Actress Reema Lagoo’s husband passes away | Actress Reema Lagoo’s husband passes away.

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Veteran Theatre Luminary Vivek Lagoo Passes Away at 74: A Tribute to an Icon of Stage and Screen

Mumbai, June 20, 2025 — The Indian theatre and television fraternity is in mourning following the passing of renowned actor and director Vivek Lagoo. The stalwart of Marathi theatre and character actor in Hindi television and cinema breathed his last on June 19, 2025, at the age of 74. Mr. Lagoo, who was the former husband of the late Bollywood actress Reema Lagoo, passed away peacefully in the early hours at his Mumbai residence, succumbing to complications from a sudden cardiac episode. His funeral rites were held yesterday afternoon at the Oshiwara Crematorium, Mumbai, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to pay their final respects.

Early Life and Introduction to the Arts

Vivek Lagoo was born in 1951 into a middle-class Maharashtrian family with no history of performing arts. He completed his schooling in Pune and later moved to Mumbai to pursue a banking career. In 1976, Lagoo joined the Union Bank of India, where fate intervened in the form of theatre. The bank’s cultural committee organized regular plays and skits for staff morale, and it was here that Lagoo’s latent passion for acting was first kindled.

Though he had no formal training in dramatic arts, his natural flair and deep, resonant voice quickly attracted the attention of senior theatre personalities in Mumbai’s burgeoning Marathi stage circuit. Encouraged by colleagues, Lagoo began attending workshops and auditions, sharing the stage with future legends of Marathi theatre. His breakthrough came in a supporting role in a Marathi adaptation of Vijay Tendulkar’s Ghashiram Kotwal, earning him critical acclaim and invitations to work with established directors.

Meeting Reema Lagoo: A Partnership of Talent and Trust

In the same Union Bank office where Lagoo discovered his dramatic calling, he met Reema Lagoo (née Vaidya), a young banking officer with aspirations for acting. Reema, who joined the bank in 1976, was equally drawn to the performing arts and had already dabbled in Marathi and Hindi commercials. Their common interest led to collaboration on several bank-sponsored cultural programs, and audiences quickly noticed their on-stage chemistry.

After dating for two years, the pair married in 1978 in a simple, intimate ceremony attended by family and friends. The union of Lagoo and Lagoo (Reema adopted his surname) became one of the most celebrated partnerships in Mumbai’s theatre community. They performed together in numerous Marathi stage productions—ranging from social satires to romantic dramas—and later transitioned seamlessly to Hindi television and cinema.

Flourishing Careers in Theatre and Television

Over the next two decades, both Vivek and Reema Lagoo rose to prominence in their respective fields:

Marathi Theatre: Vivek Lagoo became known for his portrayals of complex characters in plays by playwrights such as Vijay Tendulkar, Mahesh Elkunchwar, and P.L. Deshpande. His roles often explored middle-class dilemmas, moral conflicts, and social satire. Memorable performances in Adoltunay, Barrister, and Gele Dhole cemented his reputation as a versatile actor.
Hindi Television: Reema Lagoo achieved national fame with motherly roles in popular serials such as Shriman Shrimati (1994–1999) and Naamkaran (2006–2009). Viewers adored her warm screen presence and maternal empathy, making her one of television’s most revered actresses.
Cinematic Contributions: While Lagoo focused primarily on theatre, he also took character roles in Marathi and Hindi films—often playing dignified patriarchs or mentors. His understated performances in Marathi films like Chitleen and Hindi features such as Sarfarosh (1999) earned critical praise.

Throughout this period, Vivek and Reema supported each other’s projects, sharing creative insights and sustaining each other through the demands of show business. Their Mumbai home often doubled as a rehearsal space, brimming with scripts, costume racks, and impromptu readings.

Personal Life: Joys, Challenges, and Separation

In 1984, the couple welcomed their only child, daughter Mrunmayi Lagoo. From an early age, Mrunmayi was immersed in her parents’ artistic milieu—attending rehearsals, reading scripts, and accompanying them to shoots. The Laggos were celebrated as a close-knit family, balancing the rigors of professional life with Sunday lunches, board games, and annual vacations to Pune.

However, like many creative couples, they encountered personal and professional challenges. Reema’s burgeoning film and television career demanded long days and travel, while Vivek’s theatre commitments grew increasingly intense. By the mid-1990s, the couple made the difficult decision to part ways. Yet, their separation was conducted with mutual respect; they never publicly aired grievances or engaged in legal battles over property or custody.

In subsequent interviews, Vivek Lagoo described their parting as “an evolution rather than a fracture.” He praised Reema’s talents and acknowledged that their daughter’s upbringing—shared equally—remained their foremost priority. Reema, for her part, often spoke of Vivek as her “dearest co-parent and stage partner,” emphasizing that their bond transcended marital status.

Reema Lagoo’s Sudden Demise and Its Aftermath

On May 18, 2017, the entertainment world was stunned by the announcement of Reema Lagoo’s untimely passing. While returning home after completing a day’s shoot for the television serial Naamkaran, she complained of chest pains and was rushed to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Tragically, she suffered a massive cardiac arrest and could not be revived. She was 59.

The outpouring of grief was unprecedented. Fans, co-stars, and industry veterans attended her funeral at the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple grounds, sharing fond anecdotes of her generosity and mentorship. Mrunmayi Lagoo, then 33, delivered an emotional eulogy, recalling her mother’s laughter and the lessons of kindness she bestowed. In the years that followed, Mrunmayi channeled her grief into preserving her mother’s legacy, curating memorial theatre productions and a documentary on Reema’s life.

Mrunmayi Lagoo: Sustaining the Family’s Artistic Heritage

Following her parents’ footsteps, Mrunmayi Lagoo pursued a career in the arts. Educated in film direction at the Whistling Woods International Institute, she established herself as a thoughtful writer and director:

Thappad (2020): As an assistant writer, she contributed to character development and dialogue for the critically acclaimed social drama on domestic violence, starring Taapsee Pannu.
Scoop (2023): She served as a creative consultant on this anthology series that dramatized real-life journalistic investigations, earning plaudits for its authenticity.
Theatre Direction: Mrunmayi has also directed several Marathi plays, including Maun Vrutta and Chaitra Poornima, showcasing her flair for blending contemporary themes with traditional stagecraft.

In interviews, she credits both parents for instilling discipline, empathy, and a love for storytelling. “I grew up backstage,” she recalls. “My mother taught me the beauty of vulnerability on screen, while my father showed me the power of silence and presence on stage.”

Vivek Lagoo’s Final Years: Dedication Amid Health Struggles

After Reema’s passing in 2017, Vivek Lagoo immersed himself more deeply in regional theatre, directing and producing plays that toured Pune, Kolhapur, and Nashik. He also mentored young actors through workshops at the National School of Drama’s Mumbai centre. Despite his advancing age, he remained remarkably active—juggling rehearsals, script readings, and guest lectures.

However, colleagues noticed signs of fatigue over the past year. In April 2025, Lagoo experienced chest discomfort during a rehearsal for a new Marathi play Maya Grahon Ka. He was hospitalized for observation and prescribed lifestyle modifications. Ever the professional, he resumed workshops within weeks, insisting to admirers, “Theatre keeps me alive.”

Tragically, on June 19, Lagoo complained of sudden severe chest pain at his Juhu residence. Mrunmayi, now a mother herself, rushed him to a nearby hospital but was informed that he had suffered an acute myocardial infarction. He was pronounced dead at 3:15 AM IST. The news was confirmed by his family in a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by Vivek’s passing. He was a loving father, a devoted artist, and an incomparable teacher. We request privacy as we mourn our loss.”

Final Rites and the Mumbai Theatrical Community’s Homage

On June 20, hundreds of mourners gathered at the Oshiwara Crematorium to pay homage. A traditional Marathi “shraddha” ceremony was conducted by the family, followed by an open-air procession of photographs, floral garlands, and lighting of oil lamps. Among the mourners were:

Naseeruddin Shah – who recalled Lagoo’s “unassuming genius” in a tearful tribute.
Mrunmayi Lagoo – who placed her father’s favourite copy of Shakespeare’s Hamlet on the pyre.
Manoj Joshi and Sachin Khedekar – fellow theatre veterans who performed the final rites.
Dr. Sangeeta Datta – Bollywood’s beloved production designer, who met Lagoo during early television collaborations.

Social media was flooded with tributes under the hashtag #RIPVivekLagoo, as admirers shared clips of his performances, cherished anecdotes of his generosity, and photos from personal visits. Theatre groups in Pune and Mumbai observed two-minute silences during evening shows as a mark of respect.

Legacy: A Life That Bridged Stage and Screen

Vivek Lagoo’s passing marks the end of an era in Marathi theatre and character acting. His contributions can be summarized as follows:

Pioneering Regional Theatre: He played a pivotal role in elevating Marathi stagecraft to national recognition, embracing both classical texts and contemporary narratives.
Mentorship: Over four decades, he mentored hundreds of young actors—including many who now lead commercial and experimental theatre troupes.
Seamless Crossover: He demonstrated how regional theatre actors could transition successfully to Hindi television and cinema without compromising artistic integrity.
Family Partnership: His personal and professional collaboration with Reema Lagoo remains an exemplar of creative camaraderie, inspiring subsequent generations of actor couples.

In the words of theatre critic Ranjit Hoskote, “Vivek Lagoo embodied the soul of Marathi theatre—rigorous, poetic, and profoundly humane. His departure leaves a void that cannot be easily filled.”

Looking Ahead: Honouring a Storied Career

Plans are already underway to commemorate Lagoo’s life and work:

Retrospective Festival: The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai will host a weeklong festival showcasing recordings of his landmark plays, accompanied by panel discussions on his theatrical methodology.
Scholarship in His Name: Friends and admirers are collaborating with the Mumbai Theatre Trust to establish the “Vivek Lagoo Scholarship,” awarded annually to promising young actors from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Documentary Project: Mrunmayi Lagoo is developing a feature-length documentary chronicling her father’s journey—from a bank clerk to a theatre legend—set for release in late 2026.

Conclusion: An Artist Remembered with Fondness and Respect

As condolences pour in from across India and abroad, the life of Vivek Lagoo stands as a testament to the enduring power of theatre and the bonds forged through collaborative creativity. His decades-long partnership with Reema Lagoo, his unwavering commitment to his craft, and his generosity as a mentor have left an indelible impact on Indian performing arts.

Though the final curtain has fallen on his life, Vivek Lagoo’s legacy will continue to inspire actors, directors, and audiences for generations to come. In the words of Mrunmayi Lagoo at her father’s farewell: “He taught me that life, like theatre, is about presence—showing up fully, listening deeply, and telling the truth. His voice may have faded, but its echo will always remain on the stage and in our hearts.”

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