Dheeraj Kumar Net Worth Family Biography and Cause of Death

Dheeraj Kumar was a famous Indian actor, producer, and director. He worked in Bollywood, Punjabi films, and made many popular TV shows. His full name was Dheeraj Kochar, but he used Dheeraj Kumar as his professional name. Born on October 1, 1944, he spent more than 50 years in the entertainment industry. Sadly, on July 15, 2025, Dheeraj Kumar passed away at the age of 79.

In this article, we will learn about his life, career, family, net worth, and the cause of his death.

Early Life and Education

Dheeraj Kumar was born in a small town in India. His real name was Dheeraj Kochar. He grew up in a simple and hard-working family. As a child, Dheeraj loved watching movies and listening to stories. This love for films inspired him to become an actor.

He later moved to Pune to study at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). At FTII, he learned acting and film-making. His teachers saw his talent and encouraged him to follow his dreams.

Career in Films and Television

Bollywood Journey

Dheeraj Kumar started his career in the 1960s. In 1965, he was a finalist in a big talent show organized by United Producers and Filmfare. Though Rajesh Khanna won the contest, Dheeraj got noticed and soon began working in advertisements like Vicks Action 500.

He acted in several popular Hindi movies like:

• Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974)
• Swami (1977)
• Sargam (1979)
• Kranti, Beharoopia, and Heera Panna

In Swami, the famous song “Ka Karoon Sajani, Aaye Na Balam” was picturized on him. His acting style was known for strong emotions and deep expressions.

Punjabi Films

Dheeraj Kumar also worked in Punjabi cinema between 1970 to 1984. He acted in 21 Punjabi movies, becoming a lead actor in many of them. Some of his well-known Punjabi films were:

• Sajjan Singh
• Ik Sandhu Hunda Si

His roles were full of energy and emotion, which made him very popular.

Founder of Creative Eye Limited

In 1986, Dheeraj started his own production company called Creative Eye Limited. This company became very successful and produced many hit TV serials.

Popular TV Shows by Dheeraj Kumar

• Om Namah Shivay (1997)
• Shree Ganesh (2000)
• Singhasan Battisi (2014)
• Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan
• Ishq Subhan Allah
• Adalat
• Kahan Gaye Woh Log – won “Best Serial of the Year” from the President of India

He was called the “Mythology King” for his devotional shows. His shows taught about Indian gods, family values, and faith, which connected with people across the country.

Dheeraj also directed movies like:

Kaashi: In Search of Ganga (a spiritual thriller) andAabra Ka Daabra (a magical adventure for children).

Dheeraj Kumar’s Family and Personal Life

Dheeraj Kumar was married to Zuby Kochar, who also worked with him on many projects. Their marriage was private, and they stayed away from the media spotlight.

They had a peaceful and loving family life. Although no official details about their children are confirmed, some sources suggest that Sourav Ganguly, who was adopted, may have had a connection to Dheeraj. However, this is not confirmed by the family.

Dheeraj was also close to his nephew, Inder Kochar, who runs a production company called White Script. The Kochar family supported each other, especially during tough times.

In 2011, Zuby Kochar faced a financial fraud case where she lost ₹2.36 crore to a fake spiritual healer. Despite the trouble, they stayed strong as a family.

Dheeraj Kumar’s Net Worth

Before his death, Dheeraj Kumar had built a successful career. His net worth was estimated to be around $10–15 million, which is about ₹80–125 crore INR.

Sources of Income

• Acting in Hindi and Punjabi movies
• Television serial production (Creative Eye Limited)
• Direction of films and TV shows
• Advertisement modeling in the early years

Dheeraj did not show off his wealth. He lived a modest life in Mumbai and focused more on his work than on luxury. There is no public record of big homes or cars. He was known for being down-to-earth and professional.

Cause of Death

In July 2025, Dheeraj Kumar fell seriously ill due to acute pneumonia. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. His health condition became critical, and he was put on ventilator support in the ICU.

Doctors tried their best, but sadly, Dheeraj Kumar passed away on July 15, 2025, due to heart failure caused by pneumonia. The news shocked the entire entertainment industry.

Many actors, directors, and fans shared their condolences and memories of Dheeraj. He was remembered as a kind person and a legend in Indian entertainment.

Legacy That Lives On

Dheeraj Kumar’s life was a beautiful story of dreams, hard work, and success. He showed how one can rise from a small town and reach the top through talent and determination.

He left behind a legacy of stories, meaningful television, and lessons about Indian culture and family values. Even after his death, his TV serials and movies are still watched and loved.

His production house, Creative Eye Limited, continues to inspire new storytellers and young filmmakers.

Final Words

Dheeraj Kumar was not just an actor or a director. He was a storyteller who touched millions of hearts. From acting in emotional films to producing spiritual TV shows, he gave Indian audiences something special.

He will always be remembered for his kind nature, great work, and love for storytelling. Dheeraj Kumar’s name will forever shine in the world of Indian cinema and television.