Hyderabad: The entertainment world closed 2025 with heavy hearts as legends fell one after another — led by Dharmendra, the 89-year-old “He-Man” of Bollywood who died on November 24, 2025 in Mumbai — alongside global names such as Val Kilmer (65) and regional icons like Zubeen Garg (52). Families, fans and colleagues were stunned as social feeds filled with memories, songs and film clips honoring lives that shaped generations.
- Dharmendra — Passed Nov 24, 2025 in Mumbai; a Bollywood icon whose six-decade career included Sholay.
- Val Kilmer — Died Apr 1, 2025 (65); pneumonia-related complications.
- Zubeen Garg — Died Sep 19, 2025 (52); beloved singer across Assam and eastern India.
- Shefali Jariwala — Died Jun 27, 2025 (42); reports cited cardiac arrest.
- Manoj Kumar — Died Apr 4, 2025 (87); remembered as “Bharat Kumar” for patriotic cinema.
- Other losses: Govardhan Asrani (84), Pankaj Dheer, Satish Shah (74), Piyush Pandey (70), Pritish Nandy (78), Mukul Dev (54), Achyut Potdar (90), Kamini Kaushal (98).
The Year’s Biggest Names
2025’s obituaries read like a who’s who of film, television, music and creativity. Dharmendra — often called Bollywood’s He‑Man for his commanding screen presence — led the outpouring of grief when he passed in late November. Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for Top Gun and his electrifying turn in The Doors, died in April following pneumonia-related complications. In eastern India and beyond, singer Zubeen Garg’s sudden passing in September stunned fans who treasured hits such as “Janmoni.” Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, the patriotic stalwart remembered as “Bharat Kumar,” also left a lasting void when he died in April at 87.
Notable Passings (At a Glance)
Manoj Kumar
Manoj Kumar began his film journey in 1957 and became synonymous with patriotism on screen. Titles like Purab Aur Pachhim and Roti Kapada Aur Makaan made him an emblematic voice. He died on April 4, 2025 at 87; his films remain cultural touchstones.
Dharmendra
Dharmendra’s six-decade career made him one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated stars. The actor delivered iconic performances in blockbusters such as Sholay and remained a beloved public figure until his death on November 24, 2025. Tributes poured in from co-stars, filmmakers and fans remembering his charisma and longevity.
Govardhan Asrani
Known for razor-sharp comic timing, Asrani turned small roles into unforgettable moments in films like Sholay and Khatta Meetha. He passed on October 20, 2025 at 84, leaving behind a legacy of laughter.
Zubeen Garg
Zubeen Garg’s versatile voice and regional influence made him a defining figure in Assam and eastern India. Fan favorites such as “Janmoni” and “Dure Dure” remain staples on playlists. His sudden death on September 19, 2025 at 52 shocked the music community.
Pankaj Dheer
Beloved for his television work, especially Mahabharat, Pankaj Dheer’s commanding roles turned him into a household name. He died on October 15, 2025, prompting heartfelt industry tributes.
Satish Shah
Satish Shah’s comic brilliance — immortalized in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and many films — made him a staple of Indian comedy. He passed on October 25, 2025 at 74.
Shefali Jariwala
Shefali Jariwala shot to fame with the viral 2002 video for “Kaanta Laga” and later remained a familiar face on screen. Her death on June 27, 2025 at 42 (reported cardiac arrest) reverberated across the industry and among fans of 2000s pop culture.
Piyush Pandey
The advertising legend Piyush Pandey transformed Indian commercials into cultural moments. His passing on October 24, 2025 at 70 marked the end of an era for storytelling in ads.
Pritish Nandy
Writer, poet and filmmaker Pritish Nandy used many mediums to tell human stories. He died on January 8, 2025 at 78, leaving behind a body of bold, emotional work.
Mukul Dev
Mukul Dev balanced film and television with intense, challenging roles. He died on May 23, 2025 at 54 after health complications following ICU treatment, prompting emotional tributes from colleagues.
Achyut Potdar & Kamini Kaushal
Veterans Achyut Potdar (died Aug 18, 2025 at 90) and Kamini Kaushal (died Nov 2025 at 98) represented cinema’s golden eras, appearing in classics and later-generation hits that kept them relevant across decades.
Val Kilmer
Hollywood’s Val Kilmer — known for Top Gun, The Doors and Batman Forever — died on April 1, 2025 at 65 from pneumonia-related complications. His fearless approach to roles left a global impact.
The Legacy
Across language and industry, the year’s departures remind us why these artists mattered. Their top contributions remain part of popular memory:
- Sholay — Dharmendra’s defining blockbuster and a pillar of Indian cinema.
- Top Gun — Val Kilmer’s standout Hollywood hit that reached global audiences.
- Janmoni / Dure Dure — Zubeen Garg’s songs that became regional and national favorites.
Social Proof: Tributes & Reactions
From veteran co-stars to young fans, social media became a living memorial in 2025. Clips of classic scenes, radio tributes, re-shared interviews and heartfelt posts from contemporaries flooded timelines. Film fraternities organized candlelight vigils; radio and streaming services played tribute playlists. Industry figures praised the humility, craft and cultural reach of those who passed — many noting that while faces disappear, their work continues to teach and comfort.
2025’s losses cannot be replaced. These artists shaped memories and emotions for multiple generations. Though they are gone, their films will be watched again, their songs replayed, and their words quoted — ensuring that while the year took them, their work keeps them alive in our hearts.
Image Referance: https://www.etvbharat.com/en/entertainment/yearender-2025-from-zubeen-garg-to-dharmendra-icons-the-entertainment-world-lost-this-year-enn25121401165