Deaths in 2016 that will haunt us forever

Bowie, who started his career in 1963, went on to dominate the industry for five long decades, hitting a Experimenting with his n estimated 140 million record sales. composition and his persona, Bowie became to be the classic iconoclast who inspired and influenced scores of musicians after him.

David Bowie (January 8, 1947- January 10, 2016)

David Bowie: January 8, 1947 - January 10, 2016

Beginning his political career with the Indian National Congress, Mufti went on to found the People’s Democratic Party in 1999. Having served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir twice, Mufti is believed to be one of the most crucial political figures of the region, he died at the age of 79 due to multiple organ failure.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed (January 12, 1936- January 7, 2016) 


Mufti Mohammad Sayeed: January 12, 1936 - January 7, 2016

Author of the American classic- To Kill a Mocking Bird- Lee was one of the few celebrities who did not succumb to a disease and died peacefully at the age of 89. His novel was later adapted into a movie and it went on to bag three Oscar awards in 1963.

Harper Lee (April 28, 1926- February 19, 2016) 

Born as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, boxer Muhammad Ali won his first heavyweight title at the age of 18. Ali was banned from boxing for three years for refusing to join the US military during the Vietnam War. The legendary boxer at the age of 74 owing to medical complication related to Parkinson’s disease.

 Muhammad Ali (January 17, 1942- June 3, 2016)

Having penned more than 100 novels, Mahashweta Devi was considered to be on of the most prized literary figures in India. Writing in Bengali, Devi's work presented a strong critique of the social inequalities prevailing in rural Bengal. Rooting her work in everyday realism, Devi was revered as a revolutionary figure who stood for social justice within and beyond literary realm.

Mahashweta Devi (January 14, 1926- July 28, 2016)

Revered for his revolutionary writing that touched upon contemporary issues including religion, politics, isolation and sexuality, among others, Cohen was considered second only to the Nobel Prize winning Bob Dylan.

Leonard Cohen (September 21, 1934- November 7, 2016)

After the dissolution of the Soviet Republic in Russia in 1991, Castro kept socialist politics alive in his island country of Cuba. Famous in history for triggering the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, Castro stood firm on his anti-American stance throughout his political career as a guerrilla warrior, anti-establishment leader, Prime Minister and President.

Fidel Castro (August 13, 1947- November 25, 2016)

Tamil Nadu’s political icon- J Jayalaithaa—died owing to a sudden cardiac arrest on Dec 5. Leading the AIADMK cadre with an iron fist, Jayalalithaa who was known as ‘Amma’ and ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’ emerged as a cult figure.

J Jayalalithaa (February 24, 1948- December 5, 2016)

One of the celebrities who took off from the world all too early at the age of 53, George Michael was one of the most celebrated pop stars of 80s and 90s. Dying because of a heart failure on Christmas day, December 25 came to be his “Last Christmas”- also one of his most popular love songs that continues to be a favourite among millions across the globe.

George Michael (June 25, 1963- December 25, 2016)


Female lead protagonist of the epic Sci-fi movie saga- Star Wars- Fisher will be remembered as Princess Leia by her fans. In the movie, Fisher plays the role of one of Rebel forces seeking to destroy the cataclysmic weapon Death Star. Star Wars went to become a cult movie defining popular culture from 1970s onwards. Fisher died at the age of 60 after suffering from a heart attack.