Urooj Niazi 
veteran producer salim akhtar, who launched rani mukerji, dies at 82
Salim Akhtar passed away on April 8, 2025, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to health issues. As a top film producer, he developed the talent of two leading Bollywood actresses, Rani Mukerji and Tamannaah Bhatia. He was 82.
The Indian film business honored Akhtar’s producer career which made a permanent impact during the 1980s and 1990s. The producer made his biggest achievement when he cast Rani Mukerji in 1997’s “Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat” which then led to her movie success. After eight years of waiting he launched the film career of Tamannaah Bhatia in Chand Sa Roshan Chehra in 2005.
His filmography includes several memorable productions:
- “Phool Aur Angaare” (1993) starring Mithun Chakraborty
- “Qayamat” (1983)
- “Loha” (1987)
- “Batwara” (1989)
- “Badal” (2000) featuring Bobby Deol and Rani Mukerji
- “Choron ki Baraat” (1980)
- “Baazi” (1995) with Aamir Khan
The producer directed movies in the 1980s and 1990s that deeply influenced Hindi films as they transitioned in style. His wife Shama Akhtar and son Samad Akhtar remain as his survivors. The family has not made any announcements about his death. The film sector gives tribute to the career of a producer who brought audiences their favorite Indian actresses through his amazing choices.
