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Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Legendary filmmaker Prakash Mehra passed away in the early hours of Sunday in a hospital in Mumbai, after a prolonged illness. He was 69.

Among the first to pay their last respects to the director were Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan. Mehra and Amitabh had made quite a few blockbusters like Zanjeer, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Laawaris, Namak Halal, Sharabi and Hera Pheri. Their last film together was Jadugar in 1989.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Famous yesteryear villain Ranjeet was one of the pallbearers at Mehra's funeral, held on May 18 at the Oshiwara Cremation Grounds, Mumbai.

Ranjeet had worked in seven Mehra films including Laawaris, Namak Halal, Muqaddar Ka Sikander and Sharaabi.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Mehra's directorial debut was Haseena Maan Jayegi in 1968. But it was 1971's Mela that became his first hit. The film brought together brothers Feroz and Sanjay Khan (in the picture) for the first time on silver screen.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Music composer Anandji of Kalyanji-Anandji fame attended the funeral as well. He gave Mehra some of his biggest musical hits in Zanjeer, Muqqadar Ka Sikandar and Laawaris.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Bappi Lahiri attended the funeral with his son Bappa. He scored the music for Mehra's Sharaabi and Namak Halaal, among others.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Amitabh was seen having a quiet word with Yash Chopra, as his son Abhishek looked on.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Prakash Mehra's eldest son Sameer -- who lives in the US -- carried out the last rights of his father. Mehra has two other sons, Amit and Puneet.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Ramesh Sippy looked somber as he arrived for Prakash Mehra's funeral.

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Quite a few younger directors also arrived at the funeral, like Madhur Bhandarkar (in the picture) and Goldie Behl (Drona).

Bollywood bids goodbye to Prakash Mehra

Anees Bazme (No Entry, Welcome) also arrived at the funeral to pay his last respects to the great Prakash Mehra.