The year 2025 was a sombre one for Indian cinema. Alongside the grief for several beloved artists, the industry and fans worldwide mourned the loss of iconic performers whose work shaped generations. Among them, the passing of veteran superstar Dharmendra stood out as one of the most widely felt losses. (source)
Dharmendra (died 24 November 2025)
Dharmendra — often called “Dharam-ji” or the “He-Man” of Bollywood — passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, political leaders and millions of fans; his last rites were held in Mumbai with numerous industry figures in attendance. Known for his rugged screen presence and a career spanning decades, Dharmendra starred in classics such as Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar and many others that cemented his place in Indian film history. (source)
Manoj Kumar (died 4 April 2025)
Veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar — remembered for patriotic films such as Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim — passed away in April 2025 after prolonged health issues. His brand of socially conscious cinema helped define a generation of films that fused entertainment with national sentiment. (source)
Asrani (died October 2025)
Govardhan “Asrani” brought joy to millions with his impeccable comic timing across hundreds of films. The comic stalwart’s death was widely mourned across the industry for the light he brought to so many screen moments. (source)
Pankaj Dheer (died October 2025)
Best known for his commanding portrayal of Karna in the television epic Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer’s passing in October 2025 was felt deeply by fans of mythological and historical storytelling on Indian screens. (source)
Sandhya Shantaram (died October 2025)
A luminous presence from the golden era, Sandhya Shantaram’s performances in classics like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje and Navrang echoed a graceful era of cinema; her death marked the passing of a link to that earlier cinematic tradition. (source)
Shefali Jariwala (died June 2025)
A defining face of early-2000s pop culture through music videos and television, Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death in June 2025 shocked fans and reminded many of the ephemeral nature of fame and public life. (source)
Remembering Their Legacies
Each of these actors left a distinct imprint: Dharmendra’s heroic charm and mass appeal; Manoj Kumar’s patriotic ethos; Asrani’s comic genius; Pankaj Dheer’s mythic gravitas; Sandhya Shantaram’s classic elegance; and Shefali Jariwala’s pop-era impact. Their films, performances and off-screen influence remain part of India’s cultural memory — available on streaming platforms, archives, and in the hearts of audiences. (source)
As the industry mourns, tributes, retrospectives and restored screenings will continue to remind newer generations of these artists’ contributions. Their work endures as both entertainment and historical record — testaments to careers that helped define Indian cinema across decades.