As 2025 draws to a close, the Indian film and entertainment industry pauses in collective mourning. It has been a year marked by profound loss, as cinema, television, music, theatre and advertising bid farewell to towering figures who shaped India’s cultural imagination for decades.
These were not just stars and creators, but torchbearers and trailblazers whose work resonated both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Their legacy lives on through unforgettable performances, melodies, characters and ideas that continue to inspire audiences across generations.
Here is a remembrance of the luminaries the industry lost in 2025:
Dharmendra
The original “He-Man” of Hindi cinema passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. With a career spanning over six decades, Dharmendra embodied charm, strength and vulnerability in equal measure. From the timeless Sholay to the gentle humour of Chupke Chupke and the intensity of Phool Aur Patthar, his body of work remains a cornerstone of Indian cinema.
Satish Shah
Veteran actor and comedy legend Satish Shah died on October 25 at the age of 74. Renowned for his impeccable comic timing, he became a household favourite through films like Hum Saath Saath Hain and Main Hoon Na, as well as television classics such as Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. His versatility and wit ensured that even the smallest roles left a lasting impression.
Zubeen Garg
The music world was left heartbroken by the death of Assamese singer-composer Zubeen Garg on September 19. He passed away at the age of 52 after a swimming incident in Singapore. A cultural icon in Assam, Zubeen’s music gave voice to regional pride while also reaching national audiences, leaving behind a legacy that transcends language.
Sulakshana Pandit
Actor and playback singer Sulakshana Pandit passed away on November 6 at 71. A familiar face of the 1970s and 1980s, she starred in films such as Apnapan, Uljhan, Dharam Kanta and Khandaan, sharing screen space with legends like Shashi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna and Vinod Khanna. Her quiet grace and musical talent remain fondly remembered.
Govardhan Asrani
Beloved actor Govardhan Asrani, popularly known simply as Asrani, died on October 20 at the age of 84. Over a career that spanned more than 50 years, he delivered iconic performances in films including Sholay, Khatta Meetha, Awara Paagal Deewana and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. His emotive range and comic brilliance endeared him to audiences of all ages.
Shefali Jariwala
The sudden passing of Shefali Jariwala on June 27 at the age of 42 sent shockwaves across the country. She rose to instant fame with the chart-topping remix Kaanta Laga and later appeared in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and several television shows. A defining face of early-2000s pop culture, her loss felt deeply personal to an entire generation.
Manoj Kumar
Legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar died in April at the age of 87. Fondly known as “Bharat Kumar” for his deeply patriotic roles, he began his career in 1957 and went on to create classics such as Purab Aur Pachhim, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan and Kranti. His cinema shaped a distinct era of nationalist storytelling in Hindi films.
Pankaj Dheer
Actor Pankaj Dheer, immortalised as Karna in the epic television series Mahabharat, passed away on October 15. His powerful portrayal of the tragic warrior remains one of the most cherished performances in Indian television history, etched permanently into popular memory.
Zarine Khan
Zarine Khan, wife of actor-director Sanjay Khan, died on November 7 at the age of 81. Born Zarin Katrak, she had a brief but memorable stint in Bollywood before carving a successful path as an interior designer, creating elegant spaces for several prominent personalities.
Piyush Pandey
Advertising stalwart Piyush Pandey passed away on October 24 at 70. Widely regarded as one of India’s most influential creative minds, he was the force behind some of the country’s most iconic advertising campaigns. His work didn’t just sell products—it shaped conversations and reflected the soul of modern India.
As the curtains fall on 2025, the industry remembers these luminaries with gratitude and reverence. Though they are no longer with us, their voices, performances, stories and ideas continue to live on—etched forever in India’s cultural consciousness.
