Shyam Ramsay has passed away at 67. The filmmaker complained of chest pain, and post which he was taken to Kokilaben Hospital. He passed away on September 18, 2019.
Shyam Ramsay (Picture courtesy/mid-day archives)
Long before Twilight made vampires fashionable, it was the Ramsays who whet our appetite for the macabre - and a dose of sleaze - with 'chudails' and blood-sucking monsters with films like Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche (1972), Purana Mandir (1984), Veerana (1988), Purani Haveli (1989) and Bandh Darwaza (1990).
The Ramsay Brothers ruled the horror genre in Indian cinema for several years as they churned out low-budget films, which went on to acquire cult status. They were widely popular for a unique mix of horror and erotica. Tulsi Ramsay, was the son of FU Ramsay, and was one of seven brothers. He also directed the popular '90s TV series, Zee Horror Show.
Director Vikram Bhatt had this to say about Ramsay, "Shyam Ramsay carried the torch of horror films right through the 70s and 80s. Even amongst the Ramsay Brothers, he was considered to be the leader of the group. He was innovative and regaled his audiences with fabulous spooky cinema from time to time. His passing is indeed sad and his contribution to the dark films will always be held in high esteem."
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