MUMBAI: Mumbai is grieving the loss of veteran producer-actor Dheeraj Kumar Kochhar, founder of Bombay Stock Exchange-listed Creative Eye, who passed away this morning at the age of 79. Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Saturday following a severe bout of fever, cold, and cough, which was later diagnosed as acute pneumonia.
Despite intensive treatment and ventilator support in the intensive care unit, his condition remained unresponsive. He breathed his last on the morning of 15 July following cardiac arrest. Tellychakkar, a sister publication, confirmed his passing while under close medical supervision.
A graduate of the Film & Television Institute Pune, Kumar’s career spanned decades, seeing him carve a formidable reputation as a top producer for both Doordarshan and private satellite television channels. He also graced the silver screen, acting in numerous films.
His prolific production house, Creative Eye, was behind a vast array of popular television shows, including the likes of Kahan Gaye Who Log, Adalat, Sansaar, the iconic Om Namah Shivay, Dhoop Chaon, Shree Ganesh, Jaane Anjaane, Om Namo Narayan, Ruby Duby Hub Dub, Miilee, Jodi Kamaal Ki, Betiyann, Hamari Bahu Tulsi, and Ishq Subhan Allah, among many others. As an actor, his filmography included Painter Babu, Darling Darling, Kranti, Heera Panna, Raaton Ka Raja and Shreeman Shrimati.
Kumar’s last rites are scheduled for Wednesday at the Pawan Hans Crematorium. He is survived by his wife, Zuby Kochhar, who serves as a whole-time director in Creative Eye.
His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema and television.
