Vijay Crishna, who played Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Devdas, dies at 81; Lillete Dubey pays tribute

 

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Actor Anupam Kher also expressed his grief in the comments section, writing, “That is so so sad. Om shanti!”

About Vijay Crishna

Vijay Crishna built a remarkable legacy in Indian theatre long before audiences recognised him from the big screen. Known for his commanding performances and nuanced portrayals, he became a respected figure among theatre practitioners and audiences alike.

One of his most enduring associations was with the stage production Dance Like a Man, directed by Pamela Rooks and based on a play by Mahesh Dattani. Crishna remained part of the production for more than 25 years. The film adaptation of Dance Like a Man later went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English.

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Work in Indian cinema

Vijay Crishna also made a mark in Indian cinema with several notable appearances. He is best remembered by film audiences for playing Narayan, father of Shah Rukh Khan’s character in Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
He also appeared in Bhansali’s Guzaarish, which starred Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Over the years, Crishna also featured in other projects including Gandhi and PK.

A life beyond cinema

Vijay Crishna also had a distinguished professional life outside the entertainment industry. He served for many years in leadership roles within the Godrej family-run businesses and was associated with Godrej Industries. He eventually stepped down from the board in 2021 due to age.

Vijay Crishna is survived by his wife Smita Crishna-Godrej, a prominent figure in business circles, and their daughter Nyrika Holkar.