‘Om Namah Shivay’ Director Dheeraj Kumar Passes Away at 79

Veteran director and legendary producer Dheeraj Kumar, best known for creating the iconic TV show ‘Om Namah Shivay‘, left us peacefully at the age of 79.

He passed away on July 15, 2025, in Mumbai after a serious bout of pneumonia that led to respiratory failure. His departure marks the end of a golden era in Indian television and spiritual storytelling.

A Career Built on Faith & Creativity

Born Dheeraj Kochar in 1944, he entered showbiz through a talent hunt and soon appeared alongside big names like Amitabh Bachchan and Dev Anand. But his greatest success came behind the camera when he launched Creative Eye Limited in 1986. Under his leadership, the company produced the mythological epic Om Namah Shivay, which aired from 1997 to 2001 on Doordarshan and became a spiritual staple for millions. The show was unique for its nine-year research on Shiva lore and featured a haunting theme by Pandit Jasraj.

Besides, Dheeraj brought to life many other devotional series—Shree Ganesh, Jai Santoshi Maa—and even modern dramas like Adalat and Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, blending contemporary storytelling with spiritual depth. His vision shaped the TV landscape in the 1990s–2000s and created a lasting template for mythological dramas.

ILLness, ICU, & Final Moments

Earlier this week, Dheeraj was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after he developed pneumonia and began struggling to breathe. Subsequently, doctors placed him on a ventilator in the ICU to support his respiratory function; however, despite receiving intensive care and round-the-clock monitoring, his condition continued to deteriorate. Eventually, and with great sorrow, his family confirmed that he passed away quietly at around 11:40 am. The family released a statement requesting privacy during this difficult time.

Dheeraj remained spiritually rooted until the end. Just days before, he had attended the inauguration of a new ISKCON temple in Navi Mumbai and spoke about humility and devotion, saying that the real VIP is the divine.

Indelible Impact Across Film & TV

Dheeraj Kumar’s journey spanned over fifty years. He began with acting roles in Bollywood and Punjabi cinema—films like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Swami, Heera Panna, and a series of Punjabi hits. Between 1970 and 1984, he appeared in 21 Punjabi films before shifting to production.

But his lasting legacy lies in television. Shows like Om Namah Shivay and Shree Ganesh left spiritual imprints that generations still revisit. His production house, Creative Eye, also introduced modern serials such as Ishq Subhan Allah, which appealed to contemporary audiences without losing moral depth

A Friendly Guide & Humble Soul

Known for his friendly and caring nature, Dheeraj mentored many upcoming actors and directors. He maintained grace and humility despite fame, always treating colleagues and viewers with respect. His theatrical contributions earned him admiration long beyond his film and TV fame. He is survived by his wife Zuby Kochar, and nephew Inder Kochar, continuing the legacy.

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