Veteran Actor Dheeraj Kumar Dies of Heart Attack, Pneumonia

Renowned Indian actor, producer, and director Dheeraj Kumar died at the age of 79 in a Mumbai hospital.

According to family sources, he passed away at 11:40 am on Tuesday, with his son Ashutosh Kumar present. According to medical officials, Dheeraj Kumar was suffering from severe pneumonia and was on a ventilator in the ICU.

The report said that he suffered a heart attack, due to which he could not survive. Hospital officials said that the necessary paperwork would take two to three hours, while his burial is expected tomorrow after the arrival of relatives from Punjab.

A statement issued by Dheeraj Kumar’s family said that he was a distinguished artist, director, and producer who rendered invaluable services to the film and TV industry. With his demise, the showbiz industry has lost a talented personality.

Dheeraj Kumar entered the showbiz industry in 1965 and was a finalist in a famous talent show along with Subhash Ghai and Rajesh Khanna, in which Rajesh Khanna was declared the winner. Dheeraj Kumar showed his acting skills in 21 Punjabi films between 1970 and 1984.

He founded his own production company called ‘Creative Eye,’ of which he was also the chairman and managing director. Among his famous film roles was the song ‘Kya Karon Saajan, Aaye Na Balam’ in the film ‘Swami,’ which was modelled on him, while his acting in films like ‘Heera Pana’ and ‘Raton Ka Raja’ was also appreciated.