Filmmaker Anant Balani, who recently launched a film with Kareena Kapoor and Rahul Bose, passed away on Thursday evening.

The director was returning home in an autorickshaw from a shooting schedule of Chameli, at Mumbai's Rajkamal Studios, when he complained of extreme uneasiness. He died on the way.

Pritish Nandy said Balani was taken to Nanavati Hospital. Pritish Nandy Communications is producing Chameli.

Balani made his directorial debut with Gawahi (1989), with Zeenat Aman, Ashutosh Gowariker, Shekhar Kapur and Ranjeeta. His next Patthar Ke Phool (1991), starring Raveena Tandon and Salman Khan. The film was a non-starter at the box office.

After a long hibernation, he surfaced with Joggers' Park (Victor Banerjee, Perizaad Zorabian) and Mumbai Matinee (Rahul Bose and Zorabian).

Said to be his comeback films, they are both slated to release in September. His Ek Din (Bose, Nandita Das) is due for release by the end of the year. Balani also directed the teleserials A Mouthful Of Sky and Kabhi Kabhi.