Veteran actor who starred with Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, dies at 79. Who was Dheeraj Kumar?
, an iconic presence in
Indian television
and film, passed away at the age of 79 due to complications from
pneumonia
. The actor had been admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital earlier in the week after experiencing acute respiratory distress. According to a report by
India Today
, Kumar was moved to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on a ventilator as his condition worsened. Despite efforts by medical professionals, he succumbed to the illness. His grieving family confirmed his death and expressed gratitude to well-wishers while also requesting privacy during this difficult time.
A respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry, Kumar had recently been seen in public at the
ISKCON temple
's inauguration in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The event marked one of his final public appearances before his health took a critical turn.
The Life and Legacy of Dheeraj Kumar
Dheeraj Kumar enjoyed a career that spanned decades and left a lasting imprint on both Indian cinema and television. He first stepped into the entertainment world via a talent contest alongside Subhash Ghai and Rajesh Khanna, where Khanna emerged as the winner. From 1970 to 1984, Kumar featured in nearly a dozen Punjabi films and also appeared in well-known Hindi movies such as Heera Panna, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Sargam, Kranti, and Raaton Ka Raja. Though he had a notable film career, his most enduring legacy came from television.
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He was especially admired for creating and producing widely watched TV serials like
Om Namah Shivay
, Adalat, Mili, and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyan. In addition to acting, Kumar built a successful behind-the-scenes career, founding the production house
Creative Eye
. He served as its chairman and managing director, contributing to numerous landmark projects in Indian TV history.
His Family and Legacy
Dheeraj Kumar is survived by his wife, Zuby Kochar. He was also the uncle of Inder Kochar, who is known for producing television series and advertising films. Beyond family, Kumar leaves behind a legion of fans and a legacy of storytelling that defined an era of Indian entertainment.
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