Composer of ’80s melodies Ajit Varman passes away

Composer Ajit Varman, 69, passed away after a brief illness at an Andheri hospital on Thursday . The end came amid deprivation even as neighbours tried in vain to raise money from the film industry for his welfare.

Varman’s classical-based tunes for Vijeta, Aakrosh, Saaransh and telefilm Janam were lauded in the1980s. `Man anand anand chhayo’ and Andhiyara gehraya’ struck a ` soft contrast within films that dealt with war and conflict.

Director Pramod Soni worked with him in Saaransh. He said, “Varman was also a friend and my neighbour. He took ill a few weeks ago.We sought help from his colleagues in the industry to no avail. He was weak and malnourished.” Varman is survived by his wife Rekha who works in Singapore, a married daughter and son Varun. Rekha said, “I had come visiting and met him in hospital. His main worry was that he loved to compose but assignments had dried up. He was so self-respecting he would decline help from family also.”

The last rites were done at Amboli crematorium.