Indian Celebrities Who Died in 2017: Shashi Kapoor, Om Puri, Vinod Khanna & Other Celebs Who Passed Away This Year

Death is inevitable. This is the ultimate truth and there’s no escaping from it. However, the news of the famous personalities’ death leaves us in a complete state of shock. 2017 has been no different with several well-known figures leaving the mortal world behind for the heavenly abode. The year saw the demise of famous Bollywood stars Shashi Kapoor, Om Puri, Reema Lagoo, actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna among many. These notable names touched upon our lives in many ways and their departure has created a huge void. Nonetheless, these superstars will always be etched in our memories for the legacy they left behind. We look at a list of Indian personalities who passed away this year.

1. Shashi Kapoor

Legendary Indian actor-producer, Shashi Kapoor passed away on December 4, 2017. After battling with prolonged illness, the veteran actor died at the age of 79. The entire Hindi cinema industry thronged at his funeral to pay their last respects to the benevolent actor. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also offered his condolences. He was quoted saying, “Shashi Kapoor’s versatility could be seen in his movies as well as in theatres, which he promoted with great passion. His brilliant acting will be remembered for generations to come. Saddened by the demise. Condolences to his family and admires”. The evergreen star of the 70s won our hearts with his memorable performances in blockbusters such as Deewar, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Kalyug, Junoon in his remarkable career boasting of more than 160 films.

2. Shyama

Shyama was an Indian film actress best known for her roles in movies like Aar Paar, Barsaat Ki Raat, Tarana, Milan, Bhai Bhai, Mirza Sahiban, Bhabhi and Sharda. She was awarded the Filmfare for Best Supporting Actress for her terrific performance in 1957 film Sharda. At the age of 82, Shyama died on November 14, 2017, in Mumbai.

3. Lekh Tandon

One of the finest filmmakers and actors, Lekh Tandon passed away on October 15. He was 88. The veteran director who helmed several television serials, as well as films, is often credited as the man who discovered Bollywood superstar-actor Shah Rukh Khan. He cast King Khan in his 1988 TV serial Dil Dariya. One of his career high moments was the selection of his 1966 film, Amrapali starring Sunil Dutt and Vyjayanthimala as Indian entry for best foreign language film at 39th Academy Awards. Lekh Tandon was laid to his eternal rest after cremation in Mumbai.

4. Tom Alter

Yet another shocking death that jolted cinema lovers was that of Tom Alter. The Indian actor of American Presbyterian missionaries’ ancestry was one of most notable figures in Hindi cinema to breath their last this year. Tom was suffering from skin cancer and he died on September 29 at the age of 70. The terrific performer is remembered for his roles in crime drama such as Parinda, blockbuster romantic film Aashiqui as well as Sardar in which Alter essayed the role of Lord Mountbatten are still evergreen.

5. Inder Kumar

Inder Kumar was an Indian actor best known for playing supporting roles in Salman Khan starrers such as Wanted, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge and Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye. He passed away on July 28, 2017, at the age of 43 after suffering from a severe cardiac arrest. Actors Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon who worked with Inder took to Twitter to condole his death. Other stars Abhishek Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Riteish Deshmukh, Arjun Rampal and Tusshar Kapoor also paid their last respects to the late actor.

6. Reema Lagoo

We lost the most beloved on-screen mother this year with the death of Reema Lagoo. A well-known actress in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, Lagoo breathed her last on May 18, after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. She was 58 at the time of her death. The news of the sudden demise came as a shock to the entertainment industry. Fans took a while to come to terms with the versatile actress’ death. Reema Lagoo has passed away leaving behind a remarkable and irreplaceable place. Some of her memorable roles were in films like Vaastav: The Reality, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hai Kaun. During her last days, she was seen playing a negative role in a daily soap titled Naamkaran and was doing a tremendous job.

7. Vinod Khanna

Indian actor turned politician, Vinod Khanna died on April 27, 2017. He was 70 at the time of his death. Touted as one of the most handsome actors in the film industry, Vinod Khanna has left behind a legacy with a string of memorable roles in films like Mere Apne, Kuchhe Dhaage, Gaddaar, Imtihaan, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Inkaar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rajput and The Burning Train. The news of the death came as a shocker for his grieving fans and followers. Everyone from cinema industry to other public personalities, took to social media to remember the actor and offer condolences to his family.

8. Om Puri

We lost another gem of an actor and performer with the death of Om Puri. The award-winning Indian actor made a mark in both mainstream commercial films as well as independent and niche art movies. Puri died at the age of 66 due to a heart attack on January 6, 2017. Nevertheless, the veteran actor still occupies a place in our hearts with his tremendous performances in films like Aakrosh, Arohan, Sadgati, Tamas, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Chachi 420.

There is a sense of emptiness in our lives with these demises. No amount of mourning is enough to get over the pain of losing these phenomenal personalities forever. Nevertheless, we should remember that death is an eternal truth and we must learn to cope with it. As these great souls’ rest in peace, we can always cherish their memorable contributions to our lives.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 07, 2017 09:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).