Lockdown Anniversary: Actors who died in 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemic

The year 2020 has been cruel to the showbiz world, as some of the noted celebrities bid this world goodbye and left for their heavenly abode. From Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and ace choreographer Saroj Khan - the absence of these legendary stars have created a void that can never be filled. With one year to lockdown (March 24) induced due to the deadly novel coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic let's take a look at celebrities who left this world in the year gone by.

The popular television actress Divya Bhatnagar, who is best known for 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' died on Monday, December 7 due to coronavirus COVID-19 complications. She was 34. TV star Devoleena Bhattacharjee and actress Shilpa Shirodkar took to social media to pay condolences to Divya with emotional notes.

Divya Bhatnagar was admitted to a Mumbai hospital a week ago in a critical condition after she tested positive for COVID-19. Besides 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', Divya had also featured in shows like 'Tera Yaar Hoon Main', 'Udaan', 'Jeet Gayi Toh Piyaa Morre' and 'Vish' among others.

The revered poet Rahat Indori left this world for his heavenly abode on August 11. He suffered a cardiac arrest after testing positive for coronavirus COVID-19 in Indore. Rahat Indori was admitted to Aurobindo Hospital. He was 70. A tweet from the poet's verified Twitter profile read that he died of cardiac arrest at 5.30 pm on Tuesday (August 11).

Earlier today, Rahat Indori had shared that he got tested for coronavirus after facing some initial symptoms. The celebrated poet had also assured his fans that he will keep them updated about his health condition through social media. The nation mourned his untimely demise.

The veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee breathed his last in Kolkata on Sunday, November 15, at around 12:15 pm, Belle Vue Clinic. He was 85. The Dadasaheb Phalke awardee had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital for almost 40 days and his consciousness level went down significantly since Friday. 

Soumitra Chatterjee had tested positive for coronavirus on October 5 and got admitted to the hospital the very next morning. He had later tested negative for the infection but COVID encephalopathy had set in and various other complications surfaced.

The legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, also hailed as the 'singing moon' of the nation breathed his last on Friday (September 25, 2020) at 1.04 pm. His last rites were performed with full state honours amid an ocean of gathering including fans, colleagues and family paying a tearful adieu. The 'music cloud' was laid to rest at the family farmhouse in Thamaraipakkam, in the outskirts of Chennai on Saturday afternoon. A 24-gun salute by Tamil Nadu police was given to the departed soul as the onlookers paid their last respects.  

SP Balasubrahmanyam, also known as SPB, was admitted to Chennai's MGM Healthcare hospital on August 5 after developing mild symptoms of the deadly novel coronavirus COVID-19. He gave a tough fight but sadly succumbed to the virus.

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. His death sent shock waves across the globe. He left his family, friends and fans grieving with a nation-wide appeal seeking justice for him. 

Three premiere agencies - the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are probing the case from various angles including drugs connection and money laundering respectively. 

Renowned actor Shafique Ansari, best known for his appearance in the TV series ‘Crime Patrol’, died of cancer on Sunday (May 10). He was 52. Ansari battled thoracic cancer for two years and some months ago, he was also diagnosed with a lung infection. Speaking to Zee News, his wife Gauhar Ansari said that the actor was well throughout the day, but in the evening, his health suddenly deteriorated and he died.

Veteran Bollywood lyricist Yogesh Gaur passed away in Mumbai on Friday. He was 77. The veteran lyricist was not keeping well for a while now. He was reportedly staying with a disciple in the Mumbai suburb of Nala Sopara.

Television actor Manmeet Grewal, known for shows such as ‘Aadat Se Majboor’ and ‘Kuldeepak’, committed suicide on Friday at his residence in Mumbai due to a financial crisis. Sources said that Manmeet took the drastic step due to unpaid dues and lack of money, work. According to reports, Manmeet committed suicide by hanging himself at his house in Navi Mumbai. He had got married recently. His wife stayed with him in Mumbai while the family lives in Punjab.

Kannada actor Chiranjeevi Sarja's sudden demise sent shock waves across the nation with his family, fans and fellow colleagues mourning his untimely death at the age of 39. He breathed his last on June 7, 2020, at a private hospital in Bengaluru due to cardiac arrest and his last rites were performed on Monday (June 8) at his farmhouse in Kanakpura.

TV actor Jagesh Mukati, best-known for his shows such as ‘Amita Ka Amit’, ‘Shree Ganesh’ and the film ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, died on Wednesday (June 10, 2020) in Mumbai. He had been reportedly admitted to a hospital a few days ago after he complained of breathing problems.

Noted actor Rattan Chopra died on June 12, 2020. He was reportedly battling cancer and breathed his last in Malerkotla Punjab. His real name was Abdul Jabbar Khan. He had a financial crunch, revealed his adopted daughter. He featured in movies such as Mome Ki Gudiya, Aaina to name a few.

Bollywood and Television actor Sachin Kumar died of a heart attack on Friday (May 15, 2020). Many of his colleagues and co-stars from the TV and film industry were shocked with the news of his sudden and untimely demise. Friends and fans mourned his death, saying he was 'always joyful and also a fitness enthusiast'.

Salman Khan's 'Ready' co-star Mohit Baghel, 26, succumbed to cancer. The actor began his career with the comedy show "Chote Miyaan" and was later seen in Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra starrer "Jabariya Jodi". He had recently finished shooting another film with Sidharth Malhotra and was also part of the upcoming film "Bunty Aur Babli 2".

Popular music composer Wajid Khan of 'Sajid-Wajid' duo died of cardiac arrest on June 1, 2020. "Our dearest Wajid passed away at the age of 47 due to a cardiac arrest on 1st of June at 00:30 am in Surana Sethia hospital. He had a successful kidney transplant last year and he was undergoing treatment for a throat infection," the family statement read. Wajid is survived by his wife and two children - a daughter and a son. "We would like to express our gratitude to Dr Prince Surana who is family and has taken care of Wajid just like a brother would, Dr Prashant Kewle, Dr Kirti Sabnis, Dr Nikhil Jain, Dr Rupesh Naik, Dr Dipen Deole, Dr Aseem Thamba and the entire hospital staff who had been treating Wajid and taking care of him beyond the call of duty and had left no stone unturned for his treatment. We thank each of you for your selfless gestures from the bottom of our hearts," the family statement concluded.

Popular television actress Preksha Mehta, best known for featuring in shows such as "Crime Patrol", "Meri Durga" and "Laal Ishq" reportedly committed suicide at her residence on May 25 night. She was 25. According to Hiranagar police station in-charge Rajiv Bhadauria, the actor had been suffering from depression for a while. Her body was found hanging from a ceiling fan by her family members. She left behind a suicide note in which she expressed disappointments regarding her career and relationships.

Indian cinema's one of the noted female stars of yesteryear, Nimmi, breathed her last on Wednesday (March 25, 2020). She died after a prolonged illness and complained of breathlessness before being rushed to the hospital. Nimmi left for her heavenly abode at 6 pm in the evening at her Juhu home, revealed her family spokesperson. 

Popular television and film actor Sai Gundewar, lost his battle to deadly brain cancer on May 10, 2020. Best known for his roles in Aamir Khan starrer 'PK', 'Rock On' and 'David' amongst others, Sai underwent treatment for his illness in the US last year. Sai was seen as a contestant in the popular reality TV show 'MTV Splitsvilla' season 4. He also did cameos in Bollywood movies such as  ' I, Me Aur Main', 'Baazaar', 'Yuvvraaj' and featured on the reality show 'Survivor'. Sai Gundewar married Sapana Amin, a fashion designer, five years back on January 26, 2016. 

Legendary Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan left this world in the wee hours of Friday (July 3, 2020) at around 2 am. She was not keeping well for the past few days and was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra on June 20. The 71-year-old veteran succumbed to cardiac arrest. Saroj Khan had an illustrious movie career spanning four decades with over 200 movies to her credit. Her name is synonymous with brilliant choreography and chartbuster songs in the Hindi movie industry. 

The legendary Hindi filmmaker Basu Chatterjee breathed his last on June 3, 2020. The 93-year-old auteur made some of the classics such as Rajnigandha, Chhoti Si Baat, Khatta Meetha, Baton Baton Mein, Shaukeen to name a few. He assisted revered filmmakers such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Bhattacharya in Teesri Kasam (1966) and in fact, his style of movie-making was considered to be similar to these two.

Rishi Kapoor left this material world for his heavenly abode on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 8.45 am. He was admitted to Mumbai's Sri HN Reliance Foundation hospital on Wednesday night. The thespian was battling Leukemia for the last two years and underwent treatment for it in New York where he stayed for almost a year. He is survived by wife and actress Neetu Kapoor, children Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Indian cinema's gem of an actor Irrfan Khan, 53, breathed his last on Wednesday morning, April 29, 2020. He was rushed to Kokilaben hospital due to colon infection a day before. The actor par excellence battled a rare form of cancer - Neuroendocrine Tumour for two long years and had shared the news of his illness first on social media. As soon as the unfortunate news of his demise broke online, celebs, fans and well-wishers thronged social media to offer their condolences.