2021 was definitely a year with many ups and downs, highs and lows. With that being said, many lost their dear ones due to COVID, other health issues, along with many other reasons. Before we draw the curtains on 2021, let’s pause for a moment to pay tribute to the precious lives we lost in the year and who will be dearly missed the world over.
1. The First ‘Khan Of Bollywood – Dilip Kumar
After a long battle with age-related illnesses, Dilip Kumar left us all. He was known as the first ‘Khan of Bollywood and gave us many hits – Ganga Jamuna, Ram Aur Shyam and the forever green Mughal-E -Azam costarring Madhubala. Kumar worked in the industry for more than fifty years and gave us many hits to remember him by.
7 Things To Know About The Real Life Hero Dilip Kumar (Including His REAL Name)
2. Virgil Abloh – The Man Behind Some Of Louis Vuitton’s Finest
Virgil was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in 2018 and in early 2021 was the man behind LV’s finest collections and creations. His sudden demise was a shock and friends, other fashion houses all paid tributes to the late fashion powerhouse.
3. Sidhart Shukla – Bigg Boss 13 Sensation
Sidharth Shukla passed away due to a cardiac arrest in Mumbai. He began his career with ‘Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na’ in 2008, then in 2014 he went on to star in ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’ and soon became a household name after he participated in Bigg Boss 13. The news of his sudden demise shocked family, friends , many of whom were left visibly devastated.
4. Ali Sadpara – And The Mountains Echoed
Ali Sadpara, accompanying 2 mountaineers, Snorri and Mohr set out for an expedition to summit the mighty K-2. Unfortunately, the news of his disappearance surfaced and search operations were set out but no sign of him was found. Months later his and his companions’ bodies were found by Madison Mountaineering Sherpa Team fixing ropes above Camp 4.
5. Naila Jaffery – A Woman Loved By Many
Veteran actress, Naila Jaffery had a long six year battle with cancer. She started her career in the 1990s and appeared in many hit serials such as Mausam, Inaya Tumahri Hui, Aa Mujh ko Satana. In late April, she pleaded for the government and the entertainment industry for royalties, which would aid her treatment. This sparked quite a debate and fellow actors supported her and started a movement too.
6. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip had old age related health issues. He was married to HRH Queen Elizabeth from 1947 to 2021. He was loved by many and worldwide well-wishers were were deeply saddened and expressed their condolences.
7. Larry King – The King Of Interviews & Hosting
Larry KIng, the host of the widely watched and broadcasted, Larry King Live, is one of the names whom we lost this year. He was the winner of Peabody, an Emmy and ten Cable ACE Awards. Over the course of time, he developed his own niche and fanbase, and his interviews were watched by people worldwide. Over the course of this career, he had conducted over 50,000 interviews!
8. Cicely Tyson – The Greatest Example
Cicely Tyson, who had made her name and space in the theater, film and television world passed away earlier in January this year. She was in the industry for over 70 years and her representation of African-American women on and off-screen was one of her biggest achievements. Her famous works include The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, East Side West Side and much more.
9. Umer Sharif – The King Of Pakistan’s Comedy
Umer Sharif made the awam laugh. He came at a time when comedy was still being defined as a stand up act. His take on the ordinary was extra ordinarily simple, yet cracked up many as he sought to entertain a crowd that was not just Pakistani, but across the border as well. His wit, laugher and comic timing will surely be missed!
10. Helen McCrory – The Face Of Many Of Our Favorites
This one hit close to home for all the Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders fans. ‘Narcissa Malfoy’ or ‘Polly’ are a few of her iconic characters. Her portrayal of her characters and the love for her work really showed. She even took part in theatrical adaptations of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Twelfth Night.
11. Michael K Williams
Michael K Williams rose to fame with HBO’s ‘The Wire‘ and went on to do many movies and dramas such as Django Unchained and Boardwalk Empire. He passed away due to an unfortunate and untimely drug overdose, shocking all fans, friends and colleagues
12. Our Favorite, Gunther -James Michael Tyler
‘Oh Gunther, your screen time was less, but you made us smile nonetheless. Gunther with his expressions, one liners and his love for Rachel will alway be remembered. For us you were the 7th FRIEND who watched from behind and was there when needed.’
James Michael Tyler passed away bravely battling prostate cancer. Even in the final video, we see him smiling!
13. Halyna Hutchins – The Woman Behind The Camera
The Ukranian cinematographer and journalist was the woman behind some of our favourite films and shows. She passed away due to an unfortunate event that took place on the set of Rust, where she was accidentally shot. Her work will surely be remembered.
14. Christopher Plummer – One Of Canada’s Finest
Christopher Plummer is a name that needs no introduction. He worked for a span of over seventy years and appeared in film and shows we’ll always watch and remember him by. Waterloo, The Man Who Would Be King, The Insider and The Sound of Music are some of his greatest works. We saw him in 2019 alongside Chris Evans and Daniel Craig in Netflix’s mystery/thriller ‘Knives Out‘
15. Abdul Qadeer Khan – Pakistan’s Hero
Known as the ‘National Hero‘, he is credited for spearheading Pakistan’s nuclear program by building the first atomic bomb, enabling the country to become a nuclear weapon state. His monumental vision & limitless services to the nation will be remembered always.
16. Archbishop Desmond Tutu – Making History
Desmond Tutu is a name and voice for all people, especially Africans. He made history as being Cape Town’s first black Archbishop in 1986. He was the voice of many, a human rights activist and is famously known for his work as an anti-apartheid hero for many!
17. Farhad Humayun – The Voice For ‘Overload’ And Great Melodies
He began his career as an underground musician in 2003. Along with Overload, Farhad was also the drummer for Co-Ven and Mindriot. He also ran Riot Studio, which is a recording studio and live gig venue. His latest hit was “Ho Janay Do” which instantly became a fan favourite.
18. Charlie Watts – The Backbone of The Rolling Stones
This one was a shocker for Rolling Stones fans. Charlie Watts was the much loved drummer for the band and surely it won’t be the same without him.
19. Joan Didion – A Woman Of Words
Joan Didion was a writer and philanthropist who started her career in the 1960s by entering a writing contest held by Vogue, and after that there was no looking back. She wrote critical literature on Hollywood and the realities of counterculture. The author left her readers mourning her loss.
20. Sumbul Shahid – The Industry’s Sweetheart
Sumbul Shahid passed away a few months ago due to a critical condition. Her sisters Bushra Ansari and Asma Abbas, both took to social media to express their loss and sadness over her untimely death. Fellow actors and actresses poured in their love, respect and high regard for her too.
21. Durdana Butt – Making Us Smile Like No Other
Veteran actress Durdana Butt passed away in Karachi after battling both cancer and COVID-19. Durdana jee graced us with her characters for over four decades. The full-time educationist wasn’t only versatile but also talented, as can be seen by her roles in Aangan Terha, Fifty Fifty and Tanhaiyaan. Her warm smile will always be remembered.
22. Haseena Moin – A Playwright Like No Other
The 80’s were defined by an era of iconic dramas ruled by her laugh-out-loud characters. She gave us onscreen heroines who were courageous, outspoken & yet endearingly innocent. Her sharp-witted dialogues, sensitive characterizations & family-oriented dramas remain unmatched in the long, illustrious history of PTV plays so far.
Haseena Moin: A Tribute To Laugh-Out-Loud Moments & Heroines We Loved!
23. Betty White – The Golden Girl
Betty White is a name everyone is familiar with. Having built a sound name and reputation in the entertainment industry with her wit, humour and personality over seven decades, Betty was loved by everyone. She was known for her role in ‘The Golden Girls’ which aired in the 90s. White was hitting a century and tweeted about it too, along with plans to celebrate it with a feature on People’s Magazine, but the last minute of 2021 took her away. You’ll always be loved and cherished, Betty!
Our condolences go out to their friends, family and loved ones, and to all those unspoken heroes 2021 took away from us.
May the next year be peaceful and bring a ray of sunshine.
