Veteran actor-producer Dheeraj Kumar (80) dies after battling pneumonia
What's the story
Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar (80) passed away on Tuesday. He was undergoing treatment for pneumonia at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Kumar was admitted to the hospital earlier this week due to severe breathing issues and had been placed on ventilator support in the ICU, said reports. His family confirmed his demise and requested privacy during this difficult time. The cremation will likely take place tomorrow. May he rest in peace.
Last appearance
Kumar's recent public appearance
Kumar was a respected figure in Indian cinema and television. He was recently seen at the inauguration ceremony of the ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, reported India Today. At the event, he had spoken about his respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sanatan Dharma. "I came here with a sense of humility. While they called me the VVIP, I believe the true VVIP is God," he had said.
Career highlights
Kumar's journey in films and television
Kumar started his career in the entertainment industry in 1965 and made a significant impact on both films and television. From 1970 to 1984, he acted in 21 Punjabi films. He established Creative Eye Limited, a production house known for spiritual and mythological shows like Om Namah Shivay. He also appeared in several notable Hindi films such as Swami, Heera Panna, and Raaton Ka Raja. He was also a part of Manoj Kumar's Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
TV legacy
His stellar contribution to Indian television
Apart from his film career, Kumar made a significant impact on Indian television through Creative Eye. The firm produced several beloved long-running TV shows. Popular series such as Shree Ganesh, Jai Santoshi Maa, and Jap Tap Vrat were under his banner. Over the years, the company delivered thousands of hours of television content, entertaining audiences across the country. Kumar last produced Ishq Subhan Allah (2018).