Deb Mukherjee, renowned veteran actor and filmmaker, passed away on March 14, 2025, at the age of 83 due to health complications, leaving behind heartfelt tributes from family, friends, and fans.
His passing has deeply affected the Bollywood community, as Mukherjee was not only the father of filmmaker Ayan Mukerji but also the uncle of actress Kajol. News of his death prompted several celebrities, including Kajol, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor, to cut short their vacations and rush back to Mumbai to pay their respects. On the day of the funeral, Kajol was seen escorting her mother, veteran actress Tanuja, inside the family residence, emphasizing the close-knit nature of this illustrious family.
The Mukherjee family is rooted deeply within Bollywood history. Deb Mukherjee hailed from the prominent Mukherjee-Samarth family, known for its significant contributions to Hindi cinema across generations. His father, Sashadhar Mukherjee, was instrumental with Bombay Talkies during the 1930s, helping to shape the film industry as we know it today. Besides Ayan, who is now making his mark as a director, Deb had another daughter, Sunita, from his first marriage, who is married to director Ashutosh Gowariker.
Several notable figures arrived at Ayan's home following the unfortunate news, including Jaya Bachchan, who was seen giving Kajol emotional support during this difficult time. Alia Bhatt, traveling with Ranbir Kapoor, was also observed returning from Alibaug where they were celebrating Alia's birthday. Their swift return to Mumbai speaks volumes about their close bond with Ayan.
At the funeral, Ranbir Kapoor took on the poignant role of pallbearer, carrying Deb Mukherjee's mortal remains. His act of respect and affection for Ayan highlighted the camaraderie shared among Bollywood elite during moments of grief. Many other familiar faces, including Karan Johar, Sidharth Malhotra, and Deepika Padukone, were also present, demonstrating the deep respect and admiration held for Mukherjee within the film community.
Deb Mukherjee's film career was marked by several notable roles, appearing in classics such as Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar and Kaminey. He was admired not just for his acting talent but also for his participation at cultural events, especially the North Bombay Durga Puja, which has attracted numerous stars annually. His warm demeanor and familial spirit during these rituals have made him fondly remembered by those who knew him.
The funeral proceedings took place at Pawan Hans Crematorium, where family and friends gathered to pay their final respects at 4 PM the same day as his passing. Ayan Mukerji's friends and relatives, including fellow actors and producers, consciously expressed their condolences at this trying moment, reinforcing the support system within this beloved familial circle.
While Deb Mukherjee's legacy primarily lies within his cinematic contributions, it is evident through the gathered crowd and the grief on his family's faces, as well as their fond remembrances shared on social media, how deeply he was loved, revered, and respected. The film fraternity's participation at the funeral is reflective of the realities of loss faced within this tightly-knit community, where every departure resonates collectively.
Deb Mukherjee leaves behind not just his immediate family but also the broader legacy of his work and his contribution to the cultural richness of the Hindi film industry. His family members, especially those who continued to tread upon his footsteps, must now carry on his rich heritage, ensuring his memory and impact live on through their future projects and contributions.