The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor, producer, and director Dheeraj Kumar, who passed away on July 15, 2025, at the age of 79 due to pneumonia. Kumar, known for his contributions to both Hindi and Punjabi cinema, as well as television, was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after experiencing severe breathing issues and was placed on ventilator support in the ICU.
A prayer meet was held on July 18, 2025, to honor Dheeraj Kumar's life and legacy. Numerous celebrities from the film and television industry attended to pay their respects and offer condolences to his family. Among those present was Eisha Singh, the actress who gained prominence after her participation in Bigg Boss 18.
Eisha Singh, who finished sixth on Bigg Boss 18, was among the many celebrities who attended Dheeraj Kumar's prayer meet. Singh's presence at the prayer meet demonstrates the respect and admiration she held for the veteran actor and producer. Singh, born on December 24, 1998, began her acting career with the Colors TV drama Ishq Ka Rang Safed in 2015 and has since starred in several popular television shows, including Ishq Subhan Allah and Sirf Tum. In Bigg Boss 18, which premiered on October 6, 2024, Singh made headlines for various reasons, including chanting "Jai Shree Ram" and expressing her preference for speaking in English.
Dheeraj Kumar's career spanned five decades, beginning as a finalist in a 1965 talent contest alongside Rajesh Khanna and Subhash Ghai. He acted in numerous Hindi and Punjabi films, starting with "Raaton Ka Raja" in 1970. In 1986, Kumar founded Creative Eye Limited, a production house responsible for popular mythological and spiritual shows like Om Namah Shivay, Shree Ganesh, and Jai Santoshi Maa.
The prayer meet saw an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the entertainment industry. Bollywood legends Hema Malini and Jackie Shroff were present, along with actors Poonam Dhillon, Rakesh Bedi, Mukesh Rishi, and many others. Respected industry figures like Siddharth Roy Kapur and Munmun Dutta also attended. The gathering highlighted the deep respect and affection Dheeraj Kumar garnered throughout his career.
Dheeraj Kumar's family confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as a "true gentleman" and a "father figure, friend, and guide to many". His last rites were held on Wednesday at Pawan Hans Crematorium. The industry mourns the loss of a visionary who contributed significantly to Indian cinema and television, both in front of and behind the camera.