Shah Rukh Khan's Onscreen Father Vijay Crishna Passes Away At 81; Here's What We Know

Veteran actor and theatre artist Vijay Crishna has died at 81, leaving colleagues and audiences grieving. Known to film viewers as Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen father in Devdas and for Dance Like a Man, Vijay Crishna was also an environmentalist and corporate leader.

Vijay Crishna Death Reason

The family has not revealed the cause of death. Condolences have come from across theatre and film, with many remembering Vijay Crishna’s sharp wit and warmth. Actress and theatre artist Lillete Dubey mourned a long-time collaborator and friend, recalling years of working together on stage. Tributes highlighted Vijay Crishna’s discipline, charm and quiet dedication to performance over several decades.

Who Is Vijay Crishna?

Vijay Crishna built a strong reputation in Indian theatre over more than 25 years on stage. A major highlight was Pamela Rooks’ 2004 English-language film Dance Like a Man, based on Mahesh Dattani’s play. The movie starred Shobana, Arif Zakaria and Anoushka Shankar, whose performance marked a debut in acting.

Dance Like a Man earned the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English, which further raised Vijay Crishna’s profile. In Bollywood, Vijay Crishna became widely known as Narayan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 period drama Devdas. The film featured Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff and Kirron Kher.

Vijay Crishna career and Godrej association

Beyond performing, Vijay Crishna held senior roles within the Godrej family-run businesses. Vijay Crishna served as an executive director and later continued as a non-executive, non-independent director from 3 January 1995. Vijay Crishna resigned from the Godrej Industries Board of Directors in 2021, citing advancing age and stepping back from corporate duties.

Vijay Crishna was also active in environmental causes and arts support, linking corporate work with cultural projects. Family details underline close business ties, as Vijay Crishna is survived by spouse Smita Crishna and daughter Nyrika Holkar. The family is associated with significant business interests and long-term involvement in Indian industry and philanthropy.

Smita Crishna is known as a leading stock trader, with an estimated net worth of 2.5 billion dollars. In October 2024, Smita Crishna and Jamshyd Godrej placed 22nd on Forbes India’s list of richest tycoons. The ranking underlined the scale of the Godrej-linked wealth and influence surrounding Vijay Crishna’s immediate family.

Lillete Dubey remembered Vijay Crishna as a “cherished member” of the theatre community and central to Dance Like a Man for more than 25 years. Friends noted a dry sense of humour and a presence that lit up rehearsals and sets. Vijay Crishna leaves behind a body of work that continues to be revisited by audiences.