Vijay Crishna, best known for his role as Shah Rukh Khan’s father in the iconic film Devdas (2002), has sadly passed away at the age of 81. A cherished figure in both theatre and cinema, Crishna has garnered heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans alike. He leaves behind his wife, Smita Crishna, a distinguished businesswoman, and their daughter, Nyrika Holkar. The details surrounding his death have not been made public.
Lillete Dubey, a fellow actress, honored Crishna on Instagram with a nostalgic photo from one of their theatrical performances. She expressed her sorrow, stating, “Heartbroken… our beloved Vijay Crishna… a vital part of our theatre family and ‘Dance Like a Man’ for over 25 years… has left us. A multifaceted talent — a brilliant actor, charming, and known for his dry wit — he was adored by all. Memories flood back, and I am overwhelmed. Rest in peace, my Jairaj… your legacy will live on. My love and prayers go out to his wonderful wife Smita, daughters Nyrika and Freyan, and the entire family.”
Vijay Crishna is celebrated for his impactful role as Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s acclaimed Devdas, where he shared the screen with legends like Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.
In addition to his acting prowess, Crishna was also recognized as an environmental advocate and served as a former executive director in the Godrej family business. He was a significant presence in Indian theatre for over 25 years, receiving critical acclaim for his performance in the 2004 film Dance Like a Man, based on Mahesh Dattani’s well-regarded play. This film, which featured talents like Shobana, Arif Zakaria, and Anoushka Shankar, won a National Film Award.
In the corporate sphere, Crishna made his mark by joining the board of Godrej Industries as a non-executive, non-independent director in 1995, stepping down in 2021 due to age. He was admired for his commitment to environmental initiatives and support for the arts.
His wife, Smita Crishna, is a respected trader with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion. In late 2024, both she and Jamshyd Godrej were listed 22nd on Forbes’ ranking of India’s wealthiest individuals.
The family has yet to release an official statement regarding his passing.