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, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) and Beharoopia (1971).

Life and career 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.

Filmography

Deedar (1970) Raaton Ka Raja (1971) Baharon Phool Barsao (1972) Bijali (1972) Heera Panna (1973) Sharafat Chod Di Maine (1973) Roti Kapda Aur Makan (1975) Ranga Khush (1975) Angaaray (1976) Daaj (1976) Fauji (1976) (Punjabi film) Udhar ka Sindur (1976) Sher Puttar (1977) Punjabi movie Swami (1977) Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1977) Sargam Sehti Murad (1979) (Punjabi film) Choran Noo Mor (1980) (Punjabi film) Maang Bharo Sajana (1980) Kranti (1981) Pyaas (1982) Paanchwin Manzil (1983) Hamar Bhauji (1983) Purana Mandir (1984) Bepanaah (1985) as Sheshnag Karm Yudh (1985) as Kundan

Television

Director/Producer

Kahan Gaye Woh Log (1986) (Director) Adalat (1986) Sansaar (1993) Om Namah Shivay (1997) Dhoop Chhaon (1999) Jap Tap Vratt (2000) Shree Ganesh (2000) Channel: Sony Sach (2001) Jaane Anjaane (2001) Paowan (2004) Channel: Hungama TV Kya Muhjse Dosti Karoge (2004) Channel: Hungama TV Hey...Yehii To Haii Woh! (2004) Channel: Star One Om Namo Narayan (2004) Channel: Sahara One Bandham Ruby Duby Hub Dub (2005) Channel: Sahara One Miilee (2006) Channel: Star Plus Jodee Kamal Ki (2006) Channel: Star Plus Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann (2006) Channel: Zee TV Man Mein Hai Visshwas (2006) Channel: Sony Hamari Bhau Tulsi (2007) Channel Maayka (2007) Channel: Zee TV Waqt Batayega Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya (2008) Channel: Sony Jai Ma Vaishanvdevi (2008) Channel: 9x Ganesh Leela (2009) Channel: Sahara One Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam (2009) Channel: Colors Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati (2011) Channel: Sahara One Babosa (2011) Channel: Sony Sawaare Sabke Sapne Preeto (2011) Channel: Imagine TV Neem Neem Shahad Shahad (2011) Channel: Sahara One Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna (2012) Channel: Sahara One Safar Filmy Comedy Ka. (2013) Channel: Sony Sab Nadaniyaan (2013) Channel: Big Magic Singhasan Battisi (2014) Channel: Sony Pal Betaal aur Singhasan Battisi (2015) Channel: Sony Sab Y.A.R.O Ka Tashan (2016) Channel: Sony Sab Ishq Subhan Allah (2018) Channel: Zee TV

Web series Ishq Aaj Kal (2019)

Television Year Serial Role Channel 2003 Ghar Sansaar Amar DD National