Over the course of 2025, Bollywood faced the sad loss of several renowned figures, including Dharmendra, Asrani, Manoj Kumar, and Pankaj Dheer. These talented individuals left a lasting imprint on cinema and popular culture.
Memorable Departures
Each loss brought back memories, milestones, and a sense of void. As the curtains are set to fall on 2025, the industry takes a moment to honor those who bid farewell.
November’s Heartbreak
November proved to be particularly difficult. It began with concern for veteran actor Dharmendra, who was admitted to the hospital due to breathing complications. Unfortunately, weeks later, this anxiety turned into grief for the Deol family. Dharmendra, the original He-Man of Bollywood, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cinema.
Just weeks before Dharmendra’s passing, another shocking loss struck the industry. Veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit, known for sharing the screen with stars like Vinod Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Rajesh Khanna, passed away on November 7. The death of these two icons turned November into a time of collective mourning.
Tears in October
October also brought sorrow, as the industry bid farewell to Hindi television’s beloved Karna, Pankaj Dheer, and the talented Satish Kaushik, who was known for his role as the lovable Indravardhan Sarabhai in the cult sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. Their deaths on October 15 and October 25 respectively deepened the sense of loss.
September’s Shock
September added to the heartbreak. The sudden passing of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore shocked the music industry and his fans across the country. Renowned for his powerful voice and contributions to Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese music, Zubeen died on September 19 at the age of 52, leaving a silence that resonated well beyond the music world.
Stunning June
June began with disbelief as news broke of Shefali Jariwala’s untimely death. Widely recognized as Bollywood’s original ‘Kaanta Laga’ girl, Shefali had carved a unique space for herself through her appearances on Bigg Boss 13 and the television show Shaitani Rasmein. She passed away at the age of 42.
Painful May
May unfolded with the painful loss of Mukul Dev, brother of actor Rahul Dev, who passed away at 54 on May 23. His final project, Son Of Sardaar, was released months after his death, providing one last opportunity for fans to see him onscreen.
A Sad Prelude in April
The tone for 2025 took a somber turn in April with the passing of legendary actor Manoj Kumar. He departed at the age of 87 due to heart-related complications. Known for a career spanning over four decades, he became synonymous with patriotism on screen, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly impacted Hindi cinema.