Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 14 January 2, 2026 Yearender: From Dharmendra To Kamini Kaushal, Icons Who Passed Away In 2025 COVER STORY N ew Delhi [India], Decem- ber 24 (ANI): The year 2025 saw the loss of several promi- nent personalities, including Dhar- mendra, Govard- han Asrani, Manoj Kumar, and Kami- ni Kaushal, whose work left a lasting imprint on Indian cinema and on the public. While their presence on the silver screen will be deeply missed, their legacy endures through their work, inspiring future generations. As the year comes to an end, let us look at the celebrities who passed away, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and memories cherished by audiences across genera- tions. Dharmendra Legendary actor Dharmendra carved a place in Indian cinema with his unforget- table performances, charm, and endur- ing screen presence over six decades. The legendary actor, famously known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man,’ passed away on November 24, 2025. His passing marked the end of an era in Hindi cinema. Over the decades, he earned widespread ad- miration for his versatility across genres and emerged as one of the industry’s most loved and enduring stars. One of the most iconic actors of his time, Dharmendra, left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema with memorable performances in films such as ‘Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’ and ‘Anu- pama’, among many others. Sulakshana Pandit Veteran playback singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit passed away on No- vember 6 after a prolonged illness, her family said. She was 71. Sister of music composer duo Jatin-Lalit and actor Vijayta Pandit, she was best known for songs such as ‘Bekarar Dil Tu Gaaye Ja’, ‘Somwar Ko HumMile Mangalwar Ko Nain’ with Kishore Kumar, and ‘Pardesiya Tere Desh Mein’ with Mohammed Rafi. She won a Filmfare Award in 1976 for Tu Hi Sagar Tu Hi Kinara and also appeared in films in- cluding ‘Uljhan’, ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Dharam Kanta’. Asrani Bollywood mourns the loss of comedy legend Govardhan Asrani, who passed away on October 20 at the age of 84, leav- ing an irreplaceable legacy of laughter and impeccable comic timing. A fixture of Hindi cinema for over five decades, Asrani appeared in more than 350 films, includ- ing classics such as ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Bawarchi’, ‘Rafoo Chakkar’, and ‘Sholay’, where his eccentric jail warden remains unforgettable. Known for his versatility across comic and supporting roles, he also directed films like Chala Murari Hero Banne and remained active in Gujarati cinema. Manoj Kumar Legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, popularly known as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic roles, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad in 1937, Kumar rose to fame with films such as ‘Upkar’, ‘Shaheed’, and ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, which celebrated patriotism and national unity. An accom- plished actor, director, and lyricist, he won the Padma Shri, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and several Filmfare accolades. His contri- butions continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. Satish Shah Veteran actor Satish Shah, known for his versatility and impeccable comic timing, passed away on October 25, leaving a last- ing mark on Indian cinema and television. Born on June 25, 1951, Shah trained at FTII and began his career with minor roles before gaining fame with the 1983 cult classic ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’. He delivered memorable performances in films such as ‘Main Hoon Na’, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’, and ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karoge’, and became a television favourite with shows such as Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’ and ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’. Shah won multiple awards, including the Indian Television Academy and the Indian Telly Awards, and is sur- vived by his wife, Madhu Shah. Pankaj Dheer Popular television and film actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for his portrayal of Karna in the iconic TV series ‘Mahabharat’, passed away on October 15, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Dheer, widely respected in the industry, also starred in popular shows such as ‘Chan- drakanta’, ‘Badho Bahu’, and ‘Kanoon’, and appeared in films including ‘Soldier’, ‘Andaz’, ‘Baadshah’ and ‘Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge’. His most recent television ap- pearance was in ‘Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare’ (2024), and he also appeared in the web series ‘Poison’ (2019). He is remembered for his talent, professional- ism, and enduring impact on Indian television. Kamini Kaushal Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, renowned for her roles in Bimal Roy’s ‘Biraj Bahu’ (1954) and ‘Arzoo’ (1950) with Dilip Kumar, passed away in Mum- bai on November 14, 2025, at the age of 98. A leading actress of the 1940s to 1960s, she shared the screen with legends such as Ashok Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Raaj Kumar, and Dharmen- dra. Kaushal made a mark with her debut in ‘Neecha Nagar’ (1946), which won the Grand Prix at the inaugural Cannes Film Festival. She appeared in over 70 films, including ‘Do Bhai’, ‘Shaheed’, ‘Nadiya Ke Paar’, ‘Aag’ and ‘Shabnam’, and also worked in television, notably Chand Sitare. Even in recent years, she acted in Kabir Singh (2019) and Lal Singh Chaddha (2022), leaving behind a seven-decade- long cinematic legacy. Rajvir Jawanda Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda passed away on October 8, 2025, at Fortis Hospi- tal, Mohali, following a road accident on September 27 that left him with severe head and spinal injuries, the hospital con- firmed. Initially admitted to Civil Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, he was later shifted to Fortis Hospital and placed on advanced life support under the care of neurosurgeons and critical care doctors. Born in Ludhiana, Rajvir was known for hits such as Kali Jawande Di, Mera Dil, and Sardari, and also appeared in Punjabi films, earning admiration for his energetic stage performances and his love of biking. Dharmendra Satish Shah Pankaj Dheer Kamini Kaushal Sulakshana Pandit Govardhan Asrani Manoj Kumar -Continued On Page 15 All Photos: ANI