The Bollywood fraternity and Television celebs on Friday expressed pain and shock on the news of TV actor Kushal Punjabi's untimely death. Kushal committed suicide at his home in Mumbai's Bandra area late on Thursday night. As per a statement from the police, the actor "committed suicide by hanging himself from a fan with a nylon rope".
Ranvir Shorey, who knew Kushal since the latter's childhood, is extremely upset. In a separate tweet, the actor expressed that he was done with 2019 as he had another friend pass away.
I have known Kushal Punjabi since he was a kid. He was always an all rounder, a rare mix of talent and hard work. His commitment and dedication were an inspiration to everyone around him. I’m very sad that he’s gone. I’m even sadder that he gave up. RIP.
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) December 27, 2019
I’ve had two friends pass away in almost as many days. I’m done with this year. And I hope it’s done with me too.
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) December 27, 2019
Farhan Akhar who directed him in his film Lakshya also tweeted and expressed his grief at Kushal’s demise.
Shocked and saddened to hear of Kushal Punjabi taking his own life. Have fond memories of working with him on Lakshya and witnessing him kick everyone’s behind at boot camp. You will be missed brother.
Condolences to the family.— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) December 27, 2019
Kushal was last seen on the Bollywood screen in Raj and DK's 2017 film, A Gentleman. The director duo took to Twitter to express pain. Sharing a picture of the actor, they tweeted, "The interaction we had with Kushal Punjabi during our shoot showed a guy who was smart, funny, very talented... an all-rounder who was full of life! Terrible news! Rest in peace, Kushal! #RIPKushalPunjabi".
The interaction we had with Kushal Punjabi during our shoot showed a guy who was smart, funny, very talented... an all-rounder who was full of life! Terrible news! Rest in peace, Kushal!#RIPKushalPunjabi pic.twitter.com/vE0nbLz4ob
— Raj & DK (@rajndk) December 27, 2019
Filmmaker Kunal Kohli, who was introduced to the actor only recently, expressed shock on hearing the news. "Absolutely shocked to hear about #KushalPunjabi met him a few days ago at a play I'd gone to watch. What goes on inside someone's mind, the pressures we deal with, no one else can know. Prayers & Strength to the family in these hard times," he tweeted.
Absolutely shocked to hear about #KushalPunjabi met him a few days ago at a play I’d gone to watch. What goes on inside someone’s mind, the pressures we deal with, no one else can know. Prayers & Strength to the family in these hard times.
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) December 27, 2019
TV celebs like Karanvir Bohra, Karan Patel and others also expressed their deep shock and grief. Check out their tweets below.
Ur demise has shocked the hell out of me.I'm still in denial @PunjabiKushal I know you are in a happier place,but this is unfathomable.
You really inspired me with the way you saw life, but what was I to know.
I will always remember u as a #dancingdaddy #fit & a #lifeenthusiast pic.twitter.com/qv31QMH8C8— Karanvir Bohra (@KVBohra) December 26, 2019
Kushal Punjabi was a popular face on Indian television. He acted in daily soaps such as Dekho Magar Pyaar Se, Hum Tum, Aasman Se Aage and his last, Ishq Mein Marjawan. He was also seen in films such as Lakshya, Kaal, Salaam-e-ishq and A Gentleman among others.
The actor was 37 and is survived by his three-year-old son.
(Source: Twitter/Instagam/IANS)