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Year That Was: Prominent personalities India lost in 2024

In 2024, India bid farewell to several iconic figures from the worlds of business and media to music and fashion, these visionaries not only redefined their respective fields but also inspired generations through their creativity, leadership, and dedication.

India mourned the loss of several iconic personalities in 2024, including Ratan Tata, Shashi Ruia, and Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose contributions left an indelible mark on their respective fields.

Join us as we reflect on the lives and legacies of these extraordinary individuals:

Dr Manmohan Singh

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh died at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences on December 26. He breathed his last at 9.51 pm. He was 92. An economist Dr Singh is known for liberalising the Indian economy by abolishing the License Raj in 1991. He served as Prime Minister of India from 2004-2014.

Ustad Zakir Hussain

In December 2024, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at a San Francisco hospital due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung disease. More than just a tabla maestro, he was a cultural ambassador, a storyteller, and a bridge between worlds. His music wasn’t confined to the stage—it was a conversation, a connection to something deeper. From his collaborations with artists across genres to his ability to touch hearts with every beat, his legacy goes beyond technique. It's about how he made us feel the music, how he brought us together with rhythm.

Shashi Ruia

Shashi Ruia, the patriarch of the Essar Group, passed away on November 25. He was 81. An iconic industrialist, Shashikant Ruia, Chairman, Essar Group, played a significant role in redefining India’s corporate landscape. He laid the foundation of the Essar Group and made it a global conglomerate.

Ratan Tata

On October 9, India bid farewell to Ratan Tata, an iconic industrialist. He was 86. His leadership, marked by innovation, philanthropy, and a commitment to ethical business practices, transformed the Tata Group into a global conglomerate and left an indelible mark on Indian industry.

Ramoji Rao

Ramoji Film City founder and media mogul Ramoji Rao died at the age of 87 in June 2024. He is known for starting the ETV news channel and transforming the media and entertainment landscape in India. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan for contributions to journalism, literature, and education in 2016.

Rohit Bal

The fashion industry mourned the death of celebrated designer Rohit Bal, fondly known as "Gudda,”. The legendary designer is reported to have died of a heart attack in New Delhi on November 1.

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