Veteran actor, director, and producer Dheeraj Kumar, widely known for his contributions to Indian television and cinema, passed away today in Mumbai at the age of 80. He had been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with acute pneumonia. According to a statement from his family, his condition was critical and he had been on ventilator support in the intensive care unit. The family had earlier requested prayers for his recovery and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Dheeraj Kumar’s career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In 1965, he emerged as one of the finalists in a talent competition organized by United Producers and Filmfare, alongside notable names like Subhash Ghai and eventual winner Rajesh Khanna. This recognition opened doors for him in films and modelling, where he appeared in several prominent advertisements, including one for Vicks Action 500.
Between 1970 and 1984, Kumar acted in 21 Punjabi films, establishing himself as a leading figure in regional cinema. In mainstream Hindi cinema, he featured in films such as Heera Panna, Raaton Ka Raja, where he played the lead role, and in Shreeman Shrimati. In Basu Chatterjee’s Swami, the memorable song “Ka Karoon Sajani, Aaye Na Balam” was picturised on him. Dheeraj Kumar was also a pioneer in television production. He founded the company Creative Eye, where he served as chairman and managing director. Under his leadership, the company produced numerous popular television shows that became household staples across India.
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He was recently seen at the inauguration ceremony of the new ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Deeply moved by the spiritual atmosphere, he expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support for the propagation of Sanatan Dharma. Speaking at the event, he humbly said, “They called me the VVIP, but I believe the true VVIP is God.” He added, “The spiritual importance of phrases like ‘Radhe Radhe Krishna Krishna’ is profound, and I feel at peace visiting this temple.”
Details regarding his final rites are awaited.
