2025 Year Rewind: Bollywood & Entertainment Legends We Lost Forever

2025 was a heartbreaking year for Indian cinema and the entertainment industry. We bid farewell to timeless icons whose performances, voices, and laughter shaped our childhoods and culture.

Manoj Kumar (April 4, aged 87)

Affectionately known as “Bharat Kumar,” he directed and starred in patriotic classics like Upkar, Shaheed, and Purab Aur Paschim. His films instilled national pride and earned him a state funeral with tributes pouring in from across the nation.

Shefali Jariwala (June 27, aged 42)

The sensational “Kaanta Laga” girl who became an overnight pop culture icon in the early 2000s with her viral music video. Later, she won hearts on reality shows like Bigg Boss. Her sudden passing due to cardiac arrest left fans in shock.

Zubeen Garg (September 19, aged 52)

Heartthrob of Assam, Zubeen Garg, passed away in Singapore during a swimming session under mysterious circumstances still under investigation. A bridge between regional and national music, his tragic death in a scuba diving incident was mourned deeply across India.

Pankaj Dheer (October 15, aged 68)

Best remembered for his powerful portrayal of Karna in BR Chopra’s epic TV series Mahabharat (1988). His intense performance as the tragic warrior remains one of Indian television’s most iconic roles.

Govardhan Asrani (October 20, aged 84)

The comedy king who immortalised the quirky Anglo-Indian jailer in Sholay with his hilarious Hitler-inspired parody and iconic line “Hum angrezon ke zamane ke jailor hain.”

Satish Shah (October 25, aged 74)

The sarcastic and lovable Indravadan Sarabhai from the cult sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. A versatile actor with memorable roles in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, his wit and charm made him a household favourite.

Dharmendra (November 24, aged 89)

Bollywood’s original “He-Man” and action-romance superstar. From the iconic Veeru in Sholay to romantic hits like Chupke Chupke, his charisma defined an era. Tributes from Prime Minister Modi and the industry highlighted his irreplaceable legacy.