'Parvez Bhai introduced me to stunt': Ayushmann Khurrana mourns action director's death

Action director Parvez Khan, known for his work in films like Sriram Raghavan's "Andhadhun" and "Badlapur", passed away on Monday after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 55. Parvez, who worked in the industry since 1986, was rushed to Ruby Hospital after he complained of chest pain, his longtime associate Nishant Khan told PTI.

"He suffered a major heart attack in the morning. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead. He didn't have any health issues but felt chest pain last night," Nishant said. Ayushmann Khurrana on Tuesday took to his Instagram handle to remember Parvez Khan who introduced him to his first stunt. Sharing pictures from the film 'Andhadhun', Ayushmann penned a heartfelt note mourning his demise.

Ayushmann Khurrana cheers players as he enjoys a game of 'Pithhu' in Chandigarh

"Parvez bhai introduced me to my first action stunt! I managed to pull it off in a chase sequence in Andhadhun and that too without safety mats! Though Parvez bhai trained me and we rehearsed with safety mats, he was confident I would pull it off without the mats in the final take! His skill set was so strong that he taught me every possible step to land the jump perfectly and I did! His death is a big loss to the industry and for me. It’s huge for me personally because for me he will always be my action master. I’m praying for him and his entire family," Khurrana wrote.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who worked with Parvez in the National Award winning 2013 drama "Shahid", said the action director was extremely skilful with his work. "Just heard that action director Parvez Khan is no more. We had worked together in Shahid where he executed the riots sequence in a single take. Very skilful, energetic and a good man. RIP Parvez. Your voice still rings in my ears," Hansal tweeted.

Parvez started his career by assisting action director Akbar Bakshi in films like Akshay Kumar's "Khiladi" (1992), Shah Rukh Khan's "Baazigar" (1993) and Bobby Deol-starrer "Soldier" in 1998.

It was with Ram Gopal Varma's "Ab Tak Chhappan" in 2004 that he started working independently and went on to have a long-standing collaboration with filmmaker Sriram Raghavan in films like "Johnny Gaddaar" (2007), Saif Ali Khan-starrer "Agent Vinod" in 2012 and "Badlapur", featuring Varun Dhawan.

Parvez is survived by wife, son, daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. 

(with PTI inputs)