Year Ender 2023: As we wrap another year, we remember those who passed away leaving behind their noteworthy contribution to Indian cinema
Updated On: 2023-12-30 09:13 PM IST
Compiled by : Athulya Nambiar
Subi Suresh (1981-2023)
Subi Suresh, one of the most popular faces on television, a famous anchor and film actress passed away at a private hospital. She had been ailing with liver complications for a while. Subi hit the screen as a mimicry artiste - a rarity among females - and then became a busy TV serial actress. Soon her popularity increased and was known for her charming and pleasing character
Vijayakanth (1952-2023)
DMDK founder-leader and popular yesteryear Tamil actor Vijayakanth who sowed the seeds of hope among his fans, admirers and the people on the possibility of a real alternative to the Dravidian majors, the DMK and AIADMK died following illness. He was 71. MIOT International hospital said in a press release: "Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023"
Junior Balaiah (1953-2023)
Well-known Tamil actor Junior Balaiah passed away at his residence in Chennai at the age of 70. He died due to asphyxiation. Junior Balaiah was born Raghu Balaiah and is the son of leading Tamil actor TS Balaiah. Born in 1953, Balaiah acted in some plays before he got into the movies. He is most known for films like 'Karakatakkaran', 'Gopura Vasalile' and 'Sundarakandam'.
Satinder Kumar Khosla (1938-2023)
Veteran actor Satinder Kumar Khosla, popularly known as Birbal, died in his 80s. He passed away due to cardiac arrest. Khosla is best known for his comic characters. His distinctive look, featuring a bald pate and a thick moustache, made him easily recognisable
Nitin Chandrakant Desai (1965-2023)
Renowned art director Nitin Desai allegedly committed suicide at his own ND Studio in Karjat on Wednesday morning. According to police sources, Desai hanged himself at his studio. Desai, who was in his late 50s, served as art director and production designer for a number of Bollywood and Marathi movies
Akhil Mishra (1956-2023)
Actor Akhil Mishra, known for playing the role of librarian Dubey in Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots, passed away at the age of 58. According to ETimes' report, he was working in the kitchen of his residence and accidentally slipped
Pradeep Sarkar (1955-2023)
Renowned Bollywood director and writer Pradeep Sarkar passed away at the age of 67. The ace filmmaker breathed his last on March 24 around 3:30 AM. According to media reports, Sarkar was on dialysis and his potassium levels had dropped severely.
Pradeep Sarkar made his directorial debut in 2005 with 'Parineeta', which starred Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles. The romantic drama, 'Parineeta' which marked Vidya Balan's debut in Bollywood is still touted as one of the best works of Sarkar's. Besides 'Parineeta', Sarkar is also best known for directing women-centric movies like, 'Laga Chunri Mein Daag', 'Mardaani', and 'Helicopter Eela'.
Satish Kaushik (1956-2023)
Veteran actor and one of the most influential directors in Bollywood, Satish Kaushik passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 66. He is known for his comic roles as Calendar in Anil Kapoor-starrer 'Mr India' and Pappu Pager in 'Deewana Mastana' among many others. Kaushik also gave sterling performances in other films like Subash Ghai's 'Ram Lakhan' and David Dhawan's 'Saajan Chale Sasural'. After delivering movies like 'Tere Naam', 'Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain', 'Tere Sang' among others, Satish cemented his place as one of the finest directors in Bollywood
Pamela Chopra (1948-2023)
Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra's mother and wife of late Yash Chopra passed away this year. She was 74. She was last seen in the Netflix documentary 'The Romantics' for which she faced the camera to talk about her bond with her late husband Yash Chopra and their studio YRF
Junior Mehmood (1956-2023)
Veteran actor Naeem Sayyed, popularly known as Junior Mehmood, was battling stomach cancer. He was 67
Nitesh Pandey (1973-2023)
Famous TV actor Nitesh Pandey died at the age of 51. He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. He had most recently appeared in the TV series 'Anupamaa' alongside Rupali Ganguly
Raj Kumar Kohli (1930-2023)
Renowned filmmaker Raj Kumar Kohli, actor Armaan Kohli's father, passed away at the age of 93 due to heart attack. He was known for his films like 'Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahaani', 'Naagin', 'Badle Ki Aag' and 'Pati Patni aur Tawaif
Innocent (1948-2023)
Veteran Malayalam actor and former MP Innocent passed away in a private hospital in Kochi. He was 75. Apart from battling cancer, the actor also tested positive for Covid thrice in the past three years which took a toll on his health. In his illustrious career spanning over 50 years, Innocent was known for his impeccable comic timing. He started his film career with AB Raj’s Nrithasala in 1972. He has been a part of more than 750 films in his five-decade-long career
Dinesh Phadnis (1966-2023)
Actor Dinesh Phadnis most popularly known for his role as Fredericks in CID passed away this year. He was rushed to the hospital due to liver damage and passed away a couple of days after that
Mamukkoya (1946-2023)
The 76-year-old actor collapsed while taking part in a function connected with a football tournament in Malappuram district and was immediately rushed to a hospital. However, he could not be saved. After his stint in theatre, Mamukkoya made his silver screen debut with 1979 film Anyarude Bhoomi. He has acted in films including Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sandesham, Nadodikattu, Vadakkunokkiyantram, Chakoram, Ramji Rao Speaking, Innathe Chintha Visheyam and Perumazhakkalam among others, proving he can play both comedic and character roles with ease. He even won a Kerala State Award in 2004 and 2008.
Siddique (1954-2023)
Renowned film director Siddique, celebrated for his unique storytelling and authentic portrayal of relatable characters, tragically passed away at the age of 63. He suffered a cardiac arrest. Siddique's death is a significant loss to the film industry, marking the end of an era of unique comedic storytelling. He has left behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers
Poojappura Ravi (1936-2023)
Veteran Malayalam actor Poojappura Ravi has passed away in Marayur, Idukki district, Kerala. He was 86. He was suffering from breathing difficulties and passed away while being taken to the hospital
RS Shivaji (1956-2023)
RS Shivaji breathed his last at the age of 66 following a heart attack. hroughout his illustrious career, RS Shivaji graced the silver screen in numerous memorable roles. Some of his iconic films include Sathya, Apoorva Sagodharangal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Anbe Sivam, Aayutha Ezhuthu, Soorarai Pottru, Kolamavu Kokila, and Gargi
Vaibhavi Upadhyay (1984-2023)
Vaibhavi, who portrayed the role of Jasmine in the hit TV show Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai, passed away in a car accident in Himachal Pradesh. She was 38 years old