Popular Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on Sunday, according to a statement from Mumbai police. He was 34.
Initial reports citing police said the bollywood actor was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra.
Mumbai police spokesperson Pranaya Ashok confirmed the death and said details were being investigated.
A statement released by the actor’s team said, “It pains us to share that Sushant Singh Rajput is no longer with us. We request his fans to keep him in their thoughts and celebrate his life, and his work like they have done so far. We request media to help us maintain privacy at this moment of grief.”
Sushant Singh Rajput was best-known for his work in the TV show Pavitra Rishta and for starring in films such as MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! and Chhichhore.
Social media was flooded with condolences for the actor, with many reacting to the news with disbelief.
“Sushant Singh Rajput … a bright young actor gone too soon,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. “He excelled on TV and in films. His rise in the world of entertainment inspired many and he leaves behind several memorable performances. Shocked by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and fans. Om Shanti.”
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter, “Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless.”
“I can’t believe this at all… it’s shocking… a beautiful actor and a good friend… it’s disheartening,” actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted.
“The news of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death is truly sad. What a tragic loss. Deepest condolences to his family & loved ones. May his soul find eternal peace.” actor Ajay Devgn wrote.
Balaji Telefilms boss Ekta Kapoor, who gave Sushant his start as an actor, tweeted, “Not fair Sushi! One week everything changed! Not fair my baby!” She attached a screenshot of the Instagram exchange she had with the late actor some days ago after revealing a story of how the channel that aired Pavitra Rishta hadn’t wanted Sushant to be cast in the lead. Ms Kapoor did not explain what she meant about everything having changed in ‘one week.’
Just last week, Sushant wrote in an Instagram story, “It’s such devastating news” after his former manager Disha Salian committed suicide. Sushant Singh Rajput’s last post on his Instagram account was a tribute to his late mother a week ago. “Blurred past evaporating from teardrops, unending dreams carving an arc of smile And a fleeting life, negotiating between the two,” he wrote.
Sushant Singh Rajput, a native of Patna, studied engineering in New Delhi before dropping out to pursue a career in acting. He began in television, rising to stardom in the Balaji soap Pavitra Rishta.
He was last seen in the 2019 Netflix film “Drive.”
