"I have no money left", says Padma Shri holder Vanraj Bhatia

Vanraj Bhatia who is a Padma Shri holder an also the winner of the National Film Award said that he has left with no money. He can't even afford his old age ailments.

Mumbai: The winner of the National Film Award for best music for Govind Nihalani's Tamas in 1988 Vanraj Bhatia said that he has no money left, even as he battles old-age ailments. He is also the Padma Shri holder in 2012.

"I have no money, not one rupee left in my bank account," said Bhatia, even as he battles memory lapses, severe knee pain and hearing problem.

His only company is his domestic help and Bhatia is now forced to sell his imported crockery and other household items for sustenance.

The helper who has been with him for around a decade told that Bhatia has not sought medical consultation in a long time, so it is difficult to pinpoint the exact status of his failing health.

Bhatia's discography includes films such as Aparna Sen's 36 Chowringhee Lane, Kundan Shah's Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Prakash Jha's Hip Hip Hooray.

From Ankur in 1974 to Sardari Begum in 1996, he was the favourite composer of arthouse titan Shyam Benegal. The duo collaborated on several projects including Manthan, Bhumika, Junoon, Kalyug, Mandi, Trikaal and Suraj Ka Saatvan Ghoda.

A recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1989, Bhatia studied western classical music at Royal Academy of Music, London.

From IANS inputs.