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Business Standard
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Veteran actor-producer Dheeraj Kumar passes away at 79 due to pneumonia
Renowned actor, producer, and television pioneer Dheeraj Kumar died on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, at the age of 79 due to complications from acute pneumonia. The veteran personality was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been placed under intensive care and ventilator support in his final days. Tomorrow at 6 am, his mortal remains will be taken home from the hospital and held until 10 am as a sign of respect. At 11 am, the last ceremonies will be held at the Pawan Hans cremation site in Vile Parle West. His contributions to television and Hindi and Punjabi films were well-known. Dheeraj Kumar dies of pneumonia Kumar's close associate and family friend Ajay Shukla informed PTI, "He passed away this morning at 11:00 am due to pneumonia at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was unwell and was admitted to the hospital on Saturday as he was having fever, cold and cough. He was admitted to the ICU due to his age". Shukla added that Kumar's last rites will be conducted at Pawan Hans Crematorium on Wednesday. Kumar's family confirmed the news of his death in a statement. 'With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of veteran actor, producer and director and beloved human being Dheeraj Kumar on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, around 12 noon, surrounded by family...' The family stated, "He was always laughing, always giving, and always present for his family, friends, and the industry at large. A true gentleman, he was a father figure, friend, and guide to many. He will be remembered not just as an actor but as a mentor, a gentle soul, and a true gentleman. We thank everyone for their prayers and support during this time". Who was Dheeraj Kumar? Dheeraj Kumar worked in the television and film industry for more than 50 years. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a finalist in a 1965 talent competition that also included filmmaker Subhash Ghai and superstar Rajesh Khanna. After starring in the lead role in the 1970 movie Raaton Ka Raja, he went on to appear in a number of Hindi and Punjabi productions. He also played a minor role in films like Sargam (1979), Kranti (1981), and Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974). Between 1970 and 1984, Kumar appeared in more than 20 films and was a well-known figure in Punjabi cinema. He established the production company Creative Eye Limited in 1986, which later had a big impact on Indian television. Popular mythological and family dramas such as Om Namah Shivay, which aired on Doordarshan National from 1997 to 2001, Shree Ganesh, Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati, Adalat, and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann were made by the firm under his direction.


Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘He was always laughing, a true gentleman': Dheeraj Kumar's family issues first statement after actor-producer's demise
Roti Kapda Aur Makaan actor Dheeraj Kumar passed away at a hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, PTI reported, citing a family friend. Following his death, Kumar's family issued a statement, which read, 'With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of veteran actor, producer, director, and beloved human being Dheeraj Kumar on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, around 12 noon, surrounded by family...' The statement further noted, 'He was always laughing, always giving, and always present—for his family, friends, and the industry at large. A true gentleman, he was a father figure, friend, and guide to many. He will be remembered not just as an actor, but as a mentor, a gentle soul, and a true gentleman. We thank everyone for their prayers and support during this time." The actor was suffering from severe pneumonia and was admitted to the intensive care unit at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. "He passed away this morning at 11:00 am due to pneumonia at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was unwell and was admitted to the hospital on Saturday as he was having fever, cold and cough. He was admitted to the ICU due to his age," Kumar family friend Ajay Shukla, told PTI. The veteran actor's last rites are scheduled to be held at Pawan Hans Crematorium on Wednesday. With a career spanning over five decades in cinema and television, Dheeraj Kumar starred and produced several popular films and shows. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a finalist in a 1965 talent contest that also included superstar Rajesh Khanna and filmmaker Subhash Ghai. Kumar acted in several Hindi and Punjabi films, including the 1970 film Raaton Ka Raja, along with supporting roles in movies such as Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Sargam (1979) and Kranti (1981). Kumar was a notable figure in Punjabi cinema, starring in more than 20 films from 1970 to 1984. In 1986, he founded Creative Eye Limited, a company that produced popular mythological and family dramas such as Om Namah Shivay, Shree Ganesh, Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati, Adalat, and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann. (With inputs from agencies)


Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Roti Kapda Aur Makaan actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar passes away at 79, was on ventilator support
Trigger warning: This article contains mention of death. Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar left for a heavenly abode at the age of 79. He was battling pneumonia and was in a critical condition. Reportedly, Kumar was on a ventilator support in the ICU before his death. The actor was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Dheeraj Kumar dies of pneumonia According to a latest report by Mid-Day, Dheeraj Kumar's family has confirmed that the actor-producer took his last breath this morning, July 15, 2025. Reportedly, the veteran was kept under close observation by doctors at the hospital. He received all necessary medical treatment. Dheeraj's family earlier issued a statement about his health while requesting prayers for his speedy recovery. The family also urged everyone to respect their privacy during their difficult time. All about Dheeraj Kumar's work front Dheeraj Kumar worked in both Hindi and Punjabi films in his career. He played a key role in the 1974 movie Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, which starred late veteran actor Manoj Kumar and actress Zeenat Aman. The actor was also a part of the late actor Dilip Kumar's 1981 film, Kranti. His other notable works include Raaton Ka Raja, Ranga Khush, Heera Panna, Maang Bharo Sajana, Sharafat Chod Di Maine, Shirdi Ke Sai Baba, Karm Yudh, Sargam, Purana Mandir, and more. Dheeraj Kumar's career beginnings and production works Dheeraj Kumar had begun his career in the showbiz in 1965. He was one of the finalists in a talent show that the late superstar Rajesh Khanna won. Apart from his work in Hindi cinema, the actor acted in 21 Punjabi films from 1970 to 1984. Dheeraj Kumar was also a producer. He backed television shows like Om Namah Shivay, Shree Ganesh, Man Mein Hai Visshwas, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, and others. He directed Kahan Gaye Woh Log, a television series which aired on DD National in 1986. The producer last backed Ishq Aaj Kal in 2019, a web series that premiered on ZEE 5. Kumar was also the owner of a production company, Creative Eye, which he founded in 1986. He served as the chairman and managing director of the company.


Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar passes away at the age of 80 in Mumbai
Veteran actor, director, and producer Dheeraj Kumar, widely known for his contributions to Indian television and cinema, passed away today in Mumbai at the age of 80. He had been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with acute pneumonia. According to a statement from his family, his condition was critical and he had been on ventilator support in the intensive care unit. The family had earlier requested prayers for his recovery and asked for privacy during this difficult time. Dheeraj Kumar's career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In 1965, he emerged as one of the finalists in a talent competition organized by United Producers and Filmfare, alongside notable names like Subhash Ghai and eventual winner Rajesh Khanna. This recognition opened doors for him in films and modelling, where he appeared in several prominent advertisements, including one for Vicks Action 500. Between 1970 and 1984, Kumar acted in 21 Punjabi films, establishing himself as a leading figure in regional cinema. In mainstream Hindi cinema, he featured in films such as Heera Panna, Raaton Ka Raja, where he played the lead role, and in Shreeman Shrimati. In Basu Chatterjee's Swami, the memorable song 'Ka Karoon Sajani, Aaye Na Balam' was picturised on him. Dheeraj Kumar was also a pioneer in television production. He founded the company Creative Eye, where he served as chairman and managing director. Under his leadership, the company produced numerous popular television shows that became household staples across India. Also Read | Veteran actor B Saroja Devi, fondly called 'Abhinaya Saraswathi', passes away at 87 He was recently seen at the inauguration ceremony of the new ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Deeply moved by the spiritual atmosphere, he expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support for the propagation of Sanatan Dharma. Speaking at the event, he humbly said, 'They called me the VVIP, but I believe the true VVIP is God.' He added, 'The spiritual importance of phrases like 'Radhe Radhe Krishna Krishna' is profound, and I feel at peace visiting this temple.' Details regarding his final rites are awaited.


The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Veteran actor-producer Dheeraj Kumar passes away after battling pneumonia
Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar, known for his work in Hindi and Punjabi cinema, passed away at the age of 79 at a private hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday (July 15). According to sources, Kumar was suffering from acute pneumonia and was admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. Yesterday, he suffered multiple organ failure and was put on ventilator support. Kumar breathed his last at around 11 AM today, with his son present at the hospital during his final moments. Kumar entered the film industry in 1965, after participating in a talent show in which late superstar Rajesh Khanna participated and emerged as the winner. 'In a talent contest in Mumbai in the 1960s, three were selected to be actors among some 10,000 aspirants — Rajesh Khanna, myself and Subhash Ghai, who went on to become a director. So our journey in the industry started together. Subsequently, he became a superstar,' said Kumar in a conversation with The Hindu after the passing of Khanna in 2012, recounting the memories of working with the late superstar in the 1977 film Tyaag, and later, a television series in 2019. As an actor, Kumar made his debut in 1970's Raaton Ka Raja, co-starring Shatrughan Sinha. He went on to act in several notable films such as Heera Panna (1973), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Sargam (1979), and Kranti (1981). Between 1970 and 1984, Kumar reportedly starred in 21 Punjabi films before starting his television production company, Creative Eye. The banner went on to make popular television shows, like Om Namah Shivay (1997) and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann (2006). In 2019, Creative Eye produced the ZEE5 web series Ishq Aaj Kal. The news about the death of Dheeraj Kumar has come as a shock to the entertainment industry. The cremation is expected to take place tomorrow.