Veteran actor-producer Dheeraj Kumar, who produced popular television series Om Namah Shivay and Adalat and starred in Manoj Kumar’s Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, died in a Mumbai hospital on Tuesday, according to a family acquaintance. He was seventy-nine. Acute pneumonia was the reason for Kumar’s admission to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital’s intensive care unit.
As per PTI, Kumar’s close associate and family friend Ajay Shukla said, “he passed away this morning at 11:00 am due to pneumonia at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was unwell and was admitted to the hospital on Saturday as he was having fever, cold and cough. He was admitted to the ICU due to his age.”
According to Shukla, Pawan Hans Crematorium will host Kumar’s final ceremonies on Wednesday. In a statement, Kumar’s family acknowledged the news of his passing. “With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dheeraj Kumar, a beloved human being, seasoned actor, producer, and director, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at approximately 12 p.m., surrounded by family.”
“He never stopped smiling, giving, and being there for his friends, family, and the business as a whole. A real gentleman, he served as many people’s father figure, friend, and mentor. In addition to being an actor, he will be remembered as a mentor, a kind person, and a real gentleman. The family expressed gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time,” he adds.
Dheeraj Kumar worked in television and film for more than 50 years. He started his career in entertainment as a finalist in a 1965 talent competition that also included filmmaker Subhash Ghai and superstar Rajesh Khanna. After starring in the lead role in the 1970 movie Raaton Ka Raja, he went on to appear in a number of Hindi and Punjabi productions.
He went on to play minor parts in films like Sargam (1979), Kranti (1981), and Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974). Between 1970 and 1984, Kumar appeared in more than 20 films and was a well-known personality in Punjabi cinema. He established the production company Creative Eye Limited in 1986, which later had a big impact on Indian television.
Popular mythological and family dramas such as Om Namah Shivay, which aired on Doordarshan National from 1997 to 2001, Shree Ganesh, Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati, Adalat, and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann were created by the firm under his direction.
