Dharmendra:
Dharmendra, a towering figure in Hindi cinema and a favourite across generations, left an indelible imprint on the silver screen with his rugged charm, impeccable comic timing and emotional depth. Widely known as Bollywood’s original “He-Man” and fondly addressed as “Dharam Paaji” by colleagues and fans, his remarkable six-decade career featured iconic films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar and Seeta Aur Geeta. One of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors, Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. His death was widely mourned across the film fraternity and beyond, with tributes pouring in to honour his charisma, versatility and enduring influence on Hindi cinema.Read more: 2025: The year RBI used the chopperRead more: 2025: The year RBI used the chopper
Piyush Pandey:
His jingles had become the nation’s background music, and his lines had turned into colloquial wisdom. From the joyous abandon of Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai” to the sharp political punch of “Ab ki Baar, Modi Sarkar,” Pandey’s ads chronicled the rise of Bharat, a nation beginning to find its voice and confidence. Pandey belonged to that rare tribe of communicators who turn advertising into art and emotion into commerce. And he did that with humour, humility and a deep love for the common masses of his country. His creative work did not sell to India but spoke with Bharat in intimate tones.
Zubeen Garg:
Zubeen Garg, a singer who won the hearts of millions, passed away in Singapore on September 19 at the age of 52. While his hit song Ya Ali brought him nationwide fame, it represented only a small part of his extraordinary legacy. Over his prolific career, Zubeen recorded more than 38,000 songs in over 40 languages and dialects. He also acted in and directed films and performed countless stage shows, leaving a lasting impression on audiences across generations.Zubeen was more than just a singer. He was admired for his honesty and fearless personality, speaking candidly in simple, relatable language. He openly challenged hypocrisy, supported the underprivileged, raised his voice on social issues, and was deeply passionate about nature and animal welfare. These qualities made him an icon in Assam and far beyond.Read more: One Trump move that never left India’s concern list in 2025
On stage, Zubeen was energetic and often unpredictable. Initially, sections of older audiences—accustomed to the calm, melodic style of legends like Bhupen Hazarika—were uncertain about him. Yet his music ushered in a new cultural wave in Assam. Rich with emotion, love, hope, sorrow and joy, his songs eventually won over even his critics, cementing his place as one of the region’s most influential artists.
Pankaj Dheer:
Actor Pankaj Dheer, best remembered for his powerful portrayal of Karna in the television epic Mahabharat, passed away on October 15 at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His nuanced performance remains one of the most iconic in Indian television history.
Satish Shah:
Veteran actor Satish Shah, fondly remembered for his iconic portrayal of Indravadhan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and the corrupt commissioner D’Mello in the cult classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, passed away on October 25, 2025. He was 74. Renowned for his effortless comic timing and commanding screen presence, Shah was one of Indian cinema and television’s most cherished humourists. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he appeared in more than 250 films and numerous television shows, many of which became enduring fixtures of India’s pop culture memory.
Gopichand P. Hinduja:
Fondly known as GP, Hinduja led the sprawling business conglomerate through decades of expansion and diversification, transforming it from a trading firm in pre-independence India into one of the world’s most influential family-run empires.
Sulakshana Pandit:
Singer and actor Sulakshana Pandit died on November 6. Celebrated for her melodious voice and graceful screen presence, she made significant contributions to Hindi film music and cinema, leaving behind a legacy cherished by music lovers.
Shefali Jariwala:
Actor and model Shefali Jariwala, widely known as the “Kaanta Laga girl” and for her television work, passed away on June 27 at the age of 42. Her death, reportedly following a suspected cardiac arrest, prompted a police investigation in Mumbai and sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Vishnu Prasad:
Malayalam actor Vishnu Prasad, acclaimed for his intense supporting and negative roles in films and television, died on May 2 at the age of 49 after a prolonged illness. He was widely respected for the depth and conviction he brought to his performances.
Jaswinder Bhalla:
Punjabi comedian and actor Jaswinder Bhalla passed away on August 22 at the age of 65. A towering figure in Punjabi cinema and theatre, he was admired for his sharp wit, memorable characters and incisive social satire.
Jyoti Chandekar:
Renowned Marathi theatre and film actor Jyoti Chandekar died on August 16 at the age of 68. She left behind a distinguished body of work across the stage and regional cinema, earning respect for her versatility and commitment to the craft.
Priya Marathe:
Television and Marathi series actor Priya Marathe passed away on August 31 at the age of 38 after a long battle with cancer. Colleagues and fans remembered her for her resilience, dedication and passion for acting.
Dipak Sarma:
Eminent flautist Dipak Sarma, known for his contributions to Indian classical music and his versatile performances, died on November 3 at the age of 57. His work enriched the classical music landscape and inspired many young musicians.
