Joy Mukherjee passes away..

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Veteran actor Joy Mukherjee, remembered for films like Love in Tokyo, died at Lilavati Hospital , on Friday. He was 73. He is survived by his wife Neelam Mukherjee and three children – two sons and a daughter.

“He died at 1.30 am. His wife was by his side,” Mukherjee’s spokesperson RR Pathak told news agencies. The yesteryears star was admitted to the hospital on Monday in a critical condition and was put on a ventilator.


Mukherjee shot into the limelight with 1960 hit Love In Simla. His popularity soared with projects like Shagird, Love In Tokyo, Ziddi, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon and Ek Musafir Ek Hasina.

With his charming smile and enviable physique, he was the nation’s heartthrob at that time. However, over the years, he turned into a bit of a recluse and began neglecting his health. Mukherjee’s family has been into films for generations – his father Sashadhar Mukherjee, who was married to legendary actor Ashok Kumar’s sister Sati Devi – was the co-founder of Filmalaya Studios. He was the paternal uncle of actors Kajol and Tanisha Mukherjee, while filmmaker Ayan Mukherjee is his nephew.



Veteran actors and filmmakers grieved the passing away of the iconic actor, while his peer Dilip Kumar paid him a visit in the hospital when he was being treated. Mukherjee’s last rites will be performed at the Versova crematorium today.

Remembered by his leading ladies

Asha Parekh Acted in Hum Hindustani, Phir Wohi…, Ziddi, Love in Tokyo

It was a ‘Joy’ working with him. He was a fun-loving co-star, kind and considerate. I remember when we were shooting for my solo song Aankhon se jo utri hai dil mein (Phir Wohi…), we ran out of raw stock (film). Joy went out of the way to complete the song before the day was over. During Love In Tokyo, the first Hindi film to be shot there, we did a lot of sightseeing. Joy went too early.

Sharmila Tagore, Acted in Humsaaya, dil aur mohabbat

He was a gentleman. I did not keep in touch with him after I shifted to Delhi. Being a Bengali, I always shared a very cordial relationship with him. We did a couple of films together while, a few others however never finished. He was one of the sweetest people I met during my film career.

Mala Sinha, acted in Hum Saaya

All of my colleagues are passing away one by one. I am feeling very low. Life is like that. He was a fabulous actor and director. I liked him more as a director. He was very cooperative with his co-stars and actors. If I wanted his help for rehearsals repeatedly, he never said no. No matter how tired he was. He never behaved like producer Shashadhar Mukherjee’s son, owner of Filmistan studios. He always had a smile on his face, just like a child.

Vyjayantimala, acted in Ishara

In 1963, Joy was my junior but he was confident while facing the camera. His height and polite smile were his assets as an actor. We danced to the original tune of Come September in Ishara and he was good at his steps. It was Joy’s altruistic best when he lip-synced Rafi’s immortal number ‘Dil beqarar sa hai humko khumar sa hai.’

Saira Banu, acted in shagird, Door ki awaaz, aao pyar karein, saaz aur awaz, yeh zindagi

We are heartbroken. Joy and my brother Sultan and I, grew up together. He was handsome, had a very good physique and was a fitness freak. His father had an akhada at home but I don’t know why, suddenly, he lost interest in fitness. All my girlfriends had a huge crush on him. Though he was very popular, no one knows why he let go os his career and his health.

We invited him for Yusuf Saab’s birthday party and clicked photos with everyone. Ironically, five days ago, he had asked his wife to keep them at his bedside and now he is no more.