Bollywood Celebrities Who Died In 2022
Posted On: 17 Jan 2022 | Last Updated : 29 Dec 2022 | Views : 66.5k
They say ‘Death’ is the only truth that prevails in the world and one who is born has to perish one day or the other. Death is a harsh reality that one has got to accept and face and with the pandemic still playing havoc in our lives it becomes hard to fathom the sudden demise of a near and dear or beloved one. Bollywood celebrity deaths have come as a rude shock to many of us especially in the last two to three years where the pandemic snatched away old as well as the young ones. Since the year 2022 began as expected Bollywood yet again lost several gems one after another this year. Be it Bollywood actors’ death in 2022 or Bollywood actresses’ death in 2022, all we can do is offer our heartfelt condolences and pray for the departed souls who bid goodbye to us this year. In memory of those Bollywood celebs who died in 2022, we bring to you the list of top Bollywood celebrity deaths in 2022. Stay tuned to get more Bollywood updates, articles, topics, and trivia related to movies and celebrities.
1. Chinu Shikari (Choreographer) (DoB: NA, DoD: 04 January 2022)
If you have been an ardent Bollywood music fan of the 70s then Chinu Shikari might just seem familiar to you. Chinu Shikari who was one of Bollywood’s lesser-known choreographers and actors appeared on screen in tit-bit roles especially when an item song would play. He often danced along with Helen as one of the group dancers of which the most famous song was Piya Tu Ab To Aaja from Caravan. The other movies that he appeared in were Kabeela (1976), Chambal Ka Badshah (1986), etc. He breathed his last on 04 January 2022 due to age-related ailments.
2. Rekha Kamat (Actress) (DoB: 1932, DoD: 11 January 2022)
Rekha Kamat was born in 1932 and was more prominent in Marathi cinema than Hindi. She started her acting career in 1952 with the Marathi film Lakhachi Gosht and Pak Pak Pakaak (2005). She made her Bollywood debut in Ramgopal Varma’s horror thriller Bhoot (2003) and thereafter appeared in Amole Gupte’s sports drama Hawaa Hawaai in 2014. She had taken retirement from acting due to health issues a few years back but sadly passed away on 11 January 2022.
3. Ibrahim Ashk (Lyricist) (DoB: 20 July 1951, DoD: 16 January 2022)
Talk about Bollywood deaths in 2022 and who can forget the versatile Bollywood lyricist Ibrahim Ashk who was not just a poet but also a journalist, actor, and lyricist who hailed from Badnagar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Some of his well-known works as a lyricist have been Mohabbat Inayat Karam (Bahaar Aane Tak), Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (Title Track), Na Tum Jano Na Hum (Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai), Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage (Title Track), In Panchhiyon Ko Dekh Kar (Koi...Mil Gaya), Marhabba (Janasheen), Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani (Krrish), etc. The veteran lyricist was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia, which affected his lungs, and breathed his last on 16 January 2022 at the age of 70.
4. Pt. Birju Maharaj (Choreographer) (DoB: 04 February 1938, DoD: 17 January 2022)
Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj is one of the top 10 Bollywood celebrities who died in 2022. Belonging to the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin Gharana, he was a born natural who not just mastered the art of Kathak but also gave it a new definition. A recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Padma Bhushan, Sangam Kala Award, National Film Award for Best Choreography as well as Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for Mohe Rang Do Laal in Bajirao Mastani, Pandit Ji's contribution to the art form can never be forgotten. Besides being a choreographer, he also lent his vocals for some Bollywood songs of which some of his popular works include Kanha Main Tose Haari (Shatranj Ke Khilari), Aan Milo Sajna (Gadar: Ek Prem Katha), Kaahe Chhed Mohe (Devdas), Jagaave Saari Raina (Dedh Ishqiya) & Hamein Bhi Pyar Kar Le (Jaanisaar), etc. Pt. Birju Maharaj’s death came as a rude shock to all his fans on 17 January 2022 when he died of a heart attack at the age of 83 at his residence in Delhi.
5. Rasheed Naz (Actor) (DoB: 09 September 1948, DoD: 17 January 2022)
Rasheed Naz is among Bollywood actors who breathed their last in 2022. The Peshawar, Pakistan born actor started his acting career by appearing in TV plays and worked in many Pashto, Hindko and Urdu language plays. His Pakistani film Khuda Ke Liye released in 2007 had gained popularity, worldwide while the only Bollywood film he acted in was Neeraj Pandey’s Baby (2015) that starred Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher and Rana Daggubati where he played the role of Maulana Mohd. Abdul Rahman, the terrorist mastermind. He died in Islamabad on 17 January 2022 at the age of 73.
6. Arun Verma (Actor) (DoB: 1959, DoD: 20 January 2022)
Actor, comedian, and poet Arun Verma’s death came as a rude shock to many. He had acted in more than 80 Bollywood movies starting with the Sunny Deol dacoit drama Dacait (1987). Though as an actor he took a while to gain prominence but later was a part of many superhits like Khalnayak, Prem Granth, Chalte Chalte, Khakee, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jolly LLB, Kick, Fukrey & Heropanti, etc. The actor who had shared screen space with many top stars like Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra, etc., breathed his last on 20 January 2022 at Bhopal at the age of 62. He was admitted to the Peoples Hospital in Bhopal where he was undergoing treatment of a block in his brain and lungs. He finally succumbed to kidney failure and is survived by his parents and three siblings.
7. Amitabh Dayal (Actor) (DoB: 1970, DoD: 02 Feb 2022)
Bollywood actor, producer and director Amitabh Dayal's death came as a rude shock to many. The 51-year-old actor who hailed from Chhattisgarh had made his acting debut in director N. Chandra's action thriller Kagaar: Life on the Edge in 2003 opposite Nandita Das. His performance in the film came in for a lot of praise from the critics. He also appeared in films like Virrudh (2005) starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rangdari (2012), and Dhuaaan: From The Fire Within (2013). He had also acted in P. Akash's Dillagi…Yeh Dillagi which is yet to get a release. He was admitted to Nanavati Hospital on 17 January 2022 following a massive heart attack and also for Covid-19 but unfortunately breathed his last on 02 February 2022. His death was confirmed by his wife and producer-filmmaker Mrinalini Patil. He is survived by his daughter and wife Mrinalini.
8. Ramesh Deo (Actor) (DoB: 30 January 1929, DoD: 02 February 2022)
Ramesh Deo was an actor, director, and producer who primarily worked in Marathi as well as Hindi films. He was born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra in 1929 and made his screen debut with a small role in the 1951 Marathi film Paatlaachi Por. Later he made his Bollywood debut in the Ashok Kumar starrer Baap Bete in 1959 which was followed by Rajshri Productions Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar & Pradeep Kumar starrer Aarti released in 1962. In his six-decade-long career, he acted in more than 475 Hindi and Marathi films besides stage shows and dramas. He also appeared in many television serials and directed quite a few films, documentaries, and TV serials. He was the recipient of many state and national awards including the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF). Some of his memorable films were Dus Lakh (1966), Anand (1971), Mere Apne (1971), Hulchul (1971), Kasauti (1974), Khud-Daar (1982), Laila (1984), Jolly LLB (2013), etc. He suffered a cardiac arrest on 02 February 2022 and breathed his last at the age of 93. He is survived by his actress wife Seema Deo, actor son Ajinkya Deo and filmmaker son Abhinay Deo.
9. Lata Mangeshkar (Playback Singer) (DoB: 28 Sept 1929, DoD: 06 Feb 2022)
Born in Indore on 28 September 1929 to Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti, the ‘Nightingale of India’ Lata Mangeshkar was an Indian playback singer, music composer, producer, and actress who was widely considered one of the greatest singers in the world. She was the eldest of four siblings including sisters Meena Khadikar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar who are renowned playback singers while youngest brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar is a music director. She started her singing career at the age of 13 for the 1942 Marathi movie Kiti Hasaal and thereafter made her Bollywood singing debut in Aap Ki Seva Mein in 1947. The song Aayega Aayega from Kamal Amrohi’s Mahal in 1949 became a chartbuster that put her in the top league. In her seven-decade-long career, she recorded over 50,000 songs in more than 36 Indian and foreign languages while collaborating with Bollywood’s top music composers like K.C. Prakash, S.D. Burman, Shankar – Jaikishan, Naushad, Madan Mohan, R.D. Burman, Kalyanji – Anandji, Laxmikant – Pyarelal, and legendary male playback singers like Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh, etc. She was a recipient of India’s topmost honours including the Bharat Ratna in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1987 for her contribution to music. Some of the most memorable songs that left us mesmerized were movies like Mahal (1949), Barsaat (1949), Shree 420 (1955), Chori Chori (1956), Mother India (1957), Mughal-E-Azam (1960), Guide (1965), Jewel Thief (1967), Amar Prem (1972), Bobby (1973), Aandhi (1975), Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), DDLJ (1995).
10. Praveen Kumar Sobti (Actor) (DoB: 06 December 1947, DoD: 07 February 2022)
The former Olympian athlete and actor Praveen Kumar Sobti who represented India in the hammer and discus throw discipline starred in more than 50 Hindi films. He is most remembered for playing the famous character of ‘Bheem’ in B.R. Chopra's TV series Mahabharat 1988-1990. He represented India in the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston as well as the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran where he ended up winning four medals. He also competed in the 1968 and 1972 Summer Olympics. He gained prominence in Bollywood as an actor for his roles in Raksha (1981) and Meri Aawaz Suno (1981) and for confronting superstar Amitabh Bachchan on screen in a scene from Shahenshah with the dialogue - Rishte Mein To Hum Tumhare Baap Hote Hain, Naam Hai Shahenshah! He also appeared in films like Raaj Tilak, Yudh, Naam-O-Nishan, Hukumat, Elaan-E-Jung, Ghayal, etc. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014. He reportedly died of a heart attack at the age of 74 at his residence in New Delhi on 7 February 2022.
11. Ravi Tandon (Producer, Director) (DoB: 17 February 1935, DoD: 11 February 2022)
Writer, producer, and director Ravi Tandon was one of Bollywood’s most prominent filmmakers of the 70s and 80s who was born in Agra in 1935. He started his Bollywood career in 1959 by appearing in cameos in films like Deep Jalta Rahe (1959) and Love in Simla (1960) in which he was also an assistant director. He made his directorial debut with the Manoj Kumar – Saira Banu starrer Balidan in 1971 after which he directed popular films like Anhonee (1973), Majboor (1974), Khel Khel Mein (1975), Zindagi (1976), Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979), Waqt Ki Deewar (1981), Khud-daar (1982), etc. His last release was Nazrana (1987) starring Rajesh Khanna, Smita Patil, and Sridevi. He was suffering from lung fibrosis and passed away due to respiratory failure at his residence in Mumbai on 11 February 2022. He is survived by his wife, Veena, son and actor Rajeev Tandon, and actress Raveena Tandon.
12. Sandhya Mukherjee (Playback Singer) (DoB: 04 October 1931, DoD: 15 February 2022)
Sandhya Mukherjee was one of the legendary playback singers of Bengali as well as Hindi films. Born in 1931, Dhakuria, Kolkata, she started her playback singing career at a very young age in 1948 when she lent her vocals for the Bengali film Samapika. The same year she also sang for Hindi films like Anjaan Garh and Sabya Sachi. She sang for most of the legendary music composers like R.C. Boral, S.D. Burman, Naushad, Roshan, Madan Mohan, and Salil Chaudhury. Her duets with singer and composer Hemant Mukherjee have become immortal while her domination during the 60s and 70s Bengali film music can never be forgotten. Some of her well-known Hindi films were Sazaa, Tarana, Izzat, Baaghi, Fareb, Jaagte Raho, Mamta, etc. A recipient of many popular Bengali music awards, she died on 15 February 2022 following a massive cardiac attack at a hospital in Kolkata where she was undergoing treatment since January 2022. She is survived by her daughter.
13. Bappi Lahiri (Music Director / Playback Singer) (DoB: 27 November 1952, 15 February 2022)
Bappi Lahiri's death came as a rude shock to the world of music and his fans. The singer, composer, and producer was known as the king of disco and pop who popularised Indian film music, worldwide. Born in a Bengali Brahmin family to musicians Aparesh and Bansuri Lahiri in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal in 1952, he started to play the tabla at the age of 3. After debuting as a composer for the Bengali film Dadu he came to Mumbai and got his first in 1973 in Shomu Mukerjee’s Nannha Shikari. After which he gave music for superhits like Zakhmee (1975) and Chalte-Chalte (1976). This was followed by hits like Wardat, Disco Dancer, Hathkadi, Namak Halaal, Himmatwala, Tohfa, Sharaabi, Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, Dance Dance, and many others. Some of his hit songs where he lent his vocals were Tumhara Pyaar Chahiye (Manokaamnaa), Mausam Hai Gaane Ka (Surakksha), Yaad Aa Raha Hai (Disco Dancer), Raat Baaki (Namak Halaal), Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re (Saaheb), etc. He had a career spanning over five decades with more than 500 movies in various languages to his credit by collaborating with top Indian film stars and singers. The composer died on 15 February 2022 due to obstructive sleep apnea at a hospital in Mumbai. He is survived by his wife Chitrani Lahiri, son and musician Bappa Lahiri, daughter Rema Lahiri and grand-children.
14. J. P. Chowksey (Producer, Screenwriter) (DoB: 01 Sept 1939, DoD: 02 March 2022)
Jai Prakash Chowksey was a well-known columnist, writer, producer, exhibitor, and distributor who started his career as a professor at Gujarati College in Indore. Respectfully known as Chowksey Sahab within the film fraternity, J. P. Chowksey was a popular columnist whose regular column, Parde Ke Peechhe, in Dainik Bhaskar newspaper appeared for 27 years. He had also authored several books and distributed over 100 Bollywood films that include popular movies like Raj Kapoor’s Prem Rog, Henna, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, J.P. Dutta’s Border, Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai and Gulzar’s Maachis, etc. Besides serving as the president of the Central Circuit Cine Association (CCCA) for a few years, he also co-produced films like Shaayad, Harjaee, and Kanhaiya and wrote the screenplay for films like Shaayad, Qatl, Woh Tera Naam Tha, Bodyguard, etc. He also wrote for TV serials and shows like Salman Khan’s 10 Ka Dum. He was battling cancer for a few years but due to age-related health issues breathed his last on 02 March 2022. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
15. Vatsala Deshmukh (Actress) (DoB: 1930 DoD: 12 March 2022)
Vatsala Deshmukh was one of Bollywood’s veteran actresses who started her career as a model and later went on to join Marathi as well as Hindi filmdom. She made her acting debut in director Prabhat Kumar’s Toofan Aur Deeya in 1956 and thereafter was seen in notable films like Navrang (1959), Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1971), Suhaag (1979), and Jhanjhaar (1987). Her younger sister was actress Sandhya Shantaram (a.k.a. Vijaya Deshmukh), who was married to director V. Shantaram while her daughter was actress Ranjana Deshmukh. The veteran actress died on 12 March 2022, at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues.
16. MC Tod Fod (Rapper) (DoB: NA, DoD: 21 March 2022)
Born Dharmesh Pawar, known by his stage name MC Tod Fod died at the age of 24 in Mumbai on 21 March 2022. MC Tod Fod was a rapper and actor who along with other Indian hip-hop artists, was called on to be a part of Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy' (2019) starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Siddhant Chaturvedi. He was associated with Mumbai’s multilingual hip-hop group Swadesi Movement and was one among the 50 rappers who had appeared alongside Ranveer Singh and Siddhant Chaturvedi in Gully Boy and lent his voice to the song, India 91. It was reported that he collapsed while playing a football match. The cause of his death seems to be a result of a pre-existing heart ailment.
17. Abhishek Chatterjee (Actor) (DoB: 30 April 1964, DoD: 24 March 2022)
Famous Bengali (Tollywood) and TV actor Abhishek Chatterjee passed away on 24 March 2022 at his residence in Kolkata. The actor who marked his acting debut in Tarun Majumdar’s Bengali film Pathbhola (1986) alongside veterans like Sandhya Roy, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Tapas Paul, and Utpal Dutt gained instant recognition. He went on to act in other popular films like Surer Akashe, Ora Charjon, Arjun Aamar Naam, Tumi Koto Sundar, Toofan, Maryada, Amar Prem, Papi, Sabuj Saathi, Haraner Nat Jamai, Mayer Anchal, etc. The veteran actor had also worked in TV serials like Tapur Tupur, Chokher Tara Tui, Kusum Dola, Phagun Bou, Khorkuto, etc. Though the exact cause of his death is not known, but reportedly fell ill while shooting for a reality show a few days ago. His health further deteriorated on 23 March 2022 as his blood pressure suddenly dropped to 60. The actor is survived by his wife and son.
18. Maya Govind (Lyricist) (DoB: 17 January 1940, DoD: 07 April 2022)
Maya Govind was one of Bollywood’s well-known female lyricists and poets who began her career in the early 70s when she penned popular songs like Nainon Mein Darpan Hai (Aarop), Yeh To Zindagi Hai (Qaid), Teri Meri Prem Kahani (Pighalta Aasman), Gutur Gutur (Dalaal), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (Title Song), Aankhon Mein Base Ho Tum (Takkar), Allah Allah Mera Dil (Yaraana), Gale Mein Laal Tie (Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam), etc. She wrote songs for over 300 films, authored books, and even wrote lyrics for TV shows. She had also co-produced the 1988 Govinda starrer Tohfa Mohabbat Ka which was directed by her husband Ram Govind. She reportedly wasn’t keeping good health for the last two months and breathed her last on 07 April 2022.
19. Mannava Balayya (Story Writer) (DoB: 09 April 1930, DoD: 09 April 2022)
Veteran actor, writer, director, and producer Mannava Balayya was born in Chavupadu, Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh in 1930. Fondly known as Balaiah M. in the Telugu film fraternity and a recipient of the State Nandi Award, he breathed his last on 09 April 2022 at 92 in Hyderabad, Telangana, and is survived by his wife and three children. He made his acting debut in 1958 in the Telugu social drama movie Etthuku Pai Etthu. He went on to star in more than 300 movies including Manchi Manishi, Alluri Seetharama Raju, Gaayam, Yamaleela, Annamayya, Manmadhudu, etc. Besides acting, he also produced Telugu films such as Chelleli Kapuram, Neramu – Shiksha, Chuttalunnaru Jagratha and Oorikichchina Maata. He made his directorial debut in 1983 with Nijam Chebite Nerama?, and also directed Telugu films Pasupu Tadu and Police Alludu. He was known for writing the story for two Hindi films, Shikshaa (1979) and Wafadaar (1985).
20. Shiv Kumar Subramaniam (Actor & Screenwriter) (DoB: N.A., DoD: 10 April 2022)
Noted Bollywood actor and screenwriter Shiv Kumar Subramaniam passed away in Mumbai on 10 April 2022. Shiv Kumar Subramaniam started his career in Hindi films as an assistant director to Vidhu Vinod Chopra in Parinda (1991) where he also played the role of Francis and co-wrote the screenplay for the same. As a writer he also wrote films like 1942: A Love Story (1994), Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin (1996), Arjun Pandit (1999), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Chameli (2004), Teen Patti (2010), etc. Some of his notable films as an actor have been Prahaar (1989), 1942: A Love Story (1994), Risk (2007), Kaminey (2009), Aatma (2013), 2 States (2014), Bangistan (2015), etc. His last appearance was in the Netflix film Meenakshi Sundareshwar in 2021. He is survived by his parents, wife, son and daughter.
21. Manju Singh (Actress) (DoB: 1948, DoD: 14 April 2022)
If you’ve been a kid born in the 80s watching Doordarshan then recalling the name of Manju Singh won’t be hard. The supporting actress and well-known TV presenter who produced shows like Show Time, Ek Kahaani, Adhikar, and Swaraj passed away on 14 April 2022 due to a cardiac arrest. Fondly called ‘Didi’ by her followers, she had also anchored the children’s show, ‘Khel Khilone’ on Doordarshan that ran for seven years. On the acting front, she is mostly remembered for her role in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Gol Maal (1979), where she played Amol Palekar’s sister’s role, Ratna. The other movie she played an important role was in the Sanjeev Kumar starrer Ladies Tailor (1981).
22. T. Rama Rao (Director) (DoB: 1938, DoD: 20 April 2022)
Director, producer and writer Tatineni Rama Rao breathed his last in Chennai after suffering from age-related multiple health issues. Born in Kapileswarapuram in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh in 1938, he joined his cousin T. Prakash Rao, a well-known director as an assistant director before making his directorial debut with the Telugu film Navarathri (1966). After directing Telugu hits like Manchi Mithrulu, Bhale Rangadu, Dora Babu, and Yamagola, he forayed into Bollywood by directing his first film Lok Parlok (1979). He directed many top Bollywood stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, etc., in movies like Judaai (1980), Ek Hi Bhool (1981), Andhaa Kaanoon (1983), Inquilaab (1984), John Jani Janardhan (1984), Naseeb Apna Apna (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Sansar (1987), Insaf Ki Pukar (1987), Pratikaar (1991), Ravan Raaj (1995), etc. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
23. Salim Ghouse (Actor) (DoB: 10 January 1952, DoD: 28 April 2022)
Salim Ghouse was a well-known film, television, and theatre actor and director who breathed his last in Mumbai on 28 April 2022 after suffering a cardiac arrest. The actor who was born in Chennai in 1952 was an alumnus of Pune’s FTTI after which he made his debut in Shyam Benegal’s Manthan in 1976. He thereafter appeared in a whole lot of popular Hindi films like Kalyug, Chakra, Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho!, Suryaa, Drohi, Maharaja, Soldier, Koyla, Aks, etc. He also acted in well-known Telugu films like Antham, Rakshana, Mugguru Monagallu, etc., and in Tamil films like Mani Ratnam’s Thiruda Thiruda, Vettri Vizhaa, Seeman, Chanakya, Vettaikaaran, etc. He acted in a few Malayalam films such as Thazhvaram & Udayon. He acted in TV serials like Subah, Tipu Sultan, Bharat Ek Khoj, and Wagle Ki Duniya. He is survived by his wife Anita Salim.
24. Taz Stereo Nation (Playback Singer) (DoB: 23 May 1967, DoD: 29 April 2022)
Pop singer sensation of the 90s Taz who was the lead singer of the pop band Stereo Nation passed away at the age of 54 at his residence in the U.K. The British-born singer whose real name was Tarsame Singh Saini reportedly was in a coma sometime back from which had recovered but was suffering from a hernia. The singer, actor, composer, and lyricist had formed his band Stereo Nation in 1996 and was known as the pioneer of cross-cultural Asian fusion music. He rose to fame with his 1989 hit album ‘Hit The Deck’ after which he turned lead singer of the pop band Stereo Nation and went on to produce many albums including Slave II Fusion in 2000. His other chartbusters included Pyar Ho Gaya, Nachenge Saari Raat, and Gallan Gorian, etc. He also contributed to Bollywood films by lending his vocals for songs like ‘Daroo Vich Pyar’ (Tum Bin), ‘It’s Magic’ (Koi… Mil Gaya), and movies like Diary of a Butterfly, Mr. Bhatti On Chutti, Guest Iin London, Race, Tum Bin - Love Will Find A Way and Batla House, etc.
25. Prema Kiran (Actress) (DoB: 1960, DoD: 01 May 2022)
Veteran Marathi actress Prema Kiran passed away at the age of 61 in Mumbai on 1 May 2022 after suffering a heart attack. The actress and producer who worked primarily in the Marathi film industry had also acted in Hindi, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Banjara language films. She portrayed important roles in Marathi films like Dhoom Dhadaka (1985), Gadbad Ghotala (1986), De Danadan (1987), Kunku Zale Vaari (2005) and Lagnachi Varat Londonchaya Gharat (2009). She was well-known for her on-screen pairing with Laxmikant Berde in the 80s and 90s Marathi films. She was also seen in Hindi films like Arjun Devaa (2001), Boond (2001), Paagalpan (2001) and Jeet Lo Marathon (2018). Besides acting, she had also produced Marathi films such as Utwala Navra and Tharkaup.
26. Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma (Music Director) (DoB: 13 January 1938, DoD: 10 May 2022)
Born in Jammu in 1938, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma was one of India’s maestros of Hindustani classical music who gained national and international recognition for playing the santoor at a very young age. He was known for popularizing the santoor as a folk instrument world over in his own unique style for which he was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986, the Padma Shri in 1991, and Padma Vibhushan in 2011. As a composer, he made his debut in 1955 while scoring the background music for one of the scenes in V. Shantaram’s film Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje. He teamed up with flute legend Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia to form the team of Shiv – Hari who composed songs for films such as Silsila, Faasle, Vijay, Chandni, Lamhe, Parampara, Darr, etc. He breathed his last in Mumbai in 2022 at the age of 84 after suffering a cardiac arrest. The maestro is survived by his wife and santoor player son Rahul Sharma.
27. Kay Kay (Playback Singer) (DoB: 23 August 1968, DoD: 31 May 2022)
Popular Bollywood singer Krishnakumar Kunnath popularly known as KK, died of cardiac arrest on 31 May 2022 after he finished performing at a live concert in a college in Kolkata. KK was known for singing in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and other regional languages films. Known for songs that reflected a wide range of emotions and struck a chord with all age groups, he started his career by singing jingles before releasing his own debut album titled ‘Pal’ that included popular songs like ‘Pal’ and ‘Yaaron’. He got his big break in Bollywood in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) where he got to sing the chartbuster song ‘Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se’ which was followed by ‘Dola Re Dola’ from Devdas (2002), ‘Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai’ from Woh Lamhe... (2006), ‘Aankhon Mein Teri’ from Om Shanti Om (2007), ‘Khuda Jaane’ from Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), ‘India Wale’ from Happy New Year (2014) and many others. He received many popular awards including the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Playback Singer’ for ‘Khuda Jaane’ from Bachna Ae Haseeno in 2009. He is survived by his wife and two children.
28. Tarun Majumdar (Writer & Director) (DoB: 08 January 1931, DoD: 04 July 2022)
Veteran Bengali writer, director and lyricist Tarun Majumdar passed away on 04 July 2022 at the age of 91 at Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital. The ace filmmaker who was known for making movies based on compelling subjects highlighting the life of middle-class families was suffering from age-related ailments while undergoing treatment at the SSKM Hospital. He made his directorial debut with the Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen starrer Bengali film Chaowa Pawa in 1959 under the screen name of Yatrik. He later went on to direct popular Bengali films like Palatak (1963), Nimantran (1971), Kuheli (1971), Shriman Prithviraj (1973), Fuleswari (1974), Sansar Simante (1975), Ganadevata (1978), Dadar Kirti (1980), Bhalobasa Bhalobasa (1985) and Apan Amar Apan (1990). He also directed two Hindi films, Rahgir (1969) and Balika Badhu (1976), which starred Sachin and Rajni Sharma and was a remake of his Bengali hit film. He was a recipient of four National Film Awards for Kancher Swargo, Nimantran, Ganadevata, and Aranya Aamar. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1990 and was married to Bengali actress Sandhya Roy.
29. Prathap Pothen (Actor, Writer, Director) (DoB: 13 August 1952, DoD: 15 July 2022)
Well-known south Indian film actor, writer, and director Prathap Pothen passed away in his sleep following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Kilpauk, Chennai on 15 July 2022 at the age of 69. The award-winning actor who primarily worked in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu & Hindi films was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in 1952, and made his acting debut in director Bharathan's Malayalam film Aaravam (1978) and the following year in Tamil with Azhiyadha Kolangal (1979). He made his directorial debut with the Tamil film Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai (1985) which won him the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director. He acted in more than a hundred films in multiple languages which include Tamil hits like Jeeva (1988), Vettri Vizhaa (1989) with Kamal Haasan, Seevalaperi Pandi (1994) and Lucky Man (1995). He was known for his dialogue delivery where films like Thakara, Chamaram, Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai, Rithubhedam, and 22 Female Kottayam, need special mention. He also appeared in a cameo in Kamal Haasan’s silent film Pushpak in 1987 and Mani Ratnam’s Hindi film Guru in 2007. He got married twice. His first marriage was with actress Raadhika in 1985 which ended in a divorce a year later. He then married Amala Satyanath in 1990 and is survived by their daughter Keya.
30. Bhupinder Singh (Playback Singer) (DoB: 06 February 1940, DoD: 18 July 2022)
Veteran playback singer and musician Bhupinder Singh passed away at his residence in Mumbai on 18 July 2022. The vocalist who was known for his heavy bass voice was suffering from several health complications, including urinary issues. He was born in Amritsar in 1940 and started his music career at All India Radio, Delhi where he learned to play the guitar and violin. He was noticed by music director Madan Mohan during one of his performances which gave him his first break as an actor and singer in Chetan Anand’s 1964 war- drama Haqeeqat where he sang Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga along with Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mahmood, and Manna Dey. His unique style of playback singing got him many offers which led to working with top music directors delivering hits like Beeti Na Bitaai Raina from Parichay, Dil Dhoondta Hai from Mausam, Do Diwane Shahar Mein from Gharaonda, Naam Gum Jaayega from Kinara, Karoge Yaad To from Bazaar, Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezaar Aaj Bhi Hai from Aitbaar, etc. He along with his wife released many ghazals and song albums which became famous. He is survived by his wife Mitali Singh and son Nihal Singh, a musician.
31. Rasik Dave (Actor) (DoB: 19 June 1957, DoD: 29 July 2022)
Rasik Dave was a theatre, TV, and film actor who worked in the Hindi as well as the Gujarati film industry. Born in 1957 and fondly known as Rasik Bhai, the actor breathed his last on 29 July 2022 in Mumbai. He was on dialysis for the last two years and was suffering from kidney ailments. He was married to famous actress Ketki Dave with whom he had participated in the dance reality TV show, Nach Baliye in 2006. He made his acting debut in 1982 in the Gujarati film Putra Vadhu and thereafter in Bollywood movies like Jhoothi (1986), Eeshwar (1989), Masoom (1996), and Straight (2009), etc. He also appeared as Nand in B.R. Chopra’s TV series Mahabharat and later in Byomkesh Bakshi (1993) and C.I.D. (1998). He is survived by his wife Ketki Dave and their son and daughter.
32. Mithilesh Chaturvedi (Actor) (DoB: 15 October 1954, DoD: 03 August 2022)
Another Bollywood actor who features among famous Indian celebrities who died in 2022 is Mithilesh Chaturvedi. Born in Lucknow in 1954, Mithilesh Chaturvedi was a Hindi film, TV, and theatre actor who started his acting journey by appearing in TV serials in the 90s and thereafter debuting in Bhai Bhai in 1997. He appeared in prominent supporting roles in films like Satya, Taal, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Koi Mil Gaya, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Ready, etc. He reportedly suffered a heart attack earlier and hence was recovering at his hometown Lucknow before breathing his last on 3 August 2022. He was last seen in Shoojit Sircar’s Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana starrer Gulabo Sitabo in 2020.
33. K.C. Sharma (Producer) (DoB: 12 October 1933, DoD: 19 August 2022)
Veteran film producer and director Anil Sharma's father, Krishna Chandra Sharma passed away in Mumbai on 19 August 2022 night after suffering a heart attack. The 89-year-old producer who was suffering from dementia started his career as a producer in 1976 by producing Meera Shyam. K. C. Sharma who had worked with some of Bollywood’s biggest stars like Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Raaj Kumar, Rakhee, Jaya Prada, and Akshay Kumar had bankrolled films such as Shradhanjali (1981), Hukumat (1987), Elaan-E-Jung (1989), Tahalka (1992), Jawab (1995), etc. He is survived by sons Anil Sharma, Sanjay Sharma, Kapil Sharma, and Anuj Sharma, and grandson Utkarsh Sharma who debuted in Genius (2018).
34. A.G. Nadiadwala (Producer) (DoB: 1931, DoD: 22 August 2022)
A.G. Nadiadwala also known as Abdul Gaffar Nadiadwala was one of Bollywood’s prominent veteran producers and founders of the Nadiadwala banner. Known for his multi-starrer masala films, Gaffarbhai was the son of late producer A.K. Nadiadwala who started his career in Bollywood in 1953 by producing the mythology movie Mahabharat (1965) starring Pradeep Kumar and Dara Singh in the lead. He thereafter went on to produce popular films like Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973), Shankar Shambhu (1976), Jhutha Sach (1984), Watan Ke Rakhwale (1987), Sone Pe Suhaaga (1988), Lahoo Ke Do Rang (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002) and Welcome (2007). He passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital on 22 August 2022 after battling multiple prolonged illnesses. He was married to Bollywood actress Sheela Kashmiri and is survived by his three sons, Firoz Nadiadwala, Hafiz Nadiadwala, and Mushtaque Nadiadwala, daughters, and his nephew and well-known film-maker Sajid Nadiadwala.
35. Saawan Kumar Tak (Director, Producer, Writer, Lyricist) (DoB: 09 August 1936, DoD: 25 August 2022)
Bollywood’s veteran director, producer, writer and lyricist Saawan Kumar Tak breathed his last on 25 August 2022 in Mumbai. Saawan Kumar Tak was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital over a lung ailment before passing away at the age of 86. He came to Mumbai from Jaipur in 1965 to become an actor but soon decided to turn producer in 1967 with Naunihal starring Sanjeev Kumar. He made his directorial debut with Gomti Ke Kinare in 1972 which eventually became Meena Kumari’s swansong. He thereafter went on to direct many hit films like Saajan Bina Suhagan, Souten, Souten Ki Beti, Sanam Bewafa, and Chaand Kaa Tukdaa. He worked with some of Bollywood’s biggest stars like Sanjeev Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, Sridevi, and Salman Khan. He was married to music director Usha Khanna with whom he penned some of Bollywood’s most popular songs like Teri Galiyon Mein Na (Hawas), Madhuban Khushboo Deta Hai (Saajan Bina Suhagan), Shaayad Meri Shaadi Ka (Souten), Zindagi Pyaar Ka Geet Hai (Souten) and Chaand Sitaare Phool Aur Khushboo (Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai), etc.
36. Hemendra Bhatia (Actor) (DoB: 1952, DoD: 30 August 2022)
Noted theatre director, actor, playwright, and acting coach Hemendra Bhatia passed away on 30 August 2022 in Mumbai after prolonged illness at the age of 70. Born in Kanpur, Hemendra Bhatia was an alumnus of FTII and featured in films like Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Satta, and the TV series Bharat Ek Khoj. He joined the Bhartendu Natya Academy as a teacher and thereafter became the first and the only dean of Anupam Kher’s acting school, Actor Prepares. He was closely associated to Subhash Ghai, Satish Kaushik and taught acting to Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Deepika Padukone and others.
37. Faisal Saif (Writer, Producer, Director) (DoB: 27 April 1976, DoD: 13 September 2022)
Writer, producer, and director Faisal Saif breathed his last on September 13 in Mumbai at the age of 47 due to multiple organ failures. He began his film career by assisting filmmaker Balu Mahendra on Aur Ek Prem Kahani (1996) and Shashilal Nair on Angaar (1992) and Grahan (2001). He is known for directing films like Jigyaasa (2006) starring Hrishita Bhatt, Come December (2006), 5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore (2012), and the controversial action-drama Main Hoon Rajinikanth (2015). Some of the TV series he directed were Kavita Bhabhi, Ashuddhi, and the unreleased Shraap. He was a recipient of the International Special Award of Cultural Vision in storytelling from the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival.
38. K. D. Shorey (Actor, Writer, Producer, Director) (DoB: 1930, DoD: 16 September 2022)
Veteran actor, writer, and filmmaker K. D. Shorey passed away peacefully on 16 September 2022 night at the age of 92 in Mumbai. Father of Bollywood actors Ranvir Shorey and Lokesh Shorey, Krishan Dev Shorey was an active film producer in the 1970s and 80s who made his Bollywood debut as a producer and actor with the multi-starrer Umar Qaid in 1975 and followed it up with the Rishi Kapoor starrer Zinda Dil in the same year. Actor Ranvir Shorey took to his Instagram handle to share the news of his father’s demise. He also produced Be-Reham (1980), and Bad Aur Badnaam (1984) while produced and directed the action thriller Maha-Yuddh in 1998 which launched his elder son Lokesh Shorey. The filmmaker is survived by his actor sons and grandchildren.
39. Bharti Jaffrey (Actress) (DoB: NA, DoD: 20 September 2022)
Actress and daughter of legendary actor Ashok Kumar, Bharti Jaffrey breathed her last on 20 September 2022 after suffering from a prolonged illness in Mumbai. She started her acting career at a late age by making her debut in Govind Nihalani’s Jaya Bachchan starrer Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998) which was followed by movies like Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence (2001) and Devi Ahilya Bai (2002). She is also remembered for playing actress Neena Gupta’s mother in the popular TV serial Saans. She belonged to the Ganguly family and was married to Hamid Jaffrey, brother of actor Saeed Jaffrey. Actress Anuradha Patel is her daughter from her first marriage while Rupa Verma, Preeti Ganguly, Aroop Ganguly are her siblings. She is the step-grandmother of actress Kiara Advani.
40. Raju Srivastava (Actor) (DoB: 25 Dec 1963, DoD:21 September 2022)
Born Satya Prakash Srivastava, Raju Srivastava was a popular stand-up comedian, actor, and politician who suffered a massive heart attack on 10 August 2022 and was admitted to New Delhi’s AIIMS. After his health deteriorated further, he was put on a ventilator. He breathed his last on 21 September 2022. One may recall that he started his career by performing in stage shows after which he got his first break in a small role in Sooraj Barjatya’s Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989. Thereafter he got to play supporting roles in popular films like Baazigar, Mr. Azaad, Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya, Waah! Tera Kya Kehna and Bombay to Goa. As a stand-up comedian he is remembered for being a participant and judge in the TV talent show ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’. He ended up as the second runner-up and won the title of ‘The King of Comedy’. He also participated in 'The Indian Mazaak League' and the TV reality show Bigg Boss season 3. He joined the Samajwadi Party and then the Bhartiya Janta Party in 2014 and was a part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He is survived by his wife Shikha Srivastava, a daughter Antara Srivastava, a son and younger brother, and actor-comedian Deepu Srivastava.
41. Vishwa Mehra (Actor) (DoB: 1926, DoD: 05 October 2022)
The last of the legendary icons of the RK legacy Vishwa Mehra passed away on 5th October 2022 after battling age-related health issues. Fondly known as Mamaji, Vishwa Mehra was the brother-in-law of Prithviraj Kapoor and the maternal uncle of Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Shashi Kapoor who reportedly came from Peshawar, Pakistan to attend Raj Kapoor’s wedding in 1946 and never went back. The 96-year-old veteran had worked as a manager of RK Studios ever since it was established and was witness to three generations of the Kapoor family spread over seventy years. He acted in films like Aag, Barsaat, Anari, Teesri Kasam, Kal Aaj Aur Kal, Dharam Karam, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Prem Rog, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Henna and Prem Granth, etc.
42. Arun Bali (Actor) (DoB: 23 December 1942, DoD: 07 October 2022)
Veteran actor Arun Bali breathed his last on 7 October 2022 in Mumbai at the age of 79. He was suffering from a rare neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis, a type of autoimmune disorder, and was also admitted to the Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai earlier this year. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab in 1942, Arun Bali was known for his roles in 3 Idiots, Kedarnath, Panipat, Hey Ram, Ready, Zameen, Manmarziyaan, and Samrat Prithviraj, etc. He started his acting career on the small screen where he made his debut in Lekh Tandon’s TV serial Doosra Kewal which starred Shah Rukh Khan. He later also played the part of King Porus in the 1991 TV series period drama Chanakya, and the popular 90s soap opera Swabhimaan, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, etc. The actor was last seen in Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha and the Amitabh Bachchan starrer GoodBye released in 2022. He is survived by his son and two daughters.
43. Jitendra Shastri (Actor) (DoB: 05 June 1957, DoD: 15 October 2022)
Well-known theater, TV, and Bollywood actor Jitendra Shastri alias Jeetu Shastri breathed his last on 15 October 2022 in New Delhi. Born in 1957 in Ujjain, Jitendra Shastri was an alumnus of the National School of Drama and was known for playing important roles in stage shows like Qaid-E-Hayaat and Sundari. He made his acting debut in Shyam Benegal's TV series Bharat Ek Khoj and later appeared in a supporting role in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen in 1994. He also was seen playing crucial roles in films like Lajja, Daud, Charas, Black Friday, Taanashah, and the much-appreciated Arjun Kapoor starrer India's Most Wanted that released in 2019 in which he played the role of an informer in Nepal. He was also seen in the popular web series Mirzapur as Usman.
44. Sapan Sengupta (Music Director) (DoB: 17 July 1932, DoD: 15 October 2022)
Sapan Sengupta was a part of the famous musical duo of Sapan - Jagmohan who were popular music composers of 60s and 70s. Sapan Sengupta and Jagmohan Bakshi were disciples of Pankaj Mullick who started their career as singers in 1957 when they sang for Salil Chowdhury's Bombay Youth Choir. The duo started composing songs in 1961 and contributed music to Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali and Bhojpuri films. Some of the duos popular songs were ‘Main Toh Har Mod Par’ from Chetna (1970), ‘Hum Hai Jahan’ from Call Girl (1974), and ‘Tu Laali Hai Savere Wali’ from Abhi To Jee Lein (1977), and ‘Are Mera Dil Diwane’ from Laal Kothi (1978). Though they worked with famous lyricists like Indeevar, Shailendra, and M.G. Hashmat, they were always associated with the music style of R. D. Burman. Jagmohan Bakshi passed away in 1999 while Sapan breathed his last on 15 October 2022 due to age-related health issues.
45. Shiv Kumar Khurana (Director, Producer) (DoB: 1939, DoD: 25 October 2022)
Well-known producer and director Shiv Kumar Khurana breathed his last in Mumbai on 25 October 2022 at the Brahmakumari Global Hospital after battling age-related health issues. Popularly known as Shiv Kumar, the producer-director who primarily worked in Bollywood was known for his masala potboilers released in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Born in 1939, he made his directorial debut in 1965 with the action-adventure film Tarzan And Circus and later went on to direct popular films like Begunah (1970), Guru Ho Jaa Shuru (1979), Be-Aabroo (1983), Inteqaam Ki Aag (1986), Bud-Naseeb (1986), Mitti Aur Sona (1989), Badnaam (1990), Sone Ki Zanjeer (1992), Karan (1994), Jaalsaaz (1999), etc. He also produced films such as Ang Se Ang Lagale, Hum Tum Aur Woh, and Dagabaz, etc. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
46. Esmayeel Shroff (Writer, Director) (03 February 1957 – 26 October 2022)
Writer-director Esmayeel Shroff breathed his last on 26 October 2022 in Mumbai at the age of 65. Noted for directing popular mass entertainers like Thodisi Bewafaii (1980), Bulundi (1981), Ahista Ahista (1981), Love 86 (1986), Suryaa (1989), Police Public (1990), Nishchaiy (1992), God and Gun (1995), Tarkieb (2000), etc., he was undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after suffering a heart attack. Born in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh in 1957, he started off as an assistant to director A. Bheem Singh in 1968 and later went on to make his directorial debut in 1977 with Agar… If starring Amol Palekar, Zarina Wahab, and Vijayendra Ghatge. He collaborated with many top stars of the 70s, 80s, and 90s including Raaj Kumar, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna, Govinda, Salman Khan, and Nana Patekar. His last film as a director was Thoda Tum Badlo, Thoda Hum (2004) which featured Arya Babbar and Shriya Saran in the lead roles.
47. Nipon Goswami (Actor) (DoB: 03 September 1942, DoD: 27 October 2022)
Veteran Assamese and Bollywood actor Nipon Goswami died on 27 October 2022 at the age of 80 at a private hospital in Guwahati, Assam after battling age-related health problems. Born in 1942, Nipon Goswami was a well-known film, television, and theatre actor and director who worked in Assamese films like Dr. Bezbaruah, Brishti, Aparupa, Protidaan, Siraj, Jonaki Mon, Gaane Ki Aane, and also starred in popular Hindi films like Do Bhai (1969), Jaggu (1975), Do Anjaane (1976), Virodhi (1992), Daman (2001), etc. His last Hindi release was 18.11: A Code of Secrecy released in 2014.
48. Rakesh Kumar (Writer, Producer & Director) (DoB: 18 October 1941, DoD: 10 November 2022)
Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Kumar passed away in Mumbai on 10 November 2022. The well-known 70s, 80s, and 90s hot shot director who worked mostly with Amitabh Bachchan in hits like Khoon Pasina, Mr. Natwarlal, Do Aur Do Paanch, and Yaarana, etc., was suffering from cancer for a while before breathing his last at the age of 81. Rakesh Kumar started his career by working as an assistant to directors like K.B. Lal, Chand, and Prakash Mehra before making his directorial debut with Khoon Pasina (1977) starring Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna & Rekha. He also produced and directed films like Commander, Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara, Dil Tujhko Diya, and Suryavanshi (1992). He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.
49. Sunil Shende (Actor) (DoB: 1947, DoD: 14 November 2022)
Veteran Hindi and Marathi actor Sunil Shende passed away at the age of 75 at his Vile Parle residence in Mumbai on 14 November 2022. Born in 1947, Sunil Shende started his acting career in Sir Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi in 1982. He thereafter appeared in supporting roles in TV shows such as Circus, Shanti, Mrunmayi, Gahire Paani, etc. As far as Bollywood films are concerned, he played crucial roles in hits like Khalnayak, Daud, Sarfarosh, Vaastav, Zameen, etc. He is mostly remembered for playing the deputy commissioner of police in Aamir Khan - starrer Sarfarosh (1999). He is survived by his wife Jyoti and two sons Omkar and Rishikesh.
50. Krishna (Actor, Producer & Director) (DoB: 31 May 1943, DoD: 15 November 2022)
Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy, popularly known as Krishna, breathed his last in Hyderabad on 15 November 2022. Born in Burripalem, Andhra Pradesh in 1943, Krishna was an actor, director, producer, and politician who was considered as one of Telugu cinema’s iconic lead actors of all time. Often addressed as ‘Superstar Krishna’ by his fans, he acted in over 350 films in his five-decade-long career where he played all types of roles across various genres especially period-costume dramas and spy thrillers. He started his film career with minor roles in Telugu films such as Kula Gothralu (1961), Padandi Mundhuku (1962), and Paruvu Prathishta (1963) before playing the male lead actor in films like Thene Manasulu (1965) and followed it up with hits like Sakshi (1967), Stree Janma (1967), Niluvu Dopidi (1968), Manchi Kutumbam (1968), Vichithra Kutumbam (1969), Akka Chellellu (1970). His association with top actors and directors and pairing with Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Jayasudha, and his real-life wife Vijaya Nirmala made him one of the highest-paid Telugu actors during his time. He established his own production banner, Padmalaya Films under which he produced several big-budget films like Agni Pariksha (1970), Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971), Pandanti Kapuram (1972), Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973), Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974). Most of his Telugu hits were remade in Hindi starring Jeetendra such as Takkar, Himmatwala, Justice Chaudhury, Mawaali, Hoshiyar, Pataal Bhairavi, Singhasan, Mulzim, etc. The only Hindi film that he directed was Singhasan (1986). He married twice, his first marriage was with Indira Devi while the second was with Telugu actress and director Vijaya Nirmala. He had five children with Indira Devi, two sons - Ramesh Babu and Mahesh Babu, and three daughters - Padmavathi, Manjula, and Priyadarshini.
51. Daljeet Kaur (Actress) (DoB: 1953, DoD: 17 November 2022)
Veteran popular Punjabi and Bollywood actress of the 70s and 80s Daljeet Kaur passed away on 17 November 2022 at the age of 69 in Gurusar Sudhar town of Ludhiana, Punjab after a prolonged illness. Fondly known as ‘The Queen of Punjabi Movies’, Daljeet had worked in over 100 Punjabi movies and close to 10 movies in Hindi. She starred as the female lead in popular Punjabi movies such films as Putt Jattan De, Mamla Gadbad Hai, Ki Banu Duniya Da, Sarpanch, and Patola. She had also played Gippy Grewal’s mother in Singh Vs Kaur. She also acted in Bollywood movies such as Yari Dushmani (1980), Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (1981), Jeene Nahi Doonga (1984), Faasle (1985), Amrit (1986), Kabrastan (1988), and Aakhri Badla (1989), etc. She had stopped acting in films for some time after losing her actor-director husband, Harminder Singh Deol, who died in a road accident. She returned to acting in 2001 and then concentrated on playing motherly roles. The popular actress did not have any children and stayed with her brother till she breathed her last.
52. Tabassum (Actress, Director, Producer & TV Host) (DoB: 09 July 1944, DoD: 18 November 2022)
Popular actress, director, producer, television host, and YouTuber Tabassum died of a cardiac arrest in Mumbai on 18 November 2022. Born in 1944 as Kiran Bala Sachdev, Tabassum started her acting career in Bollywood as a child actor in 1947 with three films namely Nargis (1947), Mera Suhaag (1947), and Manjhdhar (1947). She later went on to act in popular films like Bari Behen (1949), Deedar (1951), Baiju Bawra (1952), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Heer Raanjha (1970), Johny Mera Naam (1970), Gambler (1971), Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986), Naache Mayuri (1986), and Sur Sangam (1985), etc. She debuted as director and producer with Tum Par Hum Qurban (1985) which introduced her son Hoshang Govil. She was also known for hosting the popular TV talk show, Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan on Doordarshan (1972 – 1993) wherein she interviewed many film personalities. She also was an editor of a few magazines and was an Urdu poetess too.
53. Suresh Jindal (Producer, Director & Actor) (DoB: 07 September 1942, DoD: 24 November 2022)
Veteran Bollywood producer, director, and actor Suresh Jindal passed away in New Delhi on 24 November 2022 due to a prolonged illness. Born in Malerkotla in 1942, he was critically ill for a month and undergoing treatment in a New Delhi hospital before he breathed his last at the age of 80. He studied electrical engineering at the University of California before heading to Bollywood where he produced his maiden production venture under his ‘New Wave Films’ banner with Basu Chatterjee’s Rajnigandha (1974). He thereafter produced Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), was Executive producer for Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi (1982), Sai Paranjpye’s Katha (1983), etc. Besides producing Bollywood films, he also directed and produced a few documentaries and appeared in Mani Kaul’s Nauker ki Kameez and Pamela Brook's A Train to Pakistan as an actor.
54. Vikram Gokhale (Actor) (DoB: 30 October 1940, DoD: 26 November 2022)
Noted Marathi and Bollywood film, theatre, and television actor Vikram Gokhale passed away at the age of 82 due to a prolonged illness. The veteran actor was admitted to Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital where he breathed his last on 26 November 2022. Born in Pune in 1940, Vikram Gokhale’s father was the renowned actor Chandrakant Gokhale while his grandmother and great-grandmother were Kamlabai Gokhale and Durgabai Kamat, respectively. He made his acting debut in Parwana (1971) and went on to feature in hits like Yehi Hai Zindagi (1977), Swarg Narak (1978), Agneepath (1990), Khuda Gawah (1992), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), etc. His other notable works were in films such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), De Dana Dan (2009), Bang Bang! (2014), Hichki (2018), Aiyaary (2018), Mission Mangal (2019), etc. He was last seen in the Shilpa Shetty and Abhimanyu Dassani starrer Nikamma (2022). He received the National Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his work in the Marathi film Anumati. He made his directorial debut with the Marathi film Aaghaat (2010). He is survived by his wife Vrushali Gokhle and two daughters.
55. Sulochana Kadam (Playback Singer) (DoB: 13 March 1933, DoD: 10 December 2022)
Renowned Lavani and playback singer Sulochana Kadam famously known as Sulochana Chavan passed away at the age of 89 on 10 December 2022. Conferred with the title of ‘Lavani Samradnyi’ (Queen of Lavani), Sulochana Kadam was suffering from age-related ailments before she breathed her last in Mumbai. She was one of the most well-known singers in the traditional Maharashtrian musical folklore form ‘Tamasha’ which helped her win many awards including the Padma Shri in 2022, the Lata Mangeshkar award in 2010, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2012. She started singing at the early age of 6 and got trained under various music stalwarts before getting noticed by veteran filmmaker V. Shantaram. Some of her popular songs were Aunda Lagin Karachain, Kasan Kay Patil Baran Hi Ka’, ‘Kalidar Kapuri Paan’, ‘Khelatan Rang Bai Holicha’, ‘Padarawarti Zartarichi Mor Nachra Hawa’ and many more. Some of her Hindi songs were from Sunehre Din (1949), Shri Ganesh Janma (1951), Sagar (1951), and Jungle Ka Jawahar (1953), etc. She was married to well-known director S. Chavan.
56. K. Satyanarayana (Actor) (DoB: 25 July 1935, DoD: 23 December 2022)
Kaikala Satyanarayana was an actor, producer, and politician who primarily worked in the Telugu film industry. The veteran actor who was popular for playing antagonist and character roles in family and social dramas as well as mythological films breathed his last in Hyderabad on 23 December 2022 after suffering from age-related health issues. He acted in over 750 films in a career spanning over six decades of which some of his popular roles were in Telugu films were Kanaka Durga Pooja Mahima, Thandri Kodukula Challenge, Narasimhudu, Maharishi, Arundhati, and others. His only Hindi film to date was Subhash Ghai’s Karma (1986) where played Sridevi’s father. A recipient of several state awards and Filmfare’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, he was also a TDP Lok Sabha member from the Machilipatnam constituency in Andhra Pradesh in 1996. He is survived by his wife Nageswaramma Satyanarayana, two daughters, and two sons.
57. Rajeeta Kochhar (Actress) (DoB: 1952, DoD: 23 December 2022)
Veteran Bollywood, Marathi, and TV actress Rajeeta Kochhar passed away in Mumbai on 23 December 2022 due to renal failure. The actress who had earlier suffered from a brain stroke and paralytic attack was put on a ventilator before she breathed her last at around 10.15 pm. Born in 1952, she was earlier known by her maiden name Rajeeta Thakur and debuted with a small role in Parwana in 1971 and subsequently appeared in movies like Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Double Cross (1972), Rajnigandha (1974), Inkaar (1977), Aaya Toofan (1999), Bhram: An Illusion (2008) and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019). She was a part of several TV shows including Tantra, Kavach…Kaali Shaktiyon Se, Hatim, Ghar Ghar Kii, Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai, and Raat Hone Ko Hai, etc. She is survived by her husband Rajesh Kochhar and daughter Kapisha, who is settled in the US.
58. Tunisha Sharma (Actress) (DoB: 04 January 2002, DoD: 24 December 2022)
Noted Indian television and film actress Tunisha Sharma committed suicide by hanging herself on the set of her TV serial Ali Baba: Dastaan-E-Kabul in Mumbai on 24 December 2022. Born in 2022, the 20-year-old actress began her Bollywood career by appearing as a child artist in films like Fitoor (2016), and Baar Baar Dekho (2016) where she played the younger version of Katrina Kaif. She also featured in Vidya Balan’s Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016), and Salman Khan’s Dabangg 3 (2019). She made her television debut with the historical show, Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap and also was a part of shows like Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Gabbar Poonchwala, Sher-e-Punjab: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Internet Wala Love and Ishq Subhan Allah.
59. Chalapathi Rao (Actor) (DoB: 08 May 1944, DoD: 24 December 2022)
Veteran Telugu actor Chalapathi Rao passed away on 24 December 2022 at his residence in Hyderabad at the age of 78. Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1944, he was a well-known actor and producer who was known for comedy and villainous roles in Telugu films. He acted in over 600 Telugu films of which some of his famous films such as Yamagola, Yugapurushudu, Justice Chaudhary, Bobbili Puli, Ninne Pelladata, Manam, Allari, Drushyam, Sarrainodu, etc. Some of the Telugu films that he produced were Kadapareddamma, Jagannatakam, Pellante Nurella Panta, Presidentigari Alludu, etc. He played supporting roles in many films of N. T. Rama Rao, Krishna, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh. His solo Hindi release happens to be the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Sooryavansham (1999). He is survived by his wife and three children including Ravi Babu who is an actor, director and producer in Tollywood.
60. K. P. Sasi (Director) (DoB: 14 March 1958, DoD: 25 December 2022)
Popular Malayalam film and documentary director, writer, and cartoonist, K. P. Sasi passed away on 25 December 2022 at the age of 64 in Thrissur, Kerala. The human rights activist and filmmaker breathed his last at a private hospital and was known for making films based on social issues. Some of his notable works included documentaries like Fabricated!, America - America, Resisting Coastal Invasion, Development at Gunpoint, and Living In Fear, and Malayalam films like Silence Please (2008), Voices from the Ruins (2016), and the award-winning Ilayum Mullum (1994) for which he won the national award for best director. His only Hindi film was Ek Alag Mausam (2003), starring Nandita Das, Anupam Kher, Renuka Shahane, Rajit Kapur, and Arundathi Nag.
61. Nitin Manmohan (Producer, Director) (DoB: 1962, DoD: 29 December 2022)
Popular producer and director Nitin Manmohan passed away on 29 December 2022 at the age of 60 at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Vashi. The filmmaker was hospitalized on 03 December 2022 after suffering a massive heart attack and was on a ventilator since then. Born in 1962, Nitin Manmohan was the son of late Bollywood actor Manmohan who started his Bollywood career by bankrolling the Sanjeev Kumar – Zeenat Aman starrer Baat Ban Jaye in 1986. Thereafter he produced famous films like Insaaf (1987), Maha-Sangram (1990), Bol Radha Bol (1992), Army (1996), Shool (1999), Chal Mere Bhai (2000), Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (2001), Deewangi (2002), Dus (2005), and Ready (2011). His only directorial to date remains the Suniel Shetty and Shilpa Shetty starrer Prithvi (1997). He is survived by his wife and a son and a daughter.
