Director MM Baig, who helped Hrithik Roshan with diction, found dead at Mumbai home

Hindi film director MM Baig, father of former child actor Baby Guddu, was found dead at his residence earlier this week. He helped Hrithik Roshan with his diction and voice modulation before the actor's debut.

Veteran filmmaker MM Baig, known for playing father of Baby Guddu, was found dead at his home in Mumbai earlier this week. The news was shared by his publicist Hani Zaveri with the news agency PTI. Baig was in his seventies and had been living alone for some time.

According to Zaveri, Baig's publicist, he had been unwell for a while and had not been seen for several days, which led neighbours to alert the authorities. Police entered the premises after complaints of a foul smell. "He was unwell for quite some time. Since he hadn't come out of the house for four to five days, the neighbours complained to the cops about a foul smell coming from his house. The police opened the door and found Baig sahab's dead body and informed his daughter about it. They later took his body to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem at around 1:30-2:00 am. He was a loving man. I pray for his departed soul," Hanif told PTI.

Baig began his career as an assistant director, working with J Om Prakash, Vimal Kumar, and Rakesh Roshan. He was involved in films like Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993), Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharnii (1989), Karz Chukana Hai (1991), Kala Bazaar (1989), and Kishen Kanhaiya (1990), earning respect for his technical expertise.

As an independent filmmaker, Baig directed Masoom Gawah with Naseeruddin Shah, though the film was unreleased. He also directed Chhoti Bahoo (1994), featuring Shilpa Shirodkar.

Hanif recalled Baig's supportive role in the industry, especially with the Roshan family. "Baig sahab shared a warm equation with Rakesh Roshan sahab. He helped Hrithik Roshan with diction, voice modulation, and dialogues since he was well-versed with these things. Baig sahab would help Hrithik with mouthing dialogues. This was much before his debut film, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000) happened," Hanif said.

Baig's daughter, Baby Guddu, born Shahinda Baig, was among the most notable child actors in the 1980s. She starred in films such as Aakhir Kyon? (1985), Nagina (1986), Pyar Kiya Hai Pyar Karenge (1986), and Aulad (1987).