Remembering Aruna Vasudev: The Mother of Asian Cinema Passes Away at 88

Eminent film critic and author Aruna Vasudev, known as the 'mother of Asian cinema', passed away at the age of 88. Vasudev was a pioneering figure in Asian cinema, founder of Cinemaya magazine and Netpac. Social media has been flooded with condolences praising her immense contribution to cinema.

Aruna Vasudev, the esteemed film critic, curator, and author, known affectionately as the 'mother of Asian cinema', passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 88 due to age-related illnesses, confirmed her close friend Neerja Sarin.

Vasudev had been undergoing treatment at a multi-speciality hospital for three weeks. 'She had Alzheimer's and other health issues,' said Sarin. Married to late diplomat Sunil Roy Chowdhury, Vasudev is survived by her daughter Yamini Roy Chowdhury.

Vasudev's contributions include founding Cinemaya: The Asian Film Quarterly and the international organization Netpac. Tributes from notable personalities such as Shabana Azmi and Namrata Joshi have poured in on social media. Funeral services will be held at Lodhi Road crematorium.

(With inputs from agencies.)