UK Raj of Lustra is no more

The team at PrintWeek India has been great admirer of UK Raj of Lustra Prints. We have seen his work (and eye for detail) on important books which Tulika published. The first when he was at Ajanta and the other three gems, which he created at Lustra.

 

The news of his passing away is a huge shock for anyone who knew Raj and anyone who loves a well-produced book.

 

Hundred and one salaams to an industry legend.

 

Industry colleagues and friends give their tributes to the legend:

 

Subhasis Ganguly, publishing consultant, said, “Raj Saheb was the Don of Indian printing. The news of his demise is a big shock for me and the industry. May his soul rest in peace.”

 

Dev Nair, former president of AIFMP, said, “It is a sad and shocking news for the entire printing fraternity. We will miss him.”

 

The colour guru, Kiran Prayagi, said, “The combination of print productions - offset and screen - looked like original paintings, giving relief effects. These were his masterpieces. In Goa, he explained i to me how he did that. That was UK Raj for me.”

 

Prashant Atre of Toyo Ink Arets India, said, “It is really a sad beginning for 2016. He has guided me during the nascent stage of my career in Delhi. A large part of his career was spent in Mumbai and I could relate more with him than anyone in Delhi at that time. Gradually, we bonded really well. Even after Ajanta, the UK Raja, the guru of superlatively innovative quality printing continued his quest for new frontiers. He used to challenge me and the other suppliers to give him new and innovative products. If Arets continued to be a large part of Lustra's supply chain, a major reason goes to Raj sir.”

 

Tarun Chopra of Color Dots Prepress Studio, said, “I will pray for him. We have lost a great legend.”

 

Ashish Save, said, “He was a great leader and human being.”