Decades ahead of his time, Ismail Merchant was a visionary who brought India into world cinema.

That is how actor Rahul Bose, who became friends with the producer-director a couple of years ago, describes Merchant who passed away in London Wednesday at the age of 68.

"That man was decades ahead of his time. In terms of where Indian cinema should be, Ismail was an absolute visionary. His talent was phenomenal," told Rahul.

"The last time we met was last year on the outskirts of New York at his house on a rainy day. I spent half a day with him. To see this man's energy level even at home was simply amazing. ...and such a gourmet! My father too is a foodie. Ismail and I discussed food non-stop.

"I must say I became friends with Ismail in the last couple of years. To lose him so suddenly is a real shock. Ismail Merchant and James Ivory dared to make the films that nobody else would dare to. Whether it was 'Maurice' or 'Howards End'...No producer in the world would pick up these movies. To do 50-odd films with such courage and stay afloat!

"His contribution to world cinema was incalculable. He brought so much of India into world cinema. I personally rate some of the performances in the films he directed, for example Shashi Kapoor in 'In Custody', as marvellous. Ismail was the only visible Indian face in world cinema. And he worked with the best talent in the world. Whether it was Anthony Hopkins or Shabana Azmi...everyone gladly worked in his films.

"Ismail and I would always talk about the situation of communal harmony in India. I'd endlessly listen to him on this issue.

"The pulls and shifts in Bollywood always interested him. He offered me a film called 'Heights'. Then he called back and advised me not to do it since the script had changed. I told him I had already talked to the press about it. He replied, 'So what? One day we're going to work together'.

"He offered me another script, which was under development. And now he's gone. It's way too soon for him to go."