Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas Co-Star Vijay Crishna Passes Away At 81; Anupam Kher, Lillete Dubey Pen Heartfelt Tribute

Veteran actor Vijay Crishna, renowned for his exceptional performances in Indian cinema and his presence on stage, has passed away. He played Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas in 2002 and also appeared in the 2010 film Guzaarish. His filmography includes notable roles in films like Gandhi and PK.

Vijay Crishna Passed Away At 81

The news of his demise was confirmed on March 3–4, 2026, with industry colleagues and fans paying heartfelt tributes to the beloved artist, whose contributions spanned decades both on stage and on screen. The exact cause of his death has not been officially revealed.

Celebrated for his commanding stage presence and subtle on-screen performances, Vijay Crishna was highly respected for his dedication to his craft by audiences and fellow artists alike. Outside of his acting career, he served as an executive director for many years in the Godrej family-run businesses before retiring in 2021. He is survived by his wife, Smita Crishna, a prominent stock trader, and their daughters, Nyrika Holkar and Freyan.

Lillete Dubey Pens Emotional Note

Actress Lillete Dubey remembered him fondly. She wrote, “Heartbroken.. our dearest Vijay Crishna .. part of our theatre family & ‘Dance like a Man’ for over 25 years .. has passed away.. a man of many parts .. a brilliant actor, handsome, charming, bright with his dry tongue-in-cheek trademark humour, he was much loved & cherished by us all .. so many memories flood the heart & mind & overwhelm me ..”

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She added, “RIP my Jairaj .. you will never be forgotten.. May you entertain the angels as you did us all here .. love & prayers for his lovely wife Smita, girls Nyrika & Freyan & the whole family ..”

About Devdas

Following Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999, Bhansali’s ambitions soared with Devdas, which became India’s most expensive film at the time and even set a Guinness World Record for its staggering budget. A throwback video shared by Bhansali Productions on Instagram takes viewers back to 2002, reminiscing about the film’s grandeur.

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