Veteran actor-producer Dheeraj Kumar passes away at 79 due to pneumonia
Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar has passed away at a Mumbai hospital. He was battling acute pneumonia and was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital before his demise.
Renowned actor, producer, and television pioneer Dheeraj Kumar passed away on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, at the age of 79 due to complications from acute pneumonia. The veteran artist was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he was placed under intensive care and ventilator support during his final days.
His mortal remains will be taken home from the hospital tomorrow at 6 a.m. and will be kept there until 10 a.m. as a mark of respect. The final rites will be held at 11 a.m. at the Pawan Hans cremation ground in Vile Parle West.
Dheeraj Kumar was widely respected for his significant contributions to television as well as Hindi and Punjabi cinema, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Dheeraj Kumar dies of pneumonia
Kumar’s close associate and family friend, Ajay Shukla, informed PTI, “He passed away this morning at 11:00 a.m. due to pneumonia at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He had been unwell and was admitted to the hospital on Saturday with symptoms of fever, cold, and cough. Given his age, he was moved to the ICU for intensive care.”
Shukla added that Kumar’s last rites will be held at Pawan Hans Crematorium on Wednesday. The family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement:
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of veteran actor, producer, and director—and beloved human being—Dheeraj Kumar on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, around noon, surrounded by his family.”
Who Was Dheeraj Kumar?
Dheeraj Kumar had a remarkable career spanning over 50 years in the television and film industry. He began his journey in entertainment as a finalist in a 1965 talent competition, which also featured future filmmaker Subhash Ghai and legendary actor Rajesh Khanna.
After starring in the lead role in the 1970 film Raaton Ka Raja, Dheeraj Kumar appeared in numerous Hindi and Punjabi productions. He also had smaller roles in popular films like Sargam (1979), Kranti (1981), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974).
Between 1970 and 1984, Kumar acted in over 20 films and became a well-known figure in Punjabi cinema. In 1986, he founded the production company Creative Eye Limited, which went on to make a significant impact on Indian television.
Under his leadership, Creative Eye produced popular mythological and family dramas such as Om Namah Shivay—which aired on Doordarshan National from 1997 to 2001—Shree Ganesh, Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati, Adalat, and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann.
