Bollywood filmmaker, fashion designer among 39 killed in Istanbul nightclub attack

The New Year Eve attack in Istanbul left 39 dead.
By  on 
Bollywood filmmaker, fashion designer among 39 killed in Istanbul nightclub attack
Credit: EPA

Bollywood film producer and real estate tycoon, Abis Rizvi, was among the 39 killed in Istanbul's Reina nightclub, when two gunmen reportedly dressed as Santa Claus opened fire at New Year's Eve revelers.

India's Minister of External Affairs shared the news on Sunday evening.

The other Indian who lost her life in the tragic incident was fashion designer Khushi Shah, who hails from the state of Gujarat. She ran a boutique in Mumbai and was on a business trip to Istanbul, her family said.

View this post on Instagram

The news of Rizvi's demise sent shock down the haloed circles of the Indian film industry. His friends, including Bollywood actors and filmmakers, took to Twitter to express their grief.

Khushi's friends too mourned her death.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Meanwhile, both the Central and state governments are taking steps to help the families of the deceased.

The External Affairs Ministry is making arrangements for Rizvi's family to fly to Istanbul.

And the Gujarat government has extended assistance to the girl's family. Her brother would be flying to Istanbul to fetch her body, said a report.

This attack comes less than a year after the explosions at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport that had killed 41 and injured 230. The Turkish government had even blocked social media in the wake of the attack to prevent misinformation and panic.

While an extensive hunt for the New Year attackers is on, the lost lives can only be mourned for.

Mashable Image
Sohini Mitter

India staff at Mashable. Formerly with Forbes India magazine and The Financial Express newspaper.


Recommended For You
'Paradise's twisty ending, explained: Who killed Cal?
Sterling K. Brown in "Paradise."

Albania is banning TikTok for one year, citing growing violence among teens
A backlit hand holds up a phone displaying the TikTok logo.

The best short-ass movies on Hulu for when you need a short and epic watch
"Pig," "Fire of Love," and "The Stroll" are a few great (but short) movies on Hulu.

Humane has killed its Ai Pin less than a year after its release
Humane's Ai Pin on someone wearing a white hoodie.

How 'Nickel Boys' uses first-person to tell a crucial story from a different perspective
By Warren Shaw and Elijah Gil
Nickel Boys

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 8, 2025
A close-up of an NYT Connections game on a smartphone.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 8, 2025
A close-up of a Wordle game open on a smartphone.

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 8
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 7, 2025
A close-up of an NYT Connections game on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!