“He Was a True Karm Yogi”: Shiv Sagar Remembers His Father, Shri Prem Sagar

The Indian television and cinema industry recently bid farewell to one of its most respected visionaries, Shri Prem Sagar ji. The man who carried forward the rich legacy of his father, the legendary Dr. Ramanand Sagar, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at the age of 81. His son, Shiv Sagar, remembered him not just as a father but as a guru, a guide, and a Karm Yogi whose life was a testament to discipline, dedication, and devotion.

In his heartfelt statement, Shiv revealed that the loss was as sudden as it was devastating. “We never expected that he would leave us so soon, as he was quite healthy and active, leading a very disciplined life and habituated to a daily office routine,” he shared. Even during his final days, Prem Sagar ji remained deeply involved in his work. His last project, Kaamdhenu Gaumata, currently airing on Star Bharat, was a labor of love. Shiv noted that just before being admitted to the hospital, his father was personally giving creative corrections on the final episode, working with the editing and graphics team.

Shiv described his father’s lifelong commitment to Sanatan culture as a rare and remarkable mission. “He was the torchbearer of taking forward the name and legacy of his own father, the late Shri Dr. Ramanand Sagar ji. He was so dedicated and passionate about his work and the mission of preserving Sanatan culture that one rarely comes across a human being who is like him,” he said.

Prem Sagar ji’s career was as diverse as it was illustrious. A gold-medalist from the prestigious FTII, he went on to become a skilled cinematographer and director of photography for many of Ramanand Sagar’s celebrated films, including Lalkar, Charas, and Arzoo. He later joined Sagar Arts, contributing to groundbreaking television content that shaped an entire generation of viewers. It was under his guidance that the cult-classic Vikram Aur Betaal was produced — a strategic move to test the waters before embarking on the epic journey of creating Ramayan for Indian television.

Shiv also shared personal anecdotes that revealed the man behind the creative genius. “I have never seen my father talk to me in a raised voice ever in my life. Once when I misbehaved as a kid, he went on a Maun Vrat (silent fast) for me, instead of scolding me. That single act of silence taught me more than any words could have,” he recalled. Such moments reflected the quiet power and deep spiritual wisdom that Prem Sagar ji embodied.

Beyond being a filmmaker, Prem Sagar ji was a philosopher, a storyteller, and a teacher whose life lessons went far beyond cinema. Shiv described him as a man who juggled roles effortlessly — husband, father, creative visionary, and marketing mind — all while keeping humor alive in every moment. “He always joked, smiled, and spread positivity. He set standards of patience and kindness so high that it will be difficult for anyone to match them,” Shiv said.

As he bid his final farewell, Shiv took solace in the timing of his father’s peaceful passing. “He left us on the 5th day of the Ganesh festival and on Radha-Astmi, which for me means he went to Vaikunth Lok. Vishnu was his Isht-Devta, and I have learned the worship of Vishnu from him,” he said, adding a spiritual closure to the earthly journey of a man who devoted his life to storytelling and divinity.