Bollywood legends who left us in 2025: Bollywood felt a massive void in 2025 after several veteran actors passed away this year. Having dedicated several decades to the Indian film industry, these deaths were an insurmountable loss for many. Dharmendra, who passed away in November, left many cinema lovers heartbroken. After delivering hits like ‘Sholay’ and ‘Rocky Aur Rani…’ in his later years, he was one of the few timeless jewels in Bollywood.
The year was also marked by the unfortunate demise of Manoj Kumar. He headlined several nationalist films and proudly carried the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. The Hindi film industry was at a loss of words when these legends passed away – some due to age, others due to underlying conditions. But, it remained an irreparable loss which deeply affected their fans.
Remembering Bollywood legends we lost in 2025
Deb Mukherjee
Father of celebrated filmmaker Ayan Mukherji, he passed away on March 14. At the age of 83, the veteran actor was one of the most talented stars of the Mukherjee-Samarth family. Leaving behind a generation of valued craft, he has a long cinematic legacy. He will be remembered for his films like Kaminey, Gudgudee (1997), Rock Dancer (1995), Dalaal (1993), and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) among several others.
Rakesh Pandey
March brought another loss to the film industry as Rakesh Pandey passed away due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 84. An alumnus of FTII, he debuted in Basu Chatterjee’s Sara Akash. A legend across Hindi and Bhojpuri works, they centred him as a realist of the 1970s.
Manoj ‘Bharat’ Kumar
Manoj Kumar passed away on April 4. Aged 87, he breathed his last in Mumbai due to an underlying heart condition and liver cirrhosis. Conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Bharat Kumar became a name synonymous with patriotic cinema. He appeared in films like Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan. Manoj Kumar’s death marked the end of Bollywood’s one of most idealistic actors and refined filmmakers.
Mukul Dev
A household name in Hindi, Punjani, and South cinema, Mukul Dev passed away at the young age of 54 on May 23. His grounded roles brought intensity to the films and negative roles made him a memorable part of the film fraternity.
Dheeraj Kumar
Reportedly passed away due to a cardiac arrest, Dheeraj Kumar breathed his last on July 15. A producer and actor on devotional shows, Kumar had appeared in ‘Om Namah Shivay’ and ‘Shirdi ke Sai Baba’. He represented a seamless link between the satellite-TV era and saw how the Indian audience and viewership changed over the years.
Pankaj Dheer
Losing a valiant battle to cancer, Dheer passed away at the age of 68 on October 15. Known to have famously appeared as ‘Karn’ in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, his character remained one of the most iconic roles in television history. Being part of India’s most iconic mythological work, Dheer is survived by son Nikitin Dheer. He leaves behind a long legacy of mentorship, and embodied his role as the definitive Karna.
Govardhan Asrani
Mere days after the passing of Dheer, 2025 took away the legendary comic everyman Govardhan Asrani. Famously known for his role ‘Angrezon ke zamane ka jailor’ in Sholay to the fluttery sidekick in Ajay Devgn’s Bol Bachchan, Asrani has been Bollywood’s ultimate comedic presence on screen. Playing effective roles from 1970s-2000s, he used humour to puncture authority, making an icon across generations.
Satish Shah
October was a tough month for Bollywood when it came to losing legends. Famously known for his legendary roles in the early 2000s, Satish Shah passed away on October 25. Aged 74, he reportedly faced kidney failure. Playing the significant character in TV show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Shah also appeared in unforgettable cult-classics like Hum Saath‑Saath Hain, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (cameo) and Main Hoon Na.
Dharmendra
The Man-The Legend – Dharmendra passed away on November 24. While some media outlets mishandled the news, others falsely reported his death a week prior to the confirmation. It was only later that stars from across generations offered their condolences. He left behind wife Hema Malini and six children, including Bobby Deol, Sunny Deol, and Esha Deol. Dharmendra had appeared in several films, in lead and supporting roles, alongside legends like Amitabh Bachchan and leading ladies like Sharmila Tagore, Rekha, Zeenat Aman, and others.