MUMBAI: Eminent filmmaker Raj Kanwar, known to have directed films like Sadiyaan, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, Andaaz, Ab Ke Baras, and Farz among many others, passed away on Friday morning in Singapore.

Kanwar, who was suffering from kidney ailment since last year, had gone there for a kidney transplant but breathed his last even before the operation happened. Incidentally, Kanwar‘s elder brother K Pappu also died of the same ailment five years ago and at the age of 53.

Kanwar (earlier assistant to Rajkumar Santoshi) debuted in Bollywood with a his directorial venture Deewana that launched Shah Rukh Khan. The film went on to smash all box-office records and then Kanwar went on to create some of the biggest hits in the form of Laadla, Jeet, Daag-The Fire, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Andaaz.

Omserved Shah Rukh Khan in a statement, " My friend Raj Kanwarji passed away. The impermanence of life, makes one feel so helpless. May his soul rest in peace. Aisi Deewangi...miss u sir."

Kanwar also successfully launched the career of several stars like Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Arya Babbar and Amrita Rao.

Kanwar‘s body will be flown to India today. Kanwar is survived by his wife Anita and sons Karan and Abhay Kanwar. The cremation will be held on Sunday.