Celebrities who passed away in 2025: The year 2025 witnessed the passing of several distinguished figures from Indian entertainment, including golden-era icons such as Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar, and Kamini Kaushal, character actors like Asrani and Satish Shah; as well as pop culture personalities such as Shefali Jariwala and musicians including Zubeen Garg. Each artiste has left behind rich legacies that continue to entertain and inspire audiences across the world. Here’s a list: Dharmendra passed away on November 24.
Bollywood lost ‘He-Mam’ and one of its greatest stars, Dharmendra, in 2025. Known for Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar and more, he starred in over 300 films across six decades.
His rugged charisma, versatility across genres, and iconic chemistry with co-stars like Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan will always remain in the memory of his fans. Dharmendra remained active into his late 80s and was mourned nationwide after his death on November 24, 2025 at age 89.
Manoj Kumar was certainly one of the greatest actors which Indian cinema ever had.
Veteran actor, filmmaker and national icon, Manoj Kumar was affectionately known as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic films that celebrated Indian identity and values. He made classics such as Upkar, Shaheed, Purab Aur Paschim and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan that resonated deeply with generations of audiences. His themes often blended nationalism with social consciousness, making him one of Hindi cinema’s most respected figures. He passed away on April 4, 2025 at age 87, after a long illness.
Govardhan Asrani passed away at 84.
Veteran actor Asrani appeared in over 350 films and was one of Bollywood’s most recognizable character artistes. He trained at the FTII Pune and broke through with roles in films by directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Gulzar. Asrani is best remembered for his iconic turn as the jailer in Sholay, but he also delivered a series of memorable comic performances in films such as Chupke Chupke, Bawarchi, Namak Halaal, Hera Pheri, and Garam Masala. After a long career spanning five decades, he passed away on October 20, 2025 at age 84 following health complications.
Satish Shah died at 74.
A gifted actor and comedian, Satish Shah was loved for his versatile work in cinema and television. He featured in hits like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Main Hoon Na, Kal Ho Naa Ho and in the iconic sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. Known for his perfect comic timing and warm screen presence, Satish died on October 25, 2025 at age 74.
Zubeen died on September 19.
One of India’s most versatile musicians and singers, Zubeen Garg’s influence crossed language barriers, with work in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi and other regional music industries. He was also a songwriter and composer. Zubeen died on September 19, 2025 in Singapore at age 52 after a swimming incident, and was cremated with full state honours.
Shefali Jariwala’s death at 42.
Shefali Jariwala became a cultural phenomenon in India with her breakout appearance in the music video “Kaanta Laga”. She subsequently appeared in films such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and gained renewed visibility through popular television reality shows including Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye. She died at age 42 on June 27, 2025 from a cardiac arrest.
Pankaj Dheer passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Pankaj Dheer was best known for his powerful portrayal of Karna in the TV epic Mahabharat. A respected figure in television and film, he passed away from cancer on October 15, 2025 at age 68.
Dheeraj Kumar was 80 at the time of his death.
Veteran actor and later television and film producer Dheeraj Kumar’s career spanned decades. He passed away on July 15, 2025 following health complications.
Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away at 41.
A globally recognized professional bodybuilder and Mr. India winner, Varinder Singh Ghuman also appeared in films like Tiger 3 and Marjaavaan. Known for discipline and strength, he died of a heart attack on October 9, 2025 at age 41.
Kamini Kaushal last appearance was in the Aamir Khan film Laal Singh Chaddha.
Kamini Kaushal’s career began with films such as the Cannes prize-winning Neecha Nagar (1946). She worked with legendary actors and remained one of the most respected actresses of Hindi cinema, before passing away on November 13, 2025 after age-related health issues.
Actor Mukul Dev passed away at 54.
Actor Mukul Dev worked across Hindi, Punjabi and Regional films as well as TV. He passed away on May 23, 2025 after a period of illness, leaving behind a rich body of work.