MUMBAI: Eminent nuclear scientist and former Crest Communications chairman Dr Raja Ramanna passed away early this morning (3:15 am) following a cardiac arrest in a city hospital. He was 79.

Dr Ramanna was admitted to hospital on Monday after he complained of giddiness and sweating.

Dr Ramanna, who was also the chairman of Indian animation major Crest Communication (now renamed as Crest Animation Studios) is survived by by his wife, two daughters and his son Shyam Ramanna.

Coincidentally, it was only on Monday that Dr Ramanna handed over the chairmanship of the company to Shyam during the Crest AGM. It was also at this AGM that the change in name of the company became effective. It was on 30 July the Crest's board had recommended that the company's name be changed so as to properly reflect the fact that today it is focussed purely on the animation business.

Dr Ramanna's last rites are expected to be performed sometime after 2 pm when Shyam, who is based out of Bangkok, arrives.