2021 was one of the worst years in the history of Indian cinema as we lost several legendary celebrities. Be it Dilip Kumar's heartbreaking death or Surekha Sikri's final goodbye, this year was a tough one for all cine-buffs. 

As we enter 2022 soon, here's paying a tribute to all the talented souls we lost this year!

RAJIV KAPOOR

On February 9,late filmmaker Raj Kapoor's youngest son, Rajiv Kapoor, breathed his last. Rajiv, who was Randhir Kapoor and late Rishi Kapoor's brother, suffered a cardiac arrest. Randhir and Rishi's son Ranbir Kapoor were with Rajiv. The 58-year-old, better known as Chimpu, is best remembered for his performance in Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) and Ek Jaan Hain Hum (1983). He directed the film Prem Granth starring Rishi in the lead. 

SHRAVAN RATHOD 

The '90s popular music director Shravan Kumar Rathod, of popular composer duo Nadeem-Shravan, passed away on April 22. He was critically ill and in hospital after testing COVID-19 positive. Shravan, 66, was admitted to Raheja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai, and passed due to complications caused by the novel coronavirus. Musicians Nadeem-Shravan were hailed as melody kings back in the nineties era.  Some of their superhit tracks include Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Saajan, Sadak, Deewana, and Pardes.

AMIT MISTRY

On April 23, Hindi and Gujarati film industry lost a prominent actor. Renowned artist Amit Mistry breathed his last after suffering a major cardiac arrest. Amit was a popular face in Gujarati and Hindi films as well as television shows. He was last seen in Amazon Prime Video's web series Bandish Bandits. Amit featured in films like Shor In The City, A Gentleman, Bey Yaar (Gujarati) and many others. He played the role of Birbal in Sab TV's Tenali Rama. 

BIKRAMJEET KANWARPAL

Actor Bikramjeet Kanwarpal, who has been a part of many popular films, TV shows and web series, passed away on May 1 due to COVID-19 complications. He was 52 years old. On the work front, the renowned actor was last seen in Disney Plus Hotstar’s popular web series Special Ops. A retired army officer, Kanwarpal  played supporting roles in many films and television serials. In 1989 he commissioned into the Indian Army. He retired from the army in 2002 as a Major. In 2003, he debuted in Bollywood to fulfill his childhood dream of being an actor and had acted since then in many films.

RAJ KAUSHAL

On June 30, popular actress Mandira Bedi lost her husband, filmmaker Raj Kaushal, to cardiac arrest. Raj, a known producer, was 49. Raj is survived by his wife Mandira, son Vir and daughter Tara Bedi Kaushal. Tara was welcomed into the family via adoption in October 2020. Workwise, Raj directed films like Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Shaadi Ka Laddoo and Anthony Kaun Hai. He tied the knot with Mandira in 1999.

DILIP KUMAR

On July 7, it was the end of an era, the end of a iconic journey as legendary veteran actor Dilip Kumar breathed his last at 98 due to health issues. Born as Mohammed Yusuf Khan on December 11, 1922, in Qissa Khawani Bazaar area of Peshawar, Pakistan, Dilip Sahab belonged to the Golden Age of Hindi cinema. After an alleged altercation with his father, the actor left home for Pune in Maharashtra. In early 1943, with Ashok Kumar's help, Dilip Sahab bagged the lead role in Jwar Bhata (1944). After some unsuccessful films, he starred in Jugnu (1947) alongside Noor Jehan which became his first major hit at the box office. Later, Dilip Ji starred in some of the most successful and highest grossing Indian films of all times. The recipient of Padma Vibhushan, he was elected to Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, from 2000–2006. 

SUREKHA SIKRI

Just when Bollywood was getting over its previous loss, the industry lost another precious gem on July 16. National Award-winning actress Surekha Sikri breathed her last at the age of 75 in Mumbai. The veteran actress was keeping unwell for quite some time now. The three-time National Award winner passed away due to cardiac arrest. Surekha won National Awards for Tamas (1988), Mammo (1995) and Badhaai Ho (2018). She is also the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1989 for her contribution to Hindi theatre. Her career spanned theatre, films and television. Her last project was Netflix's anthology, Ghost Stories.

SIDHARTH SHUKLA

September 2 was the most shocking day of 2021. Bigg Boss 13 winner and renowned TV actor Sidharth Shukla passed away in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest. The actor was reportedly taken to the Cooper Hospital in Mumbai and was declared dead on arrival. Sidharth, who had just started the second innings of his career after winning Bigg Boss 13 in 2019, bid goodbye to the world too soon. His death came across as a big shock to all #SidNaaz fans as well. For the unvered, SidNaaz is Sidharth's hashtag with his close friend Shehnaaz Gill whom he met on BB 13. Workwise, the late actor made his acting debut in Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na in 2008. He went on to participate in reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi and won Bigg Boss 13. Sidharth is survived by his mother Rita Shukla and elder sisters. 

MINOO MUMTAZ

On October 23, veteran actress Minoo Mumtaz, who won everyone's heart with her journey in Bollywood, passed away. At the age of 79, she bid farewell to the world. She passed away in Canada and her brother Anwar Ali has informed about it. Minoo Mumtaz appeared in many Hindi films of the 1950s and 1960s, mostly as a dancer and character actress. Born as Malikunnisa Ali, she was renamed as Minoo by none other than Meena Kumari. She started off as a stage dancer and later as dancer many films of the 50s and 60s with her first film Sakhi Hateem. She also played the lead role opposite Balraj Sahni in Black Cat (1959).

MADHAVI GOGATE

On November 22, another renowned actress lost her life to COVID-19. Popular actress Madhavi Gogate, who played the role of Rupali Ganguly's mother in the daily soap Anupamaa, breathed her last. As per reports, she contracted the virus a few days ago and was seeking treatment. It was being said that she was admitted to a hospital in Andheri after her health deteriorated. Madhavi was 58 years old and had done notable work in the Hindi and Marathi entertainment industry.