Popular Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on Sunday, police and Indian media reports said.
Initial reports citing police said the 34-year-old actor was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra.
Mumbai police spokesperson Pranaya Ashok confirmed the death and said details were being investigated.
Rajput, who started as a TV actor, made his Bollywood debut in 2013 with director Abhishek Kapoor in “Kai Po Che,” based on the book by Chetan Bhagat.
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.”
Sushant Singh Rajput…a bright young actor gone too soon. 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2020
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter, “Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless.”
Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless…I remember watching #SushantSinghRajput in Chhichhore and telling my friend Sajid, its producer how much I’d enjoyed the film and wish I’d been a part of it. Such a talented actor…may God give strength to his family 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 14, 2020
“I can’t believe this at all… it’s shocking… a beautiful actor and a good friend… it’s disheartening,” actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted.
I can’t believe this at all… it’s shocking… a beautiful actor and a good friend… it’s disheartening #RestInPeace my friend #SushantSinghRajput
Strength to the family and friends 🙏🏽— Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) June 14, 2020
Cricket player Mohammad Kaif was joined by actresses Mahira Khan and Priyanka Chopra in paying tribute.
Behind the smiling exteriors there must have been so much battle dealing with so many thoughts. Gone too soon #SushantSinghRajput
Mental health issues need to be addressed with seriousness. It is fine to be vulnerable & seek help. Remember there are people who love you— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 14, 2020
May your soul rest in eternal peace #SushantSinghRajput
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) June 14, 2020
I'm stunned. U must have been in so much pain. I hope u are at peace wherever u are my friend. Gone too soon.I’ll never forget our conversations about astrophysics at sunrise.Words cease to make sense. RIP Sushant. My condolences to the family & everyone grieving this huge loss💔 pic.twitter.com/tA5CmNsRJC
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) June 14, 2020
Rajput played former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the 2016 film “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.” Among his other movies are “Kedarnath, Sonchiriya” (Golden Bird) and “Raabta” (Connection).
He was last seen in the 2019 Netflix film “Drive.”
Mumbai, India’s financial hub and home to Bollywood, has been grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought the business of entertainment to a complete halt in the country.
