Kaul (66) was considered one of the pioneers of new Indian cinema with critically acclaimed films like `Uski Roti`, `Ashad Ka ek Din`, `Duvidha` and `Idiot`.
"One of India`s great filmmakers unfortunately Europeans are more familiar with his work than are Indians," filmmaker Anurag Kashyap tweeted.
"Mani Kaul was one of the pioneer of new wave cinema in India. And a great conversationalist. Will miss his persona. RIP," Veteran actor Anupam Kher said on micro-blogging site twitter.
Filmmaker Shekar Kapur said, "The passing away of friends reminds you of the value of this moment. RIP Mani Kaul. Friend. Director. A life passionately dedicated to exploring the outer edges of the art of film. Will be missed."
Recollecting his meeting with Kaul, Filmmaker Onir said, "Remember meeting Mani Kaul last to show him `I AM` at Anurag`s office and he told me warmly that he was happy to see a few of us making diff films."
"...Remember the first time he called me I was in berlin I was so excited n nervous that I couldn`t talk," Onir said.
"RIP Mani Kaul. A little known fact - Amol Palekar directed, Shahrukh Khan starrer Paheli was a remake of Mani Kaul`s 1973 film Duvidha," director Shirish Kunder said.
On hearing the news of Kaul`s demise, veteran actress Shabana Azmi tweeted, "oh no. How? When? Is there a condolence meeting?.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and actor Ranvir Shorey, said, "Mani Kaul - RIP".