Author: Akanksha Jain | Updated: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 10:30 AM [IST]
The entertainment world mourns a devastating year. Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025 (cause not yet disclosed), joining a list of beloved figures lost in 2025, including Mukul Dev (54), who passed after a long illness on May 23, and Shefali Jariwala (42), who died of cardiac arrest on June 28. Together these departures have left fans, colleagues and the industry reeling.
- Fast Facts:
- Dharmendra — Legendary actor; died Nov 24, 2025; cause unreported.
- Mukul Dev — Actor, 54; died May 23, 2025 after a long illness.
- Shefali Jariwala — Known as the “Kaanta Laga Girl,” 42; cardiac arrest on June 28, 2025.
- Other 2025 losses include Manoj Kumar, Zubeen Garg, Asrani, Satish Shah and more.
The Year in Review
2025 was a year of contrasts for Indian cinema: box-office highs and celebratory milestones on one hand, and a string of heartbreaking farewells on the other. The losses span generations — from pioneering veterans to contemporary stars — and each name represents a different chapter of Bollywood’s history and cultural reach.
The Legacy
Here are three defining contributions from the most widely mourned figures this year:
- Dharmendra — One of Hindi cinema’s most enduring leading men, remembered for iconic roles in films such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta and Phool Aur Patthar. His screen persona and prolific career shaped a generation of entertainers and audiences alike.
- Mukul Dev — A versatile actor across film and television, known for Son of Sardaar, Jai Ho and Yamla Pagla Deewana; praised for strong character work and a steady presence in supporting roles.
- Shefali Jariwala — Broke into public consciousness with the music video “Kaanta Laga,” and remained a recognizable pop-culture figure whose work influenced music videos and fashion trends in the 2000s.
Notable Passings Across 2025
The list of public figures we lost this year also includes Manoj Kumar, Zubeen Garg, Ashish Warang, Varinder Singh Ghuman, Kamini Kaushal, Satish Shah, Asrani and Pankaj Dheer — each leaving unique artistic footprints in film, television and music. Many had careers spanning decades and were celebrated for shaping regional and national entertainment.
Social Proof: Tributes and Reactions
Within hours of each announcement, tributes poured in across social media and from the film community. Co-stars, directors and fans shared memories, rare photos and video clips highlighting performances that defined careers. Industry bodies and film associations issued statements honoring lives devoted to cinema. Memorial services and public condolences reflected the deep affection audiences held for these artists.
Family statements — when released — asked for privacy and thanked fans for their support. Filmmakers and peers have emphasized plans to honour legacies through retrospectives, re-releases and commemorative events in 2026.
What This Means for Fans
For many viewers, 2025 will be remembered as a year to reflect on the history of Indian cinema: its golden eras, its evolving voice, and the mortality of the figures who have long been part of family memories. Tributes and retrospectives will continue in the coming months, and audiences are encouraged to revisit classic works as a way to celebrate these artists’ contributions.
Read more: individual tributes and fuller obituaries are available for each star as details and family statements emerge.
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Image Referance: https://www.filmibeat.com/top-listing/bollywood-celebrities-who-died-in-2025-mukul-dev-shefali-jariwala-dharmendra-and-stars-we-lost-this-year-2-6476.html