Remembering the Icons We Lost in 2024: As 2024 draws to a close, we are just two days away from welcoming the new dawn of 2025. This moment offers us a chance to reflect on the year gone by—a year filled with great achievements, sweet and sour experiences, and, sadly, the loss of some remarkable personalities. Before we move forward into the New Year, let us take a moment to remember those who are no longer with us.
2024 will be remembered in history not only for its triumphs but also for the departure of several stalwarts who made extraordinary contributions to their respective fields. From politics to music, art, cinema, literature, and business, the year saw the loss of some iconic figures.
Political and Business Giants:
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on 26 December. His policies, which helped steer the country out of an economic crisis in the 1990s, changed India’s future. In the same year, the passing of industrial giant Ratan Tata on 9 October 2024 left an irreplaceable void in India’s corporate world. As the former Chairman of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata elevated Indian business to new heights on the global stage.
Music and Art:
The world of music and art also mourned the loss of great personalities this year. Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away on 15 December 2024, gave the tabla global recognition and won four Grammy Awards during his illustrious career. Classical singer Ustad Rashid Khan, who passed away on 9 January 2024, and ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, who died on 26 February 2024, left behind rich musical legacies. Renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy, who passed away on 3 August 2024, was another loss to the cultural world. Sharda Sinha, famous for popularizing Bhojpuri and Maithili folk songs, also left us on 5 November 2024. Her Chhath songs had become an integral part of Indian cultural heritage.
Literature and Cinema:
The world of literature also saw the departure of notable figures, including poets Munawwar Rana (14 January 2024) and Keki N Daruwala (26 September 2024), as well as writers Usha Kiran Khan (11 February 2024) and Malti Joshi (15 May 2024). Munawwar Rana, in particular, touched hearts with his poignant poems in Awadhi and Urdu.
The cinema world lost two iconic filmmakers in 2024—Shyam Benegal (23 December 2024) and Kumar Shahani (24 February 2024). These pillars of Indian parallel cinema will be remembered for their classic films, including Ankur, Manthan, Maya Darpan, and Kasba.
The Food and Radio Worlds:
The food world also mourned the loss of Chef Imtiaz Qureshi (16 February 2024), who revived Mughlai cuisine and shaped the world of food, and Hanif Qureshi (22 September 2024), a renowned artist who contributed immensely to public art. The radio world lost a beloved star with the passing of Amin Sayani (20 February 2024), the voice of millions and a symbol of All India Radio.
A Year of Sorrow and Legacy:
2024 will be remembered as a year of deep sorrow for the passing of these giants. It will also be remembered for the immense legacy they leave behind, inspiring future generations in their respective fields.
Let us continue to honor their contributions and preserve their legacies in the years to come.
