Bhubaneswar: The year 2025 witnessed the loss of several Bollywood legends, whose contributions to Hindi cinema continue to inspire generations.
From legendary heroes and character actors to filmmakers and musicians, their work defined an era.
Let’s take a look at some of the iconic Bollywood legends and notable personalities who demise in 2025 left a lasting void:
1. Dharmendra
Veteran actor Dharmendra was hospitalised in November because of breathing complications. When the actor showed signs of recovery, he was discharged from the hospital and taken home.
But destiny had some other plans, and the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, just a fortnight before his 90th birthday.
Dharmendra’s death marked the end of a monumental chapter in Indian cinema.
2. Sulakshana Pandit
Known for sharing screen space with superstars like Vinod Khanna, Shashi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna, veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit passed away on November 6 at the age of 7, following cardiac arrest.
The actress was deeply in love with actor Sanjeev Kumar, but he rejected her as he was in love with Hema Malini.
Heartbroken Sulakshana remained unmarried and went into depression after Sanjeev’s death in 1985 death.
3. Govardhan Asrani
Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly remembered for his iconic performances in films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Rafoo Chakkar’, ‘Namak Haraam’, ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’, breathed his last on October 20, at the age of 84 after battling prolonged illness.
With a career spanning over 350 Hindi and Gujarati films, Asrani was widely considered a ‘King of Comedy’ in Hindi cinema.
4. Pankaj Dheer
Admired for his powerful portrayal of Karna in the epic mythological series ‘Mahabharat’, actor Pankaj Dheer passed away on October 15.
Pankaj’s dignified screen presence and commanding voice made him one of the most admired actors in the television industry.
Beyond mythological roles, the actor also featured in films such as ‘Saugandh’, ‘Baaz’ and ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’ among others.
5. Satish Kaushik
Deeply loved for his portrayal of Indravardhan Sarabhai in the classic sitcom ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, actor-director Satish Kaushik passed away on October 25.
The actor’s comic brilliance and warmth made him a favourite in every household.
6. Zubeen Garg
The sudden demise of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore on September 19 came as a shock to fans across the country.
Known for his melodious voice and songs in Hindi, Bengali and Assamese language, Zubeen passed away at the age of 52, leaving a void in the music world.
7. Shefali Jariwala
Popularly known as Bollywood’s original ‘Kaanta Laga’ girl, Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27 at the age of 42 following a suspected cardiac arrest.
She carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry after featuring in ‘Bigg Boss 13’ and ‘Shaitani Rasmein’.
People who have worked with her remember her as a person full of life, dreams and substance.
8. Mukul Dev
Actor Mukul Dev passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54.
Known for transitioning between positive and negative roles, Mukul featured in films such as ‘Son Of Sardaar’, ‘R… Rajkumar’, ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’.
9. Manoj Kumar
Nicknamed as ‘Bharat Kumar’, Indian cinema’s most influential storyteller, veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away on April 4, at the age of 87 following heart-related complications.
The actor’s four-decade-long career left an everlasting mark on Hindi cinema and will continue to inspire generations.
