2015: When entertainment industry lost its marvels

Indian film industry in 2015 marked the passings of many notable and accomplished artist like Saeed Jaffrey, music composers Ravindra Jain and Aadesh Shrivastava, theater actor Ashraf-Ul-Haque, TV actors Sanjeet Bedi, Mohan Bhandari and Sudha Shivpuri.
Jaffrey, who gave sterling performances in over 100 Bollywood movies including classics like "Shatranj Ke Khilari" and "Masoom" besides leaving his mark in Hollywood and British films, died in London on November 16. He was 86.
Born in Maler Kotla, Punjab in 1929, Jaffrey began his career as a theater artist. He went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and did a second post-graduate degree in drama from The Catholic University of America.

Veteran music director-singer-lyricist Ravindra Jain passed away at the age of 71 on October 9 due to multiple organ failure. Jain become one of the most successful composers with films like "Chor Machaye Shor", "Geet Gaata Chal", "Chitchor" and "Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se", in the 70s to his credit. During the 1980s and 1990s, he widely composed music for many mythological movies and television serials.
Another music personality, whose death left the industry shaken was music director-singer Aadesh Shrivastava. The composer, who was battling a relapsed cancer, passed away on September 5 at the age of 51.
He got his first big break with film "Kanyadaan" in 1993. However, the film could not be released and its songs went unnoticed. Shrivastava delivered chart busters like "Kya ada kya jalwe tere Paro", "Haathon mein aa gaya jo kal", "Sona sona", "Shava shava", "Gustakhiyaan", "Gur nalon ishq mitha", "Mora Piya" among others.

Theatre-film actor Ashraf-Ul-Haque, best known for his roles in "Fukrey" and "Traffic Signal", died on February 18 at the age of 45.

The Assam-born actor started his career with theatres and worked with renowned playwrights including Ram Gopal Bajaj before trying his luck in Bollywood.
Veteran TV and film actress and small screen's favourite 'baa', Sudha Shivpuri breathed her last on May 6 this year. She was 77. Sudha became popular as 'Baa' from "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi."
Apart from Ekta Kapoor's "Kyunki..." where she played the family matriarch, the actor was seen in several TV soaps including "Rishtey," "Sarhadein" and "Bandhan".

Well known face of television, Mohan Bhandari died on September 24 after a long battle with brain tumour. Mohan left his banker's job over two decades back to pursue his interest in acting. He was admired for his roles in shows like "Parampara", "Karz", "Kitty Party", "Abhiman" and "Tanhaiya".
Another TV personality Sanjit Bedi passed away in June. Sanjit, better known as Dr Omi from the popular show "Sanjeevani". He was part of many shows including "Jaane Kya Baat Huyi", "Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman", "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka", "Kasautii Zindagii Kay" among others.