Ayan Mukerji’s Father and Actor Deb Mukherjee Dies

Director Ayan Mukerji’s father, veteran actor Deb Mukherjee, died at the age of 83.

The father of filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, veteran actor Deb Mukherjee, died of diseases related to age on March 14, 2025, at the age of 83.

Celebrities React to Deb Mukherjee’s Death

Several Bollywood celebrities expressed their sorrow over the loss of the veteran actor:

• Kajol, his niece, shared a heartfelt Instagram post, saying,
  “You will always be remembered, Kaku. The Mukherjee family will never be the same without you.”

• Rani Mukerji, a member of his extended family, said in a statement,
  “Deb Kaku was a pillar of strength in our family. He lived a full life, and we will cherish his memories forever.”

• Amitabh Bachchan, who worked closely with the Mukherjee family in the past, tweeted,
  “Deeply saddened by the passing of Deb Mukherjee Ji. A fine actor, a kind soul. My condolences to Ayan and the family.”

• Ashutosh Gowariker, his son-in-law, expressed,
  “A personal loss for me and our family. Deb Ji always encouraged me as a filmmaker and believed in my vision.”

Deb Mukherjee’s Rare TV Appearances and Interviews

Deb Mukherjee avoided publicity in his final years and made few interviews in the media. However, he discussed the shifting Bollywood scene and his appreciation for the development of stories in one of his final interviews.

“Back in our time, cinema was all about drama and emotions,” he once remarked. These days, it’s all about fast-paced stories and beautiful images. However, emotions remain at the heart of the film.

Childhood and Family Background

Deb Mukherjee was born in Kanpur, United Provinces, British India, on November 22, 1941. He came from one of the renowned Mukherjee-Samarth family, which had a strong tradition in the Indian film business. Sashadhar Mukherjee, his father, owned Filmalaya Studios and was a well-known director. Joy Mukherjee, a popular actor in the 1960s, and Shomu Mukherjee, who was married to actress Tanuja, were among Deb’s brothers. In addition to being connected to Rani Mukerji and Sharbani Mukherjee, this made Deb the uncle of actresses Kajol and Tanisha.

Film Career

Throughout his multi-decade acting career, Deb Mukherjee made essential contributions to Indian film. Among his well-known releases are:

• “Abhinetri” (1970): A romantic drama where Deb showcased his versatility as an actor.

• “Zindagi Zindagi” (1972): A film highlighting life’s and relationships’ complexities.

• “Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki” (1978): A family drama that resonated with audiences for its emotional depth.

• “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” (1992): A sports drama where Deb played the sports coach of Rajput College, contributing to one of Bollywood’s iconic films.

• “Kaminey” (2009): A crime thriller where he portrayed Mujeeb, showcasing his adaptability to contemporary cinema.

Personal Life

Deb Mukherjee’s personal life was as illustrious as his professional one. His daughter, Sunita (from his first marriage), is married to director Ashutosh Gowariker, known for films like “Lagaan” and “Jodhaa Akbar.” His son, Ayan Mukerji (from his second marriage), is a renowned filmmaker, celebrated for movies such as “Wake Up Sid” and “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.”

Final Goodbye and Cremation Details

On March 14, 2025, Deb Mukherjee’s last ceremonies were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai. Bollywood superstars, close friends, and family came to offer their last prayers. Industry friends were spotted expressing their sympathies to Ayan Mukerji as he stood next to his father’s lifeless body.