As we enter the year 2023, we're moving forward with fond memories of 2022. But several eminent Indian personalities also passed away this year leaving a void among their loved ones, fans and admirers. Fans witnessed the untimely deaths of many beloved and notable figures. People who have made contributions to politics, medicine, acting, and music have died.  Let's take a look at the prominent Indian celebrities who died in 2022.


Pandit Birju Maharaj:  A legendary Kathak exponent from Lucknow's 'Kalka-Bindadin' Gharana died on January 16. Commonly known as Pandit Ji, he passed away at the age of 83 after suffering a heart attack. Pandit Birju Maharaj was a Padma Vibhushan awardee for his decades-long contribution to Kathak. Birju Maharaj was an exceptional vocalist as well who was skilled in Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, and Ghazal.




Lata Mangeshkar: One of India's most popular playback singers, Lata Mangeshkar died this year on February 6. She was 92 years old and faced several health-related issues. During her seven-decade-long career, she was called Lata Didi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bollywood celebrities paid tributes to the legendary singer. She has been referred to as both the "Queen of Melody'' and "Indian Nightingale. Lata Mangeshkar was a passionate cricket follower as well.




Praveen Kumar Sobti: Praveen Kumar Sobti, actor and athlete, was best known for his role as Bheem in the iconic Mahabharat TV serial. He died following a cardiac arrest on February 7 at the age of 74. He was the gem for both athletics and cinema as he won four medals at the Asian games including gold medals.


Bappi Lahiri:  Alokesh Aparesh Lahiri, popularly known by his screen name Bappi Lahiri, died on February 15 at the age of 69 due to a disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. He popularised the disco genre of music in India during the 80s and 90s. He was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1986 for having recorded more than 180 songs for 33 films in one year. An Oscars and Golden Globes nominee, he was also the first Indian composer to be selected for the Grammy jury in 2012.


Rahul Bajaj: Indian billionaire, businessman and chairman of the Bajaj Group died on February 22, 2022. He was the recipient of Padma Bhushan, the third-highest Indian civilian honour, in 2001. He was suffering from cancer and heart-related issues due to which he was hospitalised. He died because of pneumonia at the age of 83.






Hemananda Biswal: Indian politician died on February 25. He was chief minister of Odisha from 1989 to 1990 and again from 1999 to 2000. He was the first tribal chief minister of Odisha also the last Congress chief minister of the state.


Shiv Kumar Sharma: Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Indian classical musician and renowned santoor player, passed away on May 10, 2022, due to cardiac arrest. He was 84 and is survived by his wife Manorama, and sons Rahul and Rohit. He is credited with shifting the instrument from a predominantly accompaniment and ensemble role in the Sufi music of Kashmir to a solo role in the Hindustani classical music tradition of North India, according to Britannica.


Sidhu Moose Wala: Sidhu Moose Wala was a well-known Punjabi musician, rapper, and songwriter who died on May 29. He was shot dead by an unknown gunman who opened fire on him in the village of Jawaharke, located in the Mansa region. He was well known for his contributions to the Punjabi music industry and had a huge fan following across the globe.




KK:  Krishnakumar Kunnath, better known by his stage name KK, was a popular Indian playback singer who breathed his last on June 1. KK was performing live at the Nazrul Mancha auditorium in South Kolkata. He suffered a heart attack while going back to his hotel after his performance. He was 53. The versatile singer recorded several melodious songs in Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, and many more.


Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry: Indian-born Irish billionaire Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry died on June 28, 2022, at age 93, at his residence in Mumbai. Known as the ‘Phantom of Bombay House’, he was the largest individual shareholder in the Tata Group, with an 18.4 per cent holding. In 2016, Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the field of trade and industry.



 


Sushovan Banerjee: Sushovan Banerjee, also known as "One Rupee Doctor", was an Indian physician who died on July 26. He was known for treating needy people for a meagre fee of one rupee. He was awarded Padma Shri for his great contribution to the medical field. He made it to the Guinness World Record in 202 for treating a maximum number of patients in a lifetime.




Rakesh Jhunjhunwala: An Indian business tycoon, chartered accountant, stock trader, and investor died on August 14 from kidney-related problems and acute multiple-organ failure. He was also known as the "Big bull" in the Indian stock market.



Cyrus Mistry:  An Indian-born Irish businessman, who formerly managed India's largest conglomerate Tata Group, died in a car accident in Maharashtra. Cyrus Mistry died at the age of 54. On September 4 2022, Mistry and three members of the Pandole family visited the Iranshah Atash Behram at Udvada. While returning from Udvada to Mumbai, the Mercedes-Benz GLC in which they were travelling crashed at a speed of 90 km/h into a road divider on National Highway 8. Cyrus Mistry and Jehangir Pandole, who was sitting in the back seat without wearing their seat belts, were killed instantly. 






Raju Srivastav: Raju Srivastav was a comedian, actor, and politician who passed away on September 21. He became popular after taking part in 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge', in which he was a runner-up and won the title of 'King of Comedy'. At the age of 58, he breathed his last at the AIIMS in Delhi.






Jayanti Patnaik:  She was an Indian politician and social worker. She was the first chairperson of the national commission for women. Patnaik died on September 28.




Mulayam Singh Yadav:  Mulayam Singh Yadav was a well-known face in Indian politics. He was the founder of the Samajwadi Party and served as a Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for three terms. He also served as Minister of Defence in the HD Dewe Gowda and IK Gujral-led central government. He died on October 10 at the age of 82 due to long-term health issues. 






Vikram Gokhle: Veteran actor Vikram Gokhale passed away on November 26, at the age of 77 due to multiple organ failure in Pune. He was a versatile actor featured not only in Hindi movies but also in Marathi cinema as well. He appeared in some iconic movies like Agneepath, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Mission Mangal, Hichki, Aiyaari, Bang Bang!, De Dana Dan, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. In his 40 years long career he also starred in many TV shows.