Veteran actor Vijay Crishna, renowned for his role as Shah Rukh Khan’s father in the acclaimed film Devdas (2002) directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has passed away at the age of 81. His family has not disclosed the cause of death. Crishna is survived by his wife, Smita Crishna, a well-known businesswoman, and their daughter, Nyrika Holkar. In the wake of his passing, several notable figures from the theatre, film, and television industries have expressed their condolences.

Remembrances from Fellow Actors

Actress Lillete Dubey, a close friend of Crishna, shared heartfelt sentiments on social media, describing him as a brilliant actor and a cherished member of their theatre community. In her tribute, Dubey reminisced about their collaboration in the play Dance Like a Man, recognizing his charm and trademark humor. She expressed deep sadness over his loss and remarked on the many memories they shared together. Other actors, including Anupam Kher, echoed similar sentiments, expressing their sorrow and offering prayers for Crishna’s family.

Crishna’s Contributions to Theatre and Cinema

Vijay Crishna was a prominent figure in Indian theatre with over 25 years of performance experience. He earned accolades for his role in the film Dance Like a Man (2004), which was adapted from a play by Mahesh Dattani. The film, featuring actors such as Shobana, Arif Zakaria, and Anoushka Shankar, also received a National Film Award. Crishna’s role in Devdas, where he starred alongside renowned actors Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, remains one of his most memorable performances in Bollywood.

Business Ventures and Environmental Efforts

In addition to his acting career, Crishna held a significant position as an executive director within the businesses associated with the Godrej family. He began his tenure in 1995 as a non-executive, non-independent director and continued in this role until he retired from the Godrej Industries Board in 2021. Beyond his corporate endeavors, Crishna was recognized for his commitment to environmental sustainability and his patronage of the arts.

Family Background and Legacy

Smita Crishna, his wife, is a leading trader with a reported net worth of 2.5 billion dollars. Their family gained recognition when Smita and Jamshyd Godrej were listed as the 22nd wealthiest individuals in India by Forbes in late 2024. The death of Vijay Crishna has resonated deeply within their family and the broader community, although an official family statement regarding his passing has not yet been released.

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