As 2025 draws to a close, the film industry looks back with a heavy heart, remembering the celebrated artists whose absence left a lasting void. From legendary performers to beloved character actors, these stars shaped Indian cinema with their talent, dedication, and unforgettable performances. This year ender pays tribute to the film personalities we lost in 2025, honouring their lives, careers, and the legacy they leave behind for generations to come.
Dharmendra
Legendary actor Dharmendra breathed his last on November 24 in Mumbai, leaving the film industry in mourning. The 89-year-old star earned the title of Bollywood’s “He-Man” through his powerful performances in classics like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta and Phool Aur Patthar. He was hospitalized earlier this month after suffering from breathing issues and was later sent home, but his condition deteriorated. His passing sparked an outpouring of grief across the industry.
Sulakshana Pandit
Veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit passed away on November 6, aged 71. Renowned for films including Uljhan, Apnapan and Khandaan, she enjoyed immense popularity in the ’70s and ’80s. Over her career, she worked alongside leading actors like Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna and Shashi Kapoor. Admirers nationwide paid tribute to her legacy in cinema and playback singing.
Satish Shah
The entertainment industry lost veteran actor Satish Shah on October 25, when he passed away at 74. He became a household name for his role as Indravadan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. Over the years, he also impressed viewers in films such as Hum Saath Saath Hain and Main Hoon Na. His sharp wit and comedy left a lasting impression on Indian audiences.
Govardhan Asrani
Veteran actor Asrani passed away on October 20 at 84, leaving behind a rich legacy of over five decades in cinema. He entertained audiences with his performances in films like Sholay, Khatta Meetha, Awara Paagal Deewana, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. His lively expressions and comic roles made him a beloved figure across generations.
Shefali Jariwala
Shefali Jariwala, best known for the iconic song Kaanta Laga, passed away on June 27 at 42. She also acted in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and was widely loved for her screen presence. According to reports, she suffered a cardiac arrest, and the news left fans heartbroken.
Zubeen Garg
Renowned singer Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52 on September 19 in Singapore. Known for his soulful songs in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi, he left behind a rich musical legacy. Tracks like Panchana and Janmoni are still cherished by fans. His demise brought grief to the music community nationwide.
Piyush Pandey
Piyush Pandey, a well-known name in Indian advertising, died on October 24 at 70. He created some of the most memorable ad campaigns in the country. Reports stated that he had been unwell for a long time. His contribution to creative leadership continues to inspire the industry.
Manoj Kumar
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, popularly known as Bharat Kumar, passed away on April 4 at the age of 87. He began his acting career in 1957 and went on to deliver iconic patriotic films such as Purab Aur Pachhim, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Kranti. His work left a lasting impact on Hindi cinema and defined an era of nation-centric storytelling.
Zarine Khan
Zarine Khan passed away on November 7 at the age of 81. Though her time in Bollywood was brief, she made a lasting impression before shifting her focus to interior design. She later became known for designing elegant spaces for several celebrities and was fondly remembered by her family and admirers.
Pankaj Dheer
Actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on October 15, leaving the film and television industry in mourning. He was best known for his powerful portrayal of Karna in the television epic Mahabharata. Over the years, he also appeared in several films and TV shows, earning respect for his versatile performances.
Rishabh Tandon
Singer and composer Rishabh Tandon passed away on October 21 following a massive heart attack. He was known for popular songs like Chaand Tu, Fakeer Ki Zubaani, and Yeh Ashiqui. Fans and fellow musicians remembered him for his soulful voice and emotional music style.
Rajvir Jawanda
Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda passed away on October 8 following a tragic bike accident. He remained hospitalised for 11 days but later died due to multiple organ failure. Popular songs such as Dheeyan, Kangani, and Maavan earned him immense love from Punjabi music fans.
Jaswinder Bhalla
Well-known Punjabi actor Jaswinder Bhalla passed away on August 22, leaving the film industry in shock. He was especially admired for his comic performances in hit films like Carry On Jatta, Sardaarji, and Mr & Mrs 420. His loss was deeply felt across Punjabi cinema.
Sandhya Shantaram
Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram died on October 4 at the age of 94. She featured in several memorable Hindi and Marathi films, including Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Pinjra, and Do Aankhen Barah Haath. She was widely respected for her elegance and expressive acting.
Pritish Nandy
Poet, journalist, and filmmaker Pritish Nandy passed away on January 8 at the age of 78. He was associated with acclaimed films such as Sur, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, and Pyaar Ke Side Effects. His diverse contributions made him a prominent figure in Indian media and cinema.
B. Saroja Devi
Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee B. Saroja Devi passed away on July 14 at the age of 87. She worked extensively across multiple Indian film industries and appeared in over 200 films during her long career. She was fondly known as Abhinaya Saraswathi.
Ravikumar Menon
Malayalam and Tamil actor Ravikumar Menon passed away on April 4 at 71 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. With more than 100 films to his credit, he was remembered for his strong screen presence and versatility.
C. Krishnaveni
Legendary Telugu actress and producer C. Krishnaveni passed away on February 16 at the age of 100. She was among the earliest women producers in South Indian cinema and played a significant role in shaping Telugu film history.
Kota Srinivasa Rao
Celebrated Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on July 13 at the age of 83. He acted in more than 750 films and received the Padma Shri in 2015. His contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched.
Dheeraj Kumar
Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar passed away on July 15 at the age of 79 after suffering from acute pneumonia. Family friend Ajay Shukla confirmed to PTI that he died at 11:00 am. He was known for films like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and for producing popular television shows such as Om Namah Shivay and Adalat.
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