Television actor Anuj Thakur, known for his performances in popular shows including Dhoom Machao Dhoom, Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka and Mahisagar, died after reportedly suffering a seizure during sleep. He was 33.
The actor died on October 27, but news of his death emerged on Saturday after his friend and casting director Rupesh Sonar shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
Sonar, who had known Thakur since 2008, described him as a younger brother and recalled their long association, including the actor's early struggles in the television industry and the projects they had planned together.
"Still can't believe that you are no longer with us. You were not just a friend but like a little brother to me. We had so many projects planned together, and I still remember witnessing your struggles during your initial days and seeing your journey," Sonar wrote.
"Life is truly unpredictable. It is heartbreaking to accept that you are gone so soon. This news feels unreal. You will always be remembered, brother. Rest in peace," he added.
๐ ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ
In an interview with The Times of India, Sonar said he learnt the circumstances surrounding Thakur's death after meeting the actor's mother and brother on Saturday.
According to the family account shared with Sonar, Thakur had gone to sleep the previous night but did not wake up the following morning.
The actor was known for maintaining a disciplined daily routine, which included waking up at 4.30 am for fitness activities and jogging.
On the morning of his death, his alarm reportedly continued ringing without a response. His mother entered his room to wake him and discovered that he had died.
"I was shocked to hear that he had gone to sleep at night and never woke up. I met his family, including his mother and brother, on Saturday. That's when I was told that Anuj had suffered a seizure and passed away during the episode," Sonar said.
He added that the sudden death was particularly difficult to comprehend because Thakur had maintained an active lifestyle and followed a regular fitness schedule.
The reported seizure was described by Sonar based on information provided by the family. No medical findings confirming the precise cause of death were provided.
๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ท๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ถ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐
Thakur made his television debut with the Disney Channel teen drama Dhoom Machao Dhoom, which aired between 2007 and 2008.
The series marked the beginning of his acting career and introduced him to television audiences.
He subsequently appeared in several television productions, including Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka and Mahisagar.
His portrayal of Jai Poddar in Beend Banoongaa Ghodi Chadhunga proved to be a significant breakthrough in his career, bringing him wider recognition.
Thakur continued to be associated with the television industry, with Sonar revealing that the two had been discussing future professional collaborations.
๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป ๐น๐ผ๐๐
Sonar's tribute reflected the close personal bond he shared with the actor over nearly two decades.
The casting director recalled watching Thakur navigate the challenges of establishing himself in the entertainment industry and expressed disbelief that their plans for upcoming projects would remain unfinished.
His account of the actor's final hours also highlighted the unexpected nature of the death, which came without any reported warning.
Thakur's death at 33 has brought an abrupt end to a television career that began during his teenage years and included appearances across several Hindi-language serials.