Veteran actor and filmmaker Dheeraj Kumar passes away at 79

Dheeraj Kumar passes away

Renowned actor, director, and producer Dheeraj Kumar — a veteran of the Indian film and television industry — has died in Mumbai following a deterioration in his health at the age of 79.

After suffering from acute respiratory distress, the director was taken to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in the Andheri region on Monday. There he was diagnosed with acute pneumonia and was there in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Earlier on Monday, in an official statement, Dheeraj Kumar’s family and production team confirmed the news to his hospitalisation, adding that he is being closely monitored by medical professionals and receiving all necessary treatment.

“The family requests prayers for his speedy recovery and urges everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Dheeraj Kumar attended the opening of the ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, a few days prior to being admitted to the hospital.

At the event, he spoke warmly about his spiritual beliefs and commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to promoting Sanatan Dharma. “I came here with a sense of humility. While they called me the VVIP, I believe the true VVIP is God,” he said, a statement reflecting his deep-rooted values and humility.

Over the course of his more than 50-year career, Dheeraj Kumar has made a lasting impression on Indian television and film. He started his career in the 1960s and acted in a lot of films, such as Raaton Ka Raja, Swami, and Heera Panna.

Having appeared in 21 films between 1970 and 1984, he also made a substantial impact on Punjabi cinema.

He later switched to television production, starting Creative Eye Limited, which gained notoriety for creating a number of highly regarded religious and mythological shows, such as Om Namah Shivay.