Remembering Dheeraj Kumar: Live Coverage of the Veteran Actor-Producer’s Last Rites

On the evening of July 15, 2025, Mumbai’s air was thick with sorrow as the city prepared to say its final farewell to one of its brightest stars—Dheeraj Kumar. The veteran actor and producer, whose influence shaped Indian television for decades, was making his last journey. The streets echoed with the solemn chant, “Ram Naam Satya Hai,” a reminder of life’s impermanence and the legacy one leaves behind.

.

.

.

As the funeral procession wound its way through the city, a tapestry of memories unfolded among those who gathered. The crowd was a blend of family, lifelong friends, colleagues, and countless artists whose lives Dheeraj Kumar had touched. Some questioned the presence of cameras at such an intimate moment, but most understood: Dheeraj’s story was not just his own—it belonged to everyone who had been part of his extraordinary journey.

Among the mourners was Surendra, a friend and collaborator of over forty years. His voice trembled with emotion as he reflected, “Our friendship began even before ‘Mahabharat’ aired, nearly four decades ago. Dheeraj was more than a successful producer—he was a visionary. He created over 48 television shows, each one a milestone. Whenever a powerful role emerged, he’d call me, and I could never say no. His shows like ‘Om Namah Shivay’ and ‘Ghar Sansar’ didn’t just entertain—they made history.”

A young actress, her eyes brimming with tears, shared how Dheeraj Kumar had discovered her in Lucknow for the serial “Betiyan.” “He brought me to Mumbai, gave me a home, treated me as family. He was my godfather. Without him, my journey would never have begun.”

The stories flowed—each a thread in the rich fabric of Dheeraj Kumar’s life. Friends remembered his impeccable style, his sharp wit, and his unwavering generosity. “He was among the most handsome men in the industry, always dressed to perfection, always ready with a smile or a joke. Even years after working together, he kept his bonds strong. We were more than colleagues; we were a family.”

A younger producer recalled the open doors of Dheeraj’s office. “He welcomed everyone, never asking where you came from. He gave me my first break, and his encouragement never wavered. No matter how busy he was, he always found time for a kind word or a blessing.”

As the rituals came to a close, the magnitude of the loss became clear. The entertainment world had lost not just a talented actor and producer, but a mentor, a friend, a guiding light. Dheeraj Kumar’s legacy was more than the iconic shows he created or the roles he played—it was the countless lives he uplifted, the careers he launched, and the love he spread.

Even as the chants faded and the crowd dispersed, a sense of gratitude lingered. Dheeraj Kumar may have left this world, but his spirit, his kindness, and his vision would live on in every story he helped tell, in every life he touched, and in the heart of Indian entertainment forever.