Eminent film critic Aruna Vasudev dies at 88

Eminent film critic, curator, and author Aruna Vasudev, widely regarded as the "mother of Asian cinema," died on Thursday, September 4, following age-related health issues, her close friend Neerja Sarin confirmed. Vasudev, aged 88, had been receiving treatment at a multi-specialty hospital for three weeks. "She had been unwell for some time. She had Alzheimer's and was suffering from various age-related health complications," Sarin added.

Aruna Vasudev, wife of the late diplomat Sunil Roy Chowdhury, is survived by her daughter, Yamini Roy Chowdhury, a



graphic designer married to politician Varun Gandhi. The funeral took place at 3 pm on September 4 at Lodhi Road crematorium.

Vasudev’s remarkable journey saw her become a pioneering figure in global cinema. Throughout her life, she played numerous roles -- film critic, author, editor, painter, documentary filmmaker, and trustee -- passionately advocating for Asian cinema. Based in Delhi, Vasudev founded 'Cinemaya: The Asian Film Quarterly' and established Netpac, an international organization that has championed Asian films for nearly three decades.