Mumbai, July 15: Dheeraj Kumar, who appeared in many great films like Heera Panna, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Baharon Phool Barsao and produced shows like Mili, Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyan and Maayka, passed away this afternoon. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday after having trouble breathing, where he was put on ventilator support when his condition became critical. The 79-year-old actor-director had pneumonia.
After Veteran actor, director and producer Dheeraj Kumar was admitted to the hospital, his family issued an official statement and appealed to his fans to pray for his speedy recovery. The family also requested to respect their privacy in this difficult time. The family had said that Dheeraj Kumar was kept under the strict supervision of doctors.
Worked in dozens of films, also made a big contribution to the TV industry
Dheeraj Kumar started his career as a model. He gave a tough competition to Rajesh Khanna in the Filmfare Talent Hunt Competition. In this competition, Rajesh Khanna got the first place, Subhash Ghai got the second and Dheeraj Kumar got the third place. All these three winners entered Hindi cinema and achieved success.
From 1970 to 1985, Dheeraj Kumar did many films like Heera Panna, Shirdi Ke Sai Baba, Sargam, Maang Bharo Sajna, Kranti, Purana Mandir, Karma Yudh and Bepannaah.
After this, he started the production house Creative Eye. Under the banner of this production house, he entered the TV industry as a producer and director. Dheeraj Kumar has produced excellent TV shows like Om Namah Shivay, Shri Ganesh, Mili, Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyan, Mann Mein Hai Vishwas, Ye Pyar Na Hoga Kam, Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna, Nadaniyaan and Ishq Subhan Allah.