The film-maker directed several Punjabi hits during his lifetime - the most famous one being Chiragh Bahadur in 1976. Holding more than 200 films to his credit, Rana helped several new artists kick off their careers as well.
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"He was a humble man who was always ready to guide young artists. I really appreciated the fact that he did not stop working even when he was sick," director Masood Butt told The Express Tribune. Rana had been working on his upcoming project, Dushman Rani, at the time of his death.
Film writer Suraj Baba termed Rana's death as an irreplaceable loss for Punjabi cinema. "He was a legendary film director and a household name of Punjabi cinema. He is responsible for some of the most significant works of regional cinema," he said.
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During his four-decade long career, Rana produced numerous films including Kalu Shah Puriya, Gunda Tex, Humayoun Gujjar, Shagna di Mehndi, Naagan, Naseebo, Toofan and God Father, amongst many others.
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