Dheeraj Kumar

Dheeraj Kochar (1 October 1944 – 15 July 2025), professionally known as Dheeraj Kumar, was an Indian actor, television producer and director. He started Creative Eye Limited, a television production house in 1986. He acted in both Bollywood and Punjabi films, including Sargam (1979), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) and Beharoopia (1971).

Kumar was born on 1 October 1944. In 1965, Kumar was one of the finalists in a talent show organized by the United Producers and Filmfare. The other finalists included Subhash Ghai and Rajesh Khanna, Rajesh Khanna was the eventual winner. This helped him launch himself in movies, while simultaneously acting as a model in advertisements including those for Vicks Action 500.

He acted in 21 Punjabi films from 1970 to 1984. He started a production company, Creative Eye and was its chairman and managing director. In the film Swami (1977), the song "Ka Karoon Sajani, Aaye Na Balam" was picturised on him. He also worked in other films like Heera Panna, Raaton Ka Raja (where he was the leading man), Shreeman Shrimati, etc.

Kumar died from acute pneumonia at a hospital in Mumbai, on 15 July 2025, at the age of 80.

• Ishq Aaj Kal (2019)