The veteran Indian actor and theatre stalwart Vijay Crishna passed away at the age of 81 on March 4, 2026. Actress Lillete Dubey confirmed his death through a social media tribute which honored Crishna’s significant impact on the performing arts.
Crishna achieved fame for his ability to play multiple roles in both theatre and film productions. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Narayan, the father of Shah Rukh Khan’s character in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s acclaimed 2002 film, Devdas. His filmography also includes memorable performances in international and Indian films, including Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi (1982), Guzaarish (2010), and the satirical hit PK (2014).
Crishna dedicated his life to Indian theatre, performing on stage for multiple decades. He achieved his greatest fame through his performance in the famous play “Dance Like a Man,” which he performed for more than 25 years, establishing himself as a major force in the theatre industry.
Crishna established himself as an artist while building a successful career in the corporate world. He worked at the Godrej Group as a senior executive, serving as Executive Director at Godrej Industries until his retirement in 2021.
Crishna is survived by his wife, Smita Crishna Godrej, and their daughter, Nyrika Holkar. People held him in high regard for his dedication to environmental protection and humanitarian work. The family has not disclosed the exact cause of death. The Indian arts community mourns the loss of a multifaceted luminary whose impact spanned generations.
