Year ender 2025: Dharmendra, Asrani, Pankaj Dheer, Mukul Dev and other legends whose deaths left a lasting void

November began with concern after veteran actor Dharmendra was hospitalised due to breathing complications. Weeks later, grief engulfed the Deol family and fans across the country when the original He-Man of Bollywood passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. With a towering screen presence that defined an era, Dharmendra’s demise marked the end of a monumental chapter in Indian cinema.

Veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit, known for sharing screen space with Vinod Khanna, Shashi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna, passed away on November 7. Her passing added to the sombre mood of the month, as the industry mourned the loss of a performer remembered for her grace and talent.

Veteran Hindi film actor Govardhan Asrani breathed his last on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84 after battling prolonged illness. With a career spanning over 350 Hindi and Gujarati films, Asrani became synonymous with effortless comedy. He is fondly remembered for iconic performances in films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Rafoo Chakkar’, ‘Namak Haraam’, ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’.

The industry bid farewell to Pankaj Dheer on October 15, a name forever etched in Indian television history for his powerful portrayal of Karna in the epic series ‘Mahabharat’. His dignified screen presence and commanding voice made Karna one of the most memorable characters of the show, earning him enduring admiration across generations. Beyond mythological roles, Dheer also appeared in films such as ‘Saugandh’, ‘Baaz’ and ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’, as well as several television projects. His contribution to Indian television during its golden era ensured his legacy would remain timeless.

Actor-director Satish Kaushik passed away on October 25, deepening the sense of loss in the industry. Best loved for his portrayal of Indravardhan Sarabhai in the cult sitcom ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, Kaushik’s comic brilliance and warmth made him a household favourite.

Singer Zubeen Garg’s sudden demise in Singapore on September 19 came as a shock to fans across the country. Known for his powerful voice and work across Hindi, Bengali and Assamese music, he passed away at the age of 52, leaving behind a void that extended far beyond the music world.

Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27 at the age of 42, sending shockwaves among fans. Popularly known as Bollywood’s original ‘Kaanta Laga’ girl, she later carved a distinct identity with her appearances on ‘Bigg Boss 13’ and the television show ‘Shaitani Rasmein’.

Actor Mukul Dev passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54, leaving behind a body of work marked by versatility and quiet intensity. Known for seamlessly transitioning between positive and negative roles, Mukul featured in notable films such as ‘Son Of Sardaar’, ‘R… Rajkumar’, ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’. He was also a familiar face on television and in regional cinema. ‘Son Of Sardaar’, which released months after his demise, became his final on-screen appearance.

Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away in April at the age of 87 due to heart-related complications. A name synonymous with patriotic cinema, his four-decade-long career left an indelible mark on Hindi films, cementing his legacy as one of Indian cinema’s most influential storytellers.