Jayalalithaa, Muhammad Ali, Fidel Castro and others who passed away in 2016

After a prolonged illness and a two-week stay in the Intensive Care Unit of All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister died of multiple organ failure. His death came just months after he had sworn in for his second term as chief minister in the controversial PDP-BJP alliance. Mufti redrew the contours of politics in J&K by deftly bringing into its mainstream voices and ideas that were considered separatist. His daughter Mehbooba Mufti, his political heir and chief of the PDP, became the first woman chief minister of the state. (Source: Express Archive)

David Bowie, was a 69-year-old other-worldly musician who broke pop and rock boundaries with his creative musicianship, striking visuals and a genre-spanning persona. Ziggy Stardust, as he was christened, died after losing his long battle to cancer on January 10, just days after dropping a new, characteristically brilliant and inquisitive, album (Blackstar). Bowie the person, hidden by his personas, was as difficult to fathom as his music was difficult to categorise, having traversed pop, glam rock, art rock, electronic. He was the music industry’s very own permanent revolution. (Source: Reuters)

One of the best-loved British actors of recent times, Alan Rickman passed away at the age of 69 in London on January 14. Classically-trained British stage star and sensual screen villain, he was most popularly known for his roles as the conflicted Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movie series as well as that of Hans Gruber, the hated villain in Die Hard. Rickman had a singularly unique voice that made him perfect for everything Shakespearean. (Source: Reuters)

Bollywood actor Rajesh Vivek, mainly known for his roles in superhits like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Swades’, died due to a heart attack in Hyderabad on January 14. He was 66. Basically a theatre actor, he had also acted in popular television series ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ and in ‘Aghori’. He made his mark as a villain in the beginning, often playing roles of henchman, but later on he started doing comic or supporting roles. Some of his latest films include ‘Bunty Aur Babli’, ‘Bhoot Unkle’, ‘Dishkiyaaun’.

Noted filmmaker Anil Ganguly passed away on January 15 at his residence here after a brief illness. He was 82. Ganguly was a noted director and screenwriter, who worked in Hindi cinema from 1970s to the 90s. He is best known for the Amitabh Bacchan and Jaya Bhaduri starrer 'Kora Kagaz' and 'Tapasya', both of which won the National Award. His daughter Rupali Ganguly is a television and theatre actress and his son Vijay Ganguly is a director and choreographer. (Source: Express Archive)

Noted danseuse and Padma Bhushan awardee Mrinalini Sarabhai passed away at her Ahmedabad home in Usmanpura area on January 21. Wife of renowned Indian scientist and the father of India’s space programme Vikram Sarabhai, the 97-year-old was a trained Bharatanatyam, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dancer, Mrinalini Sarabhai was born in Kerala, raised in Switzerland and had also studied at the renowned Shantiniketan university under the tutelage of Rabindranath Tagore. (Source: Express Archive)

Noted Malayalam film actress Kalpana Ranjani, popularly known as Kalpana passed away at the age of 51 due to a heart attack.Kalpana, who had acted in 300-odd films in South Indian languages, had won the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in a Malayalam film in 2012. She had made her debut in the film industry as a child artiste in 1983. Since then, she grew along with the South Indian film industry to become a leading actress. (Source: Express Archive)

Former Jammu and Kashmir governor and retired chief of Army staff, General K V Krishna Rao, passed away on January 30. He was 93. General Rao was commissioned in the Army in August 1942 and served in Burma, North West Frontier and Baluchistan during the Second World War. He became the Army chief in 1981, chosen personally by then PM Indira Gandhi. After his retirement, Rao served as the governor of Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura before he was appointed governor of J&K, where he had a major role in subduing militancy during his second stint from 1993 to 1998. (Source: Express Archive)

Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan performed till his last breath. He woke up in the early hours of February 18, had his morning tea at his residence, and began his riyaaz. The notes, however, were interrupted by bouts of breathlessness. He passed away before his grandson could get him to the nearest hospital. Khan, the oldest performing musician, who was awarded a Padma Bhushan in 2013, died at the age of 107, leaving behind a rich repertoire of compositions and bandishs, and a motivation so extraordinary that it is likely to inspire many generations of musicians. (Source: Express Archive)

Harper Lee, who wrote one of America’s most enduring literary classics, 'To Kill a Mockingbird', died at the age of 89 on February 19. "To Kill a Mockingbird," published in 1960, won the Pulitzer Prize the following year, but Conrad Richter's "The Waters of Kronos" beat her out for the National Book Award. For decades it was thought Lee would never follow up “To Kill a Mockingbird” and the July 2015 publication of “Go Set a Watchman” was a surprising literary event – as well as a shock for devotees of “Mockingbird.” (Source: AP)

Italian author Umberto Eco, who intrigued, puzzled and delighted readers worldwide with his best-selling historical novel “The Name of the Rose,” died on February 19 at the age 84. Author of a wide range of books, Eco was fascinated with the obscure and the mundane, and his books were both engaging narratives and philosophical and intellectual exercises. The bearded, heavy-set scholar, critic and novelist took on the esoteric theory of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols in language; on popular culture icons like James Bond; and on the technical languages of the Internet. (Source: AP)

Malayalam actor Jishnu Raghavan passed away at the age of 35 after prolonged battle with cancer. Jishnu passed away on March 25 at a hospital in Kochi, where he had been undergoing treatment for throat and lung cancer. Son of famous Malayalam actor Raghavan, Jishnu had worked as a child artist in the film ‘Kilipatt’ which released in 1987. But he made his acting debut with ‘Nammal’ in 2002, where his performance earned him Kerala Film Critics Award for the Best Male Debut. In all, he acted in 21 films, including a Tamil and a Hindi film.

Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, whose modernist, futuristic designs included the swooping aquatic centre for the 2012 London Olympics, died at age 65 on March 31. She has left a string of bold, often beautiful and sometimes controversial buildings around the world. Born and raised in Baghdad, Hadid studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut before enrolling at the Architectural Association in London in 1972. Hadid’s work fused her knowledge of mathematics and embrace of computer technology with soaring imagination and ambition. (Source: AP)

The dazzlingly talented and charismatic singer, songwriter, arranger and instrumentalist who died on April 21 at his home drew upon the history of modern popular music and created a gender- and genre-defying blend of rock, funk and soul. With hits including “1999”, “Purple Rain” and “Little Red Corvette,” Prince’s records sold more than 100 million copies and earned him Grammys and an Academy Award for music. (Source: Reuters)

Ravi Kanojia, Principal Photographer with The Indian Express, died Monday in an accident while in Jhansi on an assignment to cover a water train in the drought-hit region. He was 34. An outstanding photographer whose work in and outside Delhi won him wide acclaim, Kanojia was honoured for creative excellence by the Press Council of India in 2014 for his coverage of those displaced in the Muzaffarnagar riots. He was also felicitated by the Delhi government for “capturing the spirit of Delhi” through his photographs.

Actor Razzak Khan, who is popularly known for his role of Manikchand in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Baadshah, passed away on June 1 after suffering from a massive heart attack. He was rushed to Holy Family hospital in Bandra, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Fis popular films include 'Hello Brother', 'Joru Ka Ghulam' and 'Kyaa Kool Hain Hum'. The comic-actor made his Bollywood debut with Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja in 1993 and acted in more that 90 movies since.

His children gathered around him, Muhammad Ali died on June 3 at age 74 in a hospital in Phoenix. He had been admitted with respiratory problems a week ago. With a wit as sharp as the punches he used to “whup” opponents, Ali dominated sports for two decades before time and Parkinson’s Syndrome, triggered by thousands of blows to the head, ravaged his magnificent body, muted his majestic voice and ended his storied career in 1981. (Source: Reuters)

Sulabha Deshpande, one of the finest actors of Indian theatre and cinema, passed away at her Mumbai residence on June 3 after a prolonged illness. The veteran actor, considered to be one of the pioneers of the experimental theatre movement that swept Bombay in the 1970s, was 79. She had acted in memorable roles in movies, but it is Deshpande’s contribution to theatre that remains of paramount importance. (Source: Express Archive)

Inder Malhotra, who died in a New Delhi hospital on June 11, was one of the giants of Indian political journalism who served as Resident Editor in Delhi for both The Statesman and Times of India, and as the India correspondent of London Guardian from 1965-78. He continued to write as a columnist for The Indian Express. Malhotra also authored a number of books, although he is best remembered for his personal and political biography of Indira Gandhi, first published in 1989. (Source: Express Archive)

A lawmaker who campaigned for Britain to stay in the European Union, Jo Cox was killed by a gun-and knife-wielding attacker in her small-town constituency on June 16. The 41-year-old Labour Party legislator, who praised the contribution of immigrants to Britain and championed the cause of war-scarred Syrian refugees, was attacked at a time the country was facing a fierce, divisive referendum campaign. (Source; Reuters)

Renowned sculptor and painter KG Subramanyan passed away at a private hospital in Vadodara on June 26. He was 92. Subramanyan had undergone a surgery for a fracture recently and suffered a cardiac arrest. Born in Kerala, Subramanyan was a socialist and Gandhian throughout his life. He underwent imprisonment for a short period during the Quit India movement. (Source: Express Archives)

Activist and writer Elie Wiesel, the World War Two death camp survivor who won a Nobel Peace Prize for becoming the life-long voice of millions of Holocaust victims, died on July 2. The Romanian-born Wiesel, a philosopher, speaker, playwright and professor who also campaigned for the tyrannized and forgotten around the world, was 87. (Source: Reuters)

Filmmaker and TV personality Garry Marshall, who created some of the 1970s’ most iconic sitcoms including 'Happy Days', and 'The Odd Couple' and went on to direct hit movies including 'Pretty Woman', ‘Runaway Bride’ and 'The Princess Diaries', passed away on July 19. He also had a long acting career that began in the early 1960s. He was 81. (Source: AP)

Acclaimed writer and social activist, Magsaysay and Padma Vibhushan awardee Mahasweta Devi died at the age of 90 on July 28. She was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata with age-related ailments and her condition was critical for a while before her death. Recipient of the Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awards for literary excellence, she began writing in the 1960s. Devi was also committed to the empowerment of tribals in the country and she has campaigned for a wide range of issues. (Source: Express Archive)

Kalikho Pul, 46, was the eighth chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, who was dislodged by a Supreme Court verdict in July after being in office for about six months. On August 9, he was found hanging from a ceiling fan in one of the bedrooms of the CM’s official bungalow, which had not yet vacated, in Itanagar. Pul, who represented Hayuliang constituency in the Assembly, came from a very humble background. An orphan, he even worked as a night chowkidar while he was in high school. (Source: PTI)

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual guru and head of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha of Swaminarayan sect, passed away at Sarangpur in Gujarat’s Botad district on August 13. He was 95 and undergoing treatment at Sarangpur temple of the sect for lung infection. During his lifetime, he created and consecrated 1,100 temples and giant cultural complexes like Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi and Gandhinagar.

Gene Wilder, whose kinky curls and startling blue eyes brought a frantic air to roles in the movies “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Blazing Saddles,” died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on August 29 at the age of 83.

Shimon Peres, a former Israeli president and prime minister, whose life story mirrored that of the Jewish state and who was celebrated around the world as a Nobel prize-winning visionary who pushed his country toward peace, died on September 28. Peres’ condition had worsened following a major stroke two weeks ago that led to bleeding in his brain. President Barack Obama eulogized him as a man who represented “the essence of Israel itself.” (Source: Reuters)

Philanthropist Parmeshwar Godrej, wife of Adi Godrej, passed away on October 10 night at Breach Candy Hospital. She was 70 years old. She, along with Hollywood actor Richard Gere, had launched the ‘Heroes Project’ in 2004 to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS in India which received support from organisations like Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative. (Source: PTI)

Actor and danseuse Ashwini Ekbote passed away October 22 after she suffered a heart attack during a performance at a programme named ‘Natyatrividha’ at Bharat Natya Mandir in Pune. Ekbote was a part of TV series ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ on Colors Marathi. She is also famous for her roles in films like ‘Debu’, Danyavar Danka’, ‘Taptapadi’ etc. She has also acted in various TV shows like ‘Duheri’, ‘Radha Hi Bawari’ and ‘Durva’. (Source: Facebook/Ashwini Ekbote)

Leonard Cohen, the baritone-voiced Canadian singer-songwriter who seamlessly blended spirituality and sexuality in hits like ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Suzanne’ and ‘Bird on a Wire’, died at age 82 on November 7. He remained wildly popular into his ’80s, when his deep voice plunged to gravelly depths. He toured as recently as earlier this year and released a new album in October 2016. (Source; Reuters)

In what can only be described as a huge loss to the world of Carnatic music, legendary singer Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna passed away on November 22, at the age of 86 after a prolonged illness in Chennai. Noted for his majestic voice and his contribution to altering the landscape of classical music in India, Balamuralikrishna was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1991, among a plethora of other awards. (Source: Express Archive)

Prof. M G K Menon, an acclaimed physicist, who had played a prominent role in the development of science and technology in the country over the last five decades, died in New Delhi on November 22. He was 88 years and ill for sometime. Menon, who served as a minister of state for science and technology and education in the V P Singh government, had also headed the Indian Space Research Organisation in 1972 as its Chairman. He was also a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Ram Naresh Yadav, whose name had cropped up in the multi-crore Vyapam scam, passed away at Lucknow’s Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences on November 22, where he was undergoing treatment for a few days. He was 89. He was also the Governor of Madhya Pradesh from August 2011 to September 2016.

Fidel Castro, Cuba’s bearded, cigar-smoking, controversial, maximum leader passed awar at the age of 90 on November 25 after the long goodbye of a prolonged illness. He was the Prime Minister of the country from 1959 to 1976 and then served as President from 1976 to 2008. He was responsible for converting Cuba into a one-party socialist state under Communist Party rule. Castro was best known for prevailing in trenchant defiance of the United States. (Source: Reuters)

Senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar passed away on November 25 in Pune. The 72-years-old was a former editor of the The Times of India. He began his career in journalism at the age of 24 and joined Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities from Sorbonne in June 1968. He served as its editor for six years from 1988. He also worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris from 1978 to 1986. (Source: Express Archive)

J Jayalalithaa, known as Amma for her popularity and people-oriented policies as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, died on December 5. The 68-year-old leader had been undergoing treatment in Chennai's Apollo Hospitals since September 22. Jayalalithaa, who started as a teenaged actor, was the first mainstream woman leader at the helm of a political party in Tamil Nadu. Well-mannered, sometimes short-tempered, at times faulted for her autocratic style of functioning, Jayalalithaa led AIADMK to four straight election wins and was chief minister in separate stints for almost 15 years. (Source: Express Archive)

Influential political commentator and satirist Cho Ramaswamy, 82, passed away December 7 at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Cho was a much sought-after political analyst, who successfully donned the roles of a playwright, scriptwriter, actor and editor with great elan and success. He also served a term in the Rajya Sabha between 1999 and 2005. A popular household name in Tamil Nadu, he was a close friend of late chief minister Jayalalithaa, who passed away just a day earlier in the same hospital. (Source: Express Archive)

John Glenn, who made history twice as the first American to orbit the Earth and the first senior citizen to venture into space, died at the age of 95 on December 8. Glenn had been in declining health, undergoing heart-valve replacement surgery in 2014, reportedly suffering a stroke, and was admitted to a cancer ward for more than a week before his demise. The US space agency NASA was among the first to pay tribute to the legendary astronaut who later served in the Senate for more than two decades, calling him a “hero.” (Source: AP)