Dheeraj Kumar, actor-producer known for iconic TV shows, dies at 79 due to pneumonia

Famous actor, director, and producer Dheeraj Kumar passed away at the age of 79. He died on Tuesday at 11:40 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He had been admitted on Saturday evening after suffering from pneumonia. At the time of his death, his son Ashutosh Kumar was present beside him.

His family and team released an official statement confirming his death. The note said that Dheeraj Kumar died due to cardiac arrest while being treated at the hospital. He was on ventilator support at the time. The statement also expressed grief over the loss of a talented personality and sent prayers to his family, friends, and fans.

The message from his family read:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dheeraj Kumar, a renowned actor, producer, and director, who left us due to cardiac arrest. He was under treatment at Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri West and was on ventilator support. The industry mourns the loss of a talented professional who contributed significantly to the world of entertainment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

A long and inspiring journey in the entertainment world

Dheeraj Kumar started his journey in the film and TV industry in 1965. He was one of the finalists in a talent competition alongside Rajesh Khanna and Subhash Ghai. While Rajesh Khanna won the contest, Dheeraj Kumar also made a name for himself over time.

Between 1970 and 1984, Dheeraj acted in 21 Punjabi films. He was also seen in Bollywood movies like Heera Panna and Raton Ka Raja. One of his most memorable appearances was in the famous song Ka Karun Sajni, Aaye Na Balam from the movie Swami, where the song was picturised on him.

Later, he moved into TV production and founded a company called Creative Eye. He served as its chairman and managing director. Under this banner, he produced many religious and family shows that became extremely popular on Indian television. Some of his famous TV shows include:

• Om Namah Shivay

• Adalat

• Mili

• Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyan

In total, he produced over 35 shows for Indian television. His shows were known for their strong storytelling, family values, and cultural themes. He received love and appreciation from viewers across the country, especially for his devotion-based series.

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Remembering his recent moments

Not long ago, Dheeraj Kumar attended the grand opening of the ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. While speaking at the event, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote Sanatan Dharma. Dheeraj mentioned that visiting the ISKCON temple brought him a deep sense of peace. He was deeply touched by the love and warmth he received from the devotees present there.

His appearance at the ISKCON event showed that even in his final days, Dheeraj Kumar remained deeply spiritual and connected to Indian culture. He often spoke about how art, religion, and society should work together to create positive change.
Dheeraj Kumar's contribution to Indian entertainment, both in cinema and television, will always be remembered. From acting in films to producing soulful religious serials, he inspired millions. His work played an important role in shaping Indian television, especially in the 1990s and early 2000s, when family dramas and mythological shows ruled TV screens.

He leaves behind not just a family, but also a rich legacy of storytelling. Generations of viewers have grown up watching his shows, and his impact on Indian media is undeniable. His journey from an actor in a talent contest to a leading producer is a story of hard work, talent, and dedication.

As tributes continue to pour in from the entertainment world and fans, Dheeraj Kumar will be remembered not only as a filmmaker but also as a kind soul who brought stories of devotion and family.