Shilpa Shetty's father passes away, funeral on Wednesday

Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra's father, Surendra Shetty, passed away on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. The last rites will be performed on Wednesday. 

Shetty suffered the heart attack at 9am and was rushed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital, where he was declared dead.

Shetty was a businessman, and was a great influence on both his daughters, Shilpa and Shamita. He was in the news recently after he was duped by a self-styled godman. The case was one of the rare occasions where he found the limelight, albeit unwillingly. 

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing away of Surendra Shetty, husband of Sunanda Shetty and loving father to Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Shamita Shetty," said the Shetty family in a statement. "He took his last breath at home. We request your cooperation and support to respect the family's privacy at this crucial time." 

The cremation is expected to take place at Pavan Hans tomorrow morning at 10.30. 

Surendra Shetty is survived by his wife, Sunanda, and daughters, Shilpa and Shamita.