Dharmendra and Zubeen Garg passed away this year.

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s hard not to feel that familiar heaviness in the heart. We saw so many moments of joy this year, so many films, songs, and celebrations, but in the middle of all that shine, we also lost a few bright stars who shaped our memories, our screens, and our playlists.

This is the part of the year when we look back at not just the work these artists left behind, but the warmth, the magic, and the personal memories we attached to them. Some departures were expected, some sudden, some still impossible to process. It feels strange to imagine cinema without them. Yet their legacy stays with us, comforting us in ways only art can.

In this year ender, we pause and remember the incredible talent we lost in 2025. Because goodbyes are painful, but forgetting would be even harder.

Dharmendra

Iconic Hindi cinema star Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. He had been hospitalised two weeks before his passing. Known as Bollywood’s “He-Man”, his death marked the close of a significant chapter for Indian cinema. His last film, Ikkis, will be released posthumously.

Zubeen Garg

The industry was stunned by the sudden passing of singer Zubeen Garg on September 19, 2025, in Singapore. Known for his work across Hindi, Assamese, and Bengali music, his death came as a shock to fans and fellow musicians. The Singapore Police Force recently issued a statement ruling out foul play in the death of the prominent Assamese musician. The clarification follows recent developments in Assam, where a Special Investigation Team had filed murder charges against the singer’s secretary, a festival organiser, and two members of his band.

Mukul Dev

Actor Mukul Dev died on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54. His last film, Son of Sardaar 2, marked his posthumous release.

Shefali Jariwala

Actress and reality television personality Shefali Jariwala, widely remembered for the chartbuster “Kaanta Laga” and her appearance on Bigg Boss 13, passed away on June 27, 2025, due to reported cardiac arrest.

Manoj Kumar

Legendary actor Manoj Kumar, whose career began in 1957 and included acclaimed films such as Kranti and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, died on April 4, 2025, at age 87, due to heart complications. He received a state funeral in India, with tributes from PM Modi and President Murmu, honouring his significant contributions to Indian cinema.

Ashish Warang

Actor Ashish Warang, seen in films like Sooryavanshi, Drishyam and Mardaani, passed away on September 5, 2025. Media reports noted cardiac arrest following an illness as the cause.

Sulakshana Pandit

Actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit died on November 7, 2025. During her career, she acted alongside notable stars such as Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Vinod Khanna.

Varinder Singh Ghuman

Bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away on October 9, 2025, reportedly due to cardiac arrest. He was known both for his contributions to bodybuilding and his work in Hindi cinema.

Pankaj Dheer

Television and film veteran Pankaj Dheer died on October 15, 2025. He was celebrated for his portrayal of Karna in Mahabharata. Ten days later, his son Nikitin Dheer remembered him publicly, writing, “On the 15th of October 2025, I lost my Dad, my Guru, my best friend..Shri Pankaj Dheer..he wasn’t well for sometime..it shattered us as a family. After he passed we were thronged by thousands of messages..the people who were younger sent prayers, the elders sent aashirwaad and his friends, colleagues and brothers sent love..we recieved love and respect towards Dad, that no amount of words can express.. I was in no frame of mind to reply to messages..”

Satish Shah

Veteran actor Satish Shah died on October 25, 2025. Known for his comedic roles in films and for portraying Indravadan Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, his absence was deeply felt by the television and film community.

Asrani

Actor Asrani passed away on October 24, 2025, aged 84. Remembered for his comic roles, including in Chupke Chupke, the late actor will be seen posthumously in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan and Bhooth Bangla.

May these artists be remembered for their work and dedication to the screen.