Indian actor Sidharth Shukla dies aged 40 ‘following heart attack’

Stars are mourning the death of Shukla (Picture: Getty – Sidharth Shukla)

Tributes have come in after reports Indian actor and reality star Sidharth Shukla died aged 40 following a heart attack.

The star was best known for his role in the long-running TV show Balika Vadhu and in Broken But Beautiful 3 as well as Dil Se Dil Tak, and winning Bigg Boss 13, based on Big Brother.

Shukla died on Thursday, with BBC citing a Cooper Hospital doctor who said the star was already dead when he was brought in. His family or reps are yet to speak publicly about his death.

An official from the hospital told Hindustan Times: ‘Initial report indicates that he died of a heart attack. We, however, won’t be able to confirm the cause of his death until we complete the post mortem.’

Shukla made his debut in the lead role in the 2008 show Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na, before heading to Bollywood in 2014 with a supporting role in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.

He also starred in reality shows including Bigg Boss 13, which he won, and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7. He hosted Savdhaan India and India’s Got Talent.

He was known for his roles on TV (Picture: Sidharth Shukla)

Fellow actors and Bollywood stars shared their shock and sadness at Shukla’s death, with Manoj Bajpayee writing on Twitter: ‘OMG!!! This is So Shocking!!! Words will fail to describe the shock and sense of loss of his near and dear ones !!! May he rest in peace !!! No yaar !!!!’

Shukla’s Bigg Boss co-contestant Himanshi Khurana tweeted: ‘Om Shanti,’ adding: ‘Oh my God. It’s hard to believe. RIP Sidharth.’

Bollywood star Sunil Shetty shared a tribute, writing: ‘Shocked beyond belief at this news!! This was no age to go Sidharth! May God give strength to the family. #SidharthShukla.’

The star’s final post on social media was a tribute to frontline workers, as he shared a message with the hashtag #TheHeroesWeOwe.

He wrote: ‘To all the frontline warriors, a thank you from the heart! You risk your lives, work for countless hours, and comfort patients who couldn’t be with their families. You truly are the bravest!’

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He added: ‘Being on the frontline surly isn’t easy, but we really appreciate your efforts.’

Shukla is survived by his mother and two siblings.