The year 2025 will be remembered as a year of profound loss for Indian cinema and entertainment. The industry bid a final farewell to a constellation of its brightest stars, from the golden era's most beloved icons to contemporary talents, leaving a void that resonates deeply with millions of fans across the nation and the world.
A Final Curtain Call for Golden Era Legends
The most seismic losses came from the pantheon of Hindi cinema's legendary figures. Dharmendra, the iconic 'He-Man' of Bollywood, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. With a career spanning over 300 films across six decades, his rugged charm in classics like Sholay and Phool Aur Patthar defined an era of machismo and romance. His death triggered nationwide mourning for an actor who remained active and cherished well into his late 80s.
April 4, 2025, saw the passing of the revered Manoj Kumar at 87. Affectionately dubbed 'Bharat Kumar', he was a national icon whose filmography, including Upkar, Shaheed, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, became synonymous with patriotic storytelling and social consciousness, earning him immense respect.
Another pillar of classic cinema, Kamini Kaushal, also left us. Her career, which began with the Cannes-winning Neecha Nagar in 1946 and stretched to a modern appearance in Laal Singh Chaddha, ended on November 13, 2025, due to age-related ailments, closing a chapter on Hindi cinema's foundational years.
Beloved Character Artists and Comic Geniuses
2025 also stole from us the masterful character actors who added depth and laughter to countless films. The incomparable Asrani, famous for his iconic jailer role in Sholay and a slew of hilarious performances in Chupke Chupke and Namak Halaal, died on October 20, 2025, at 84. His career of over 350 films showcased a unique comic timing that remains unmatched.
Just days later, on October 25, the gifted comedian Satish Shah passed away at 74. Loved for his work in cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and the hit sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, his warm presence and perfect timing made him a household favourite.
Losses from Music, Television, and Beyond
The grief extended beyond mainstream Bollywood. The versatile musical force Zubeen Garg died tragically on September 19, 2025, in Singapore at just 52. A singer, composer, and cultural icon in Assam and beyond, he was cremated with full state honours, reflecting his immense contribution.
Television lost a stalwart when Pankaj Dheer, immortalised as Karna in the epic TV series Mahabharat, succumbed to cancer on October 15, 2025, at 68. Producer-actor Dheeraj Kumar passed away on July 15 at 80.
The year also claimed younger talents. Pop culture sensation Shefali Jariwala, of Kaanta Laga fame, died of a cardiac arrest on June 27 at 42. Professional bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman (Mr. India) died of a heart attack on October 9 at 41. Actor Mukul Dev, who worked across multiple industries, passed away on May 23 at 54.
A Legacy That Endures
While 2025 marked a period of collective mourning for Indian entertainment, it also served as a powerful reminder of the rich, diverse legacies these artistes leave behind. From Dharmendra's timeless swagger to Manoj Kumar's patriotic fervour, Asrani's infectious humour to Zubeen Garg's melodic genius, each contributed an indelible thread to the nation's cultural fabric. Their work continues to entertain, inspire, and will forever echo in the hearts of audiences, ensuring that their final curtain call is not an end, but a lasting tribute to a life in the spotlight.
