The year 2025 proved to be a period of profound loss for the Indian entertainment industry, as it bid farewell to a generation of iconic artists who defined eras with their talent. From the towering presence of Bollywood's original He-Man to the comic genius who made millions laugh, their departures have left a lasting void that resonates with fans and colleagues alike.
A Sombre Final Quarter: The Industry Mourns Its Pillars
The latter part of the year was particularly heavy with grief. November began with concern for veteran actor Dharmendra, who was hospitalised due to breathing complications. The fears of his legion of fans were realised when the legendary star, an integral part of Bollywood's history, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. His demise truly marked the end of a monumental chapter in Indian film history.
Just weeks earlier, on November 7, the industry lost the graceful veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit. Known for her work alongside greats like Vinod Khanna and Rajesh Khanna, her passing added to the month's sombre mood.
October saw a series of heartbreaking losses. The beloved comic actor Govardhan Asrani, whose name became synonymous with effortless humour in over 350 films, breathed his last on October 20 after a prolonged illness. He was 84. His iconic roles in classics like 'Sholay' and 'Chupke Chupke' remain etched in public memory.
The industry also said goodbye to actor-director Satish Kaushik on October 25. While he had a multifaceted career, he was best loved as the hilarious Indravardhan Sarabhai from the cult sitcom 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai', a role that made him a household favourite.
Television's Mythological Icon and Versatile Talents
Mid-October brought news that saddened television audiences across generations. Pankaj Dheer, the actor who immortalised the character of Karna in the epic television series 'Mahabharat', passed away on October 15. His dignified and powerful portrayal earned him timeless admiration and secured his place in the golden era of Indian television. Beyond mythology, he also appeared in films like 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar'.
The industry also lost a versatile and intense performer in Mukul Dev, who passed away on May 23 at the age of 54. Known for seamlessly shifting between positive and negative roles in films such as 'Son Of Sardaar' and 'R... Rajkumar', his final screen appearance was in 'Son Of Sardaar', which released posthumously.
Shocking Departures and Enduring Legacies
The year was punctuated by several sudden and shocking losses. On September 19, acclaimed singer Zubeen Garg passed away suddenly in Singapore at the age of 52. His powerful voice, which enriched Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese music, left a cross-cultural void.
In June, fans were stunned by the untimely death of Shefali Jariwala at 42. Originally famous as the 'Kaanta Laga' girl, she had recently carved a new identity with her participation in 'Bigg Boss 13' and the show 'Shaitani Rasmein'.
Earlier in the year, in April, the curtain fell on the career of a stalwart of patriotic cinema. Veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at 87 due to heart-related complications, concluding a four-decade career that left an indelible mark on the nation's cinematic consciousness.
The collective passing of these legends in 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the fading golden chapters of Indian entertainment. Each artist contributed a unique thread to the vast tapestry of films, television, and music that shaped popular culture for decades. While their work ensures their immortality on screen, their physical absence leaves a palpable emptiness, prompting both mourning and celebration of the rich legacies they have bequeathed to future generations.
