Vijay Crishna cause of death: Shah Rukh Khan’s co-actor dies. All you need to know about his wife Smita Crishna Godrej and family

Veteran actor Vijay Crishna, known for his commanding screen presence and decades-long contribution to theatre, has passed away. While details surrounding the exact cause of death have not been confirmed yet, news of his demise has left colleagues and admirers deeply saddened. Actress Lillete Dubey confirmed the news on social media. Over the years, he built a reputation as a dependable performer who brought grace and depth to every role he portrayed.

Veteran actor Vijay Crishna dies

The Monsoon Wedding actress, who shared a long professional association with him, paid a heartfelt tribute on social media. She wrote that she was devastated by the loss of someone who had been an integral part of their theatre family for decades.
Remembering him as a versatile and intelligent actor with a distinctive dry sense of humour, she said “He was much loved & cherished by us all .. so many memories flood the heart & mind & overwhelm me ..
RIP my Jairaj .. you will never be forgotten.. May you entertain the angels as you did us all here ..
love & prayers for his lovely wife Smita, girls Nyrika & Freyan & the whole family.”

All you need to know about Vijay Crishna

Many remember him for playing Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The lavish 2002 drama remains one of the most iconic films in Hindi cinema, and Vijay Crishna’s portrayal added emotional weight to the storyline. He also appeared in Bhansali’s Guzaarish, sharing screen space with Hrithik Roshan. His film credits further projects like Gandhi and PK, showing a career that spanned both international and mainstream Indian cinema.
However, beyond films, theatre was where Vijay Crishna truly thrived. He was closely associated with the celebrated play Dance Like a Man for over 25 years. His commitment to the stage earned him immense respect within the theatre fraternity. Those who worked with him often described him as disciplined, sharp, and effortlessly charming.
Vijay Crishna’s personal life was equally noteworthy. His wife, Smita Crishna-Godrej, belongs to the prominent Godrej family. She reportedly holds a significant stake in the Godrej Group, one of India’s oldest and most respected business conglomerates. According to Forbes 2025, the Godrej family runs the Godrej Group, a 127-year-old company that earns about $5.7 billion in revenue. Smita’s brother, Jamshyd Godrej, is a key figure in the group’s leadership.

Despite being connected to one of India’s most influential business families, Vijay Crishna maintained a low-profile lifestyle focused largely on his craft. His daughter Nyrika Holkar is also associated with the Godrej Group, continuing the family’s corporate legacy.

As tributes pour in from across the film and theatre community, Vijay Crishna is being remembered not only for his performances but also for his warmth and wit. Anupam Kher also paid tribute to the actor.