Film critic Nikhat Kazmi dies

Senior film critic Nikhat Kazmi died here early Friday morning after battling breast cancer. She was 53.

The end came at 8.30 a.m. at a hospital here. She is survived by her son Rehaan, 26.

Kazmi had been writing for The Times of India for over two decades, and her reviews of "Sadda Adda", "Chaalis Chauraasi", "Ghost" and Hollywood film "Blitz" had appeared just last week.

Her illness did not keep her away from catching up on movies -- she used to come in a wheelchair to watch them, and continued to give her feedback to her readers.

The Hindi film industry was in mourning for the writer, whose reviews made a difference to many lives. Actors like Abhishek Bachchan and Neil Nitin Mukesh took to Twitter to share how her feedback always helped them fall in place.

Here's what some of the actors, filmmakers and critics had to say:

Abhishek Bachchan: The first ever review I read of 'Refugee', my first film, was by Nikhat Kazmi. She always pointed out the road to improvement to me. RIP ma'am.

Karan Johar: Was truly shocked to hear about the untimely death of Nikhat Kazmi...the TOI critic of several years...prayers and thoughts with her family. Death is always a reminder of life that most of us do not lead.

Akshay Kumar: Tragic news. Extremely sad to know about the demise of Nikhat Kazmi, one of the most persistent film critics. Am sure wherever you are, it'll be a five star rating, RIP. May God give strength to your loved ones.

Neil Nitin Mukesh: Nikhat Kazmi ji the one person who has always encouraged me. Wrote so beautifully and one film critic I respected a lot! May her soul RIP

Bipasha Basu: Life is so unpredictable.RIP Nikhat Kazmi.

Sonam Kapoor: RIP Nikhat Kazmi. What sad news to hear first thing in the morning.

Madhur Bhandarkar: The country lost one of the finest film critics today. RIP Nikhat Kazmi, may god give strength to your loved one!

Omar Quereshi: Tragic news. All of Times Group mourns for Nikhat Kazmi, renowned TOI movie reviewer, who passed away. RIP Nikhat in that big cinema in the sky.

Taran Adarsh: Deeply saddened by the news of Times of India movie critic Nikhat Kazmi's demise. RIP.

Sangeeth Sivan: Shocked at the news of Times of India Movie Critic Nikhat Kazmi's demise - RIP.

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