Vijay Crishna, veteran actor, theatre artist, environmentalist, and former executive director with the Godrej family-run businesses, passed away at the age of 81. Known for his memorable performances in films such as Dance Like a Man and as Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen father in Devdas, Crishna was a cherished figure in Indian theatre and cinema.
His colleagues and friends, including actress Lillete Dubey, expressed heartfelt condolences, remembering his wit, charm, and dedication to the arts. Crishna is survived by his wife, Smita Crishna, a prominent businesswoman, and their daughter Nyrika Holkar. The family has not disclosed the cause of death.
Actor Vijay Crishna Passes Away at 81: Which Films Has He Been A Part Of?
Vijay Crishna was a popular name in Indian theatre, performing for over 25 years. He gained widespread acclaim for his role in the 2004 English-language dance drama film Dance Like a Man, directed by Pamela Rooks and based on Mahesh Dattani’s play. The film, starring Shobana, Arif Zakaria, and Anoushka Shankar in her acting debut, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English. In Bollywood, Crishna is fondly remembered for portraying Narayan, Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 period drama Devdas. He shared screen space with Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, and Kirron Kher, leaving a lasting impact with his nuanced performances.
Actress and theatre artist Lillete Dubey expressed her grief on social media, remembering Vijay Crishna as a cherished member of the theatre family and a part of Dance Like a Man for over 25 years.
She described him as a brilliant actor with and a dry sense of humor, writing that he was deeply loved and would never be forgotten. Dubey added that she hoped he would continue to entertain even in the afterlife, just as he had delighted audiences throughout his career.
About Vijay Crishna
Outside the arts, Vijay Crishna served as an executive director in the Godrej family-run businesses. He resigned from the Godrej Industries Board of Directors in 2021, citing advancing age. Crishna had been a non-executive, non-independent director since January 3, 1995. He was also noted for his environmental advocacy and contribution to the arts, bridging corporate and cultural worlds with grace and dedication. Vijay Crishna is survived by his wife, Smita Crishna, a leading stock trader with a net worth of 2.5 billion dollars, and their daughter, Nyrika Holkar. In October 2024, Smita Crishna and Jamshyd Godrej were ranked 22nd on Forbes India’s list of richest tycoons, highlighting the family’s immense business influence.