Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 4: Veteran theatre and film actor Vijay Crishna passed away at the age of 81. The news of his demise was confirmed by actor Lillete Dubey through an emotional post on Instagram on March 3.

Sharing a photograph with the late actor, Lillete expressed her grief and remembered him as a “brilliant actor” and a cherished member of their theatre family.

“Heartbroken.. our dearest Vijay Crishna .. part of our theatre family & ‘Dance like a Man’ for over 25 years .. has passed away.. a man of many parts .. a brilliant actor, handsome, charming, bright with his dry tongue in cheek trademark humour, he was much loved & cherished by us all .. so many memories flood the heart & mind & overwhelm me,” she wrote.

She further added, “RIP my Jairaj .. you will never be forgotten.. May you entertain the angels as you did us all here .. love & prayers for his lovely wife Smita, girls Nyrika & Freyan & the whole family.”

Condolences poured in from members of the film fraternity. Actor Anupam Kher commented, “That is so so sad. Om shanti!” Saba Ali Khan, sister of actor Saif Ali Khan, wrote, “That’s very sad news. My sincere condolences to his family n all those who worked or knew him. May he rest in peace.” Director Nupur Asthana also expressed her condolences, calling it “very sad news”.

The cause of death has not been disclosed by the family.

Vijay Crishna was a prominent name in Indian theatre and performed for over two decades. He received widespread appreciation for his role in the English film Dance Like a Man, based on a play by Mahesh Dattani.

He is also remembered for portraying the father of Shah Rukh Khan’s character in Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film also starred Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.