Remembering the ones we lost: Celebrity deaths in 2021

As the end of the year approaches, we take a moment to remember a few celebrities and public figures who died in 2021, leaving behind their legacy.

1.  Dilip Kumar

Acting legend Dilip Kumar died on July 7, 2021, at the age of 98 after a prolonged illness.  Known for his monumental roles in films like Mughal-E-Azam, Madhumati and Devdas, the Bollywood icon married popular 60s actor Saira Banu, who was apparently been in love with the star since she was 12 years old.  The two worked alongside in many films and were married when Saira was 22 years old and Dilip Kumar was 44. The two stayed together for 54 years and had no children.

Also Read: Dilip Kumar’s directorial film, ‘Kalinga’ to be revived, released by Sangeeta Ahir

2.  Sidharth Shukla

The Balika Vadhu actor and television personality died on September 2, 2021, succumbing to a heart attack. The 40-year-old actor rose to fame after winning the Reality TV show Bigg Boss Season 13. He was seen alongside his love interest and Punjabi actor Shehnaaz Gill. Shukla was taken to the Cooper Hospital in Mumbai but had already died before getting there. A month after his demise, Shehnaaz released a tribute music video titled ‘Tu Yaheen Hai’.

Also Read: Salman Khan misses Sidharth Shukla, says he left too soon

3.  Surekha Sikri

Veteran actor Surekha Sikri, who was known for her pivotal roles in ‘Balika Vadhu’, a popular Indian soap opera, died on July 16, 2021, of cardiac arrest. The 75-year-old actor won various prestigious awards during her career. She also acted in the hit 2018 film ‘Badhaai Ho’.

 4.  Rajiv Kapoor

Member of the Kapoor clan and the youngest son of actor, producer and director Raj Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor died on February 9 of a heart attack. The actor and director rose to prominence in the 1985 romance film, ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’.

Other popular Indian public figures, including director Raj Kaushal, television anchor Rohit Sardana, senior journalist Vinod Dua, environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna, veteran athlete Milkha Singh and India’s first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat also died this year, leaving their legacy behind.

Among notable international figures, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99. The cause of death stated in his death certificate was “old age”.

English actors Una Stubbs and Helen Mcrory, English footballer Jimmy Greaves, and British musician Charlie Watts were a few other notable icons who also died this year.