Actor-Producer Dheeraj Kumar Dies At 79 In Mumbai After Battling Pneumonia, Had Worked In 21 Punjabi Films

Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar passed away at the age of 79 in Mumbai. He had been hospitalised at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after facing breathing problems due to pneumonia. He was on ventilator support and breathed his last on Tuesday morning at 11:40 am. His family confirmed the news and has asked for privacy.

Just a few days before his passing, Dheeraj Kumar was seen attending the ISKCON temple opening in Navi Mumbai. While addressing the crowd, he had said, “I came here with a sense of humility. While they called me the VVIP, I believe the true VVIP is God.”

Dheeraj Kumar Death: His Journey As Actor, Director And Producer

Dheeraj Kumar started his acting career in the 1970s. He appeared in films like Deedar, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Sargam, Kranti, Sharafat Chhod Di Maine, and many others. He also acted in 21 Punjabi films, including Sajjan Singh Rangroot, Ik Sandhu Hunda Si, Warning 2, and Majhail.

As a director, he made a mark with Aabra Ka Daabra, a children’s fantasy film, and the thriller Kashi: In Search of Ganga. On television, he directed popular mythological and family shows like Om Namah Shivay, Shri Ganesh, Adalat, Sanskar, and Singhasan Battisi. His shows were widely loved on Doordarshan and other TV channels.

Dheeraj Kumar also founded his own production company Creative Eye Limited. Under this banner, he produced more than 30 television serials that explored social, religious, and family themes. Some of his most popular shows include Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyan, Ishq Subhan Allah, Om Namah Shivay, and Shri Ganesh. He also produced several Punjabi films and the film Kashi: In Search of Ganga.

Dheeraj Kumar’s Last Rites Tomorrow

He is survived by his wife Zubi Kochhar and his 18-year-old son Ashutosh, who is currently a student and not linked to the film industry. His wife, who has been unwell, couldn’t be present at the hospital. Ashutosh and their nurse Neha were there during his final moments. His last rites will be held on Wednesday after close relatives arrive from Punjab.