#PeepingMoon2017: Gone but not forgotten, Celebrity deaths of 2017

By Ramsha Akhtar

on December 22, 2017

2017 saw a shocking loss of some of the great talents in Bollywood. From legendary filmmakers to celebrated actors, we still mourn the loss of these great artists in Bollywood who not only changed the game with their charisma but won the hearts of millions around the world. As 2017 comes to a close, we look back at the celebrities that passed away this past year.

Shashi Kapoor

On the morning of 4^th December, the veteran actor, Shashi Kapoor passed away after a prolonged illness. The actor’s name became synonymous with Indian cinema with his iconic roles that changed the course of Indian Cinema. He was awarded the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 2014 that is regarded as India’s highest award in cinema for his contributions.

Ram Mukerji

One of the founders of Filmaya Studios and Rani Mukerji’s father, filmmaker Ram Mukerji passed on October 22. A director, screenwriter, and producer, Ram Mukerji gave hit films such as Hum Hindustani (1960) and Leader (1964), starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.

Om Puri

The diverse actor’s sudden death came as a huge shock to the entertainment industry. Om Puri was found dead on January 6^th after a fatal heart attack at his Lokhandwala’s Oakland Park residence when the doorbell went unanswered. The veteran actor has appeared in many mainstream as well as independent and art films. He was speculated to receive the Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

Reema Lagoo

The news of Reema Lagoo passing away after suffering a cardiac arrest on the morning of May 18, left the film industry and her fans shocked. The actress was shooting for a television series Naamkarann and later at night complained of chest pain. At the time of death, she was described as being "perfectly fine" and having "no health issues". The actress is widely known for her work in Bollywood and theatre. She has also worked in Marathi cinema and theatre.

Vinod Khanna

Actor, producer and politician, Vinod Khanna was battling bladder cancer when he passed away on 28^th April after being admitted in a hospital for severe dehydration. The actor gave infamous hits such as ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Mere Apne’, ‘Dilwale’, etc. Salman Khan, during his Dabangg – The Tour said, “It is really sad... When Vinod Khanna sir's health became bad and we lost him... It is a great loss to the film industry and to his family.” “We never thought that the heroes we worshiped could ever leave us alone,” he added.

Inder Kumar

The Wanted actor’s death due to cardiac arrest on July 28 came as a shock to the Bollywood fraternity. The actor was suffering long from a prevailing illness and passed away on Friday morning. Inder Kumar has also worked in other notable films such as ‘Baaghi’ and ‘Maa Tujhhe Salaam’. He was known for playing Mihir Virani on the small screen in TV show ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.’

Sitaram Panchal

Sitaram Panchal known for his work in movies like Peepli Live, Paan Singh Tomar and worked alongside Akshay Kumar in Jolly LLB 2 passed away on 9^th of August after long battle with lung cancer and also facing financial difficulties. The actor had taken to Facebook to seek help for his treatment, “Bhaio meri help karo meri cancer se halat kharab hoti ja rahi hai apka kalakar bhai sitaram Panchal.” Bollywood actor, Anil Kapoor extended his help towards the actor whilst asking others to do the same.

Lekh Tandon

Director of the Oscar-nominated film, Amrapali passed away on October 15 due to ill health. The filmmaker was bed-ridden for the last six months and fed through pipe. The revered director gave many hits to Indian cinema such as Professor (1962) and Prince (1969). His first directorial debut in television serial ‘Dil Dariya’ is credited for discovering Bollywood’s Baadshah, Shah Rukh Khan.

Taarak Mehta

Albiet under the radar for many – but no less memorable contributor to popular culture – Taarak Mehta’s Gujrati column Duniya Ne Undha Chasma inspired the popular serial ‘Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah’ which went on to become one of the longest running comedy shows in the television history of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Mr. Mehta’s demise and hailed his works in Gujarati literature recounting how Mr. Mehta, “never left the side of satire and pen.” The writer-columnist was awarded Padma Shri in 2015.

10. Neeraj Vora

The multi-faceted talent Neeraj Vora, known for writing Rangeela, Hera Pheri, Badsha and for directing movies such as Phir Hera Pheri and Khiladi 420, died in Mumbai in the early hours of 14 December, months after being comatose. A room in filmmaker Firoz Nadiadwala's home was converted into a fully functional ICU for Neeraj. He was expected to direct Hera Pheri III until he suffered a stroke in October 2016.