Mumbai, India | December 29, 2025
The Indian film industry witnessed a deeply tragic year in 2025, marked by the loss of several iconic actors, actresses, filmmakers, musicians, and technicians across Bollywood and regional cinema. From veteran legends to contemporary performers, the industry mourned the passing of artists whose work shaped generations of Indian cinema.
🎭 Actors Who Passed Away in 2025
Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, fondly known as the industry’s “He-Man,” died on November 24 at the age of 89. His legendary performances in films such as Sholay and Chupke Chupke remain milestones in Hindi cinema.
Actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, widely remembered as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic roles in Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim, passed away in April at 87. He was a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Comedy icon Govardhan Asrani, immortalized as the jailer in Sholay, died on October 20 at 84 after acting in over 350 films. Television and film actor Satish Shah, best known for Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, passed away on October 25 at 74.
Other notable losses included Pankaj Dheer, famed for portraying Karna in Mahabharat; Mukul Dev; Telugu cinema stalwart Kota Srinivasa Rao; and veteran character actor Achyut Potdar.
🎬 Actresses Remembered
Legendary Kannada and Tamil actress B. Saroja Devi, often called “Abhinaya Saraswati,” died on July 14 at 87 after a career spanning seven decades. Popular performer Shefali Jariwala, known for Kaanta Laga and reality television, passed away in June at 42 due to cardiac arrest.
🎥 Directors, Producers, and Writers
Filmmaker Prem Sagar, associated with the iconic Ramayan television series, died on August 31 at 84. Director Partho Ghosh, known for psychological thrillers like 100 Days, passed away in June. Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Srinivasan also died in 2025.
🎶 Music and Technical Legends
Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg died on September 19 at 52, leaving behind a powerful musical legacy across languages. Malayalam New Wave pioneer and cinematographer Shaji N. Karun passed away on April 28 at 73.
🎞️ A Year of Irreplaceable Loss
In total, more than 20 prominent figures from Indian cinema passed away in 2025 due to age-related illnesses, cancer, and cardiac conditions. Their contributions continue to influence Indian storytelling, music, and performance art.
