12 June,2026 10:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jaspal Rana. Pic via X
Legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana died on Friday at the age of 49 following a cardiac emergency. Roy Kapur Films mourned the loss of the Padma Shri awardee, revealing that they were working closely with Rana on developing a script based on his life. The production house shared an emotional tribute celebrating his contribution to Indian sport and the athletes he inspired.
Taking to social media, Roy Kapur Films shared a heartfelt note on Rana's passing away, calling him a "true champion" and one of the architects of India's sporting excellence.
The note read, "We mourn the passing of Jaspal Rana, a true champion, an extraordinary coach, and one of the architects of India's sporting excellence. His achievements on the shooting range brought glory to the nation, but perhaps his greatest legacy lies beyond the medals in the countless young athletes he inspired, mentored, and shaped through his unwavering dedication to the sport he loved. Throughout his life, he embodied discipline, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, devoting himself to nurturing the next generation of Indian champions."
In the same post, the production house also revealed that the team had been working with Rana on a film script inspired by his life. They shared that they were deeply moved by his passion for Indian sport and his commitment to helping young athletes reach their full potential.
The post further added, "As we worked together with him on developing his incredible story for celluloid, we were deeply moved by his passion and singular commitment to helping his students realise their full potential and always being focused on the future of Indian sport. Yet beyond his achievements and dedication, what we will cherish most is his irreverence, his dry sense of humour, and his remarkable ability to keep everyone around him laughing. No matter the situation, he had us in splits with his stories, wit, and infectious spirit, bringing joy to every interaction."
Sidharth Roy Kapur's production house added that Rana's life represented the kind of story the banner has often gravitated towards, one built on grit, discipline, sacrifice and quiet national pride.
Legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana reportedly returned from the ISSF World Cup in Munich before his health deteriorated. He reportedly experienced chest discomfort during his return journey. Upon landing in New Delhi, he was admitted to Max Hospital in Saket, where a cardiac blockage was discovered via medical examinations.
According to reports, a stent was inserted, following which there were initially signs of stability. However, his condition later worsened, and he breathed his last on Friday morning.
Known as one of India's finest shooters, Rana later became a high-performance coach and played a crucial role in mentoring young shooting talent, including Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker.
