hospital following a drastic drop in his blood pressure. He was later declared dead at 5 am.

According to reports, his cremation will be held at Vile Parle’s Pawan Hans crematorium at 3 pm.

Ram Mukherjee was a director, writer and producer in Bengali and Hindi film industries. He had directed Rani in her debut, a Bengali film ‘Biyer Phool’, and also produced her Hindi debut ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat.’

He had also directed films like 'Hum Hindustani' and 'Leader' starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.

He is the nephew of Sashadhar Mukherjee, founder of the popular Filmalaya Studios in Mumbai, and also is the uncle of actor Kajol and director Ayan Mukerji.

He is survived by wife Krishna, Rani and son Raja,

Another actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father Krishnaraj Rai had passed away earlier this year.