Gul Gulshan Gulfam director and acclaimed Dogri writer Ved Rahi dies at 93

Veteran writer and filmmaker Ved Rahi, best remembered for directing the much-loved Doordarshan serial Gul Gulshan Gulfam, died at his residence in Maharashtra's Thane district on Sunday morning. He was 93.Rahi's last rites were held at the Kopari cremation ground in Thane later in the afternoon. He is survived by his daughters, Geetanjali and Poonam, and their families.A towering name in Dogri literature, Rahi was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for his short-story collection Aale. His contribution to literature was recognised once again in 2024, when he received the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, among the institution's highest distinctions. Over the years, he also received several awards for his literary and cultural work. The Sahitya Akademi's official X handle paid tribute to the writer following his death.Sahitya Akademi mourns the demise of eminent Dogri writer, thinker and filmmaker Ved Rahi Ji, a distinguished figure in modern Dogri literature. Honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for his story collection Aale and the Akademi’s Fellowship, his invaluable contribution to Indian literature will be remembered for generations. Sahitya Akademi extends its heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti. #SahityaAkademi #VedRahi #DogriLiterature #IndianLiterature #Tribute— Sahitya Akademi (@sahityaakademi) November 1, 2026While his literary achievements earned him recognition, Rahi also left a considerable mark on Indian cinema and television. He wrote for more than 25 films, contributing screenplays and dialogues to titles such as Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi, Aap Aaye Bahaar Aayi, Beimaan, Mome Ki Gudiya and Bezubaan. He eventually moved behind the camera, directing films including Prem Parbat and Kali Ghata. His directorial work also included Veer Savarkar (2001). Interestingly, Prem Parbat and Kali Ghata are among the films that are no longer readily accessible to contemporary audiences.For television viewers of the 1980s and 1990s, however, Rahi's name was closely associated with some memorable Doordarshan productions. Gul Gulshan Gulfam, along with shows such as Meera and Rishtay, established his presence on Indian television and brought his storytelling to a much wider audience. Born in Jammu in May 1933, Rahi grew up in a family with strong journalistic roots. His father, Mulk Raj Saraf, was a pioneering journalist in the region. Rahi began his literary journey in his hometown, establishing himself as a Dogri writer before moving to Mumbai to explore opportunities in the film industry.That move opened up an expansive career across literature, cinema and television. From writing stories in his mother tongue to shaping Hindi film narratives and directing television dramas, Rahi built a body of work that travelled across mediums and generations.- Ends