Veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Gangu Ramsay, one of the seven Ramsay Brothers known for the cult Bollywood horror films, passed away today at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. He was 83.
According to the family, Gangu was the second eldest son of F.U. Ramsay. He has been battling health issues for the past month.
The family expressed sadness over his demise and released a statement. “With profound sadness, we announce the passing of one of the Ramsay Brothers, the legendary cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and the second eldest son of F.U. Ramsay, Gangu Ramsay. He departed from us early this morning at 8 am, at the age of 83, after battling health issues for the past month. He was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital,” the family said.
Gangu is survived by daughter Geeta Ramsay and son Chander Ramsay. The last rites took place at the Oshiwara Crematorium at 2 pm today, the family added.
Ramsay, under the Ramsay Brothers banner founded by FU Ramsay, contributed his creative vision to more than 50 iconic films, such as “Veerana” and “Purana Mandir”, “Bandh Darwaza”, “Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche”, and “Khoj” starring Rishi Kapoor.
The Ramsay Brothers became well-known for their horror films during the 1970s and 1980s. These B-grade films featured a range of monsters including zombies, vampires, werewolves, reanimated corpses and even snowmen. The movies were particularly popular because of their combination of horror and erotic elements.
According to Amborish Roychoudhury’s book “In A Cult of Their Own: Bollywood Beyond Box Office,” the 1972 horror film “Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche” served as a significant starting point for the Indian horror film industry and the Ramsay Brothers.
The book reveals that the filmmaking departments were divided among the seven brothers. Kumar Ramsay was responsible for writing the script, Kiran Ramsay took care of sound, Gangu Ramsay operated the camera, and Keshu Ramsay assisted with cinematography and also acted as the production guy. Meanwhile, Arjun Ramsay took care of post-production and editing. Tulsi Ramsay and Shyam Ramsay were assigned to direct the film.