Theatre and film actor Ranjit Chowdhry dies aged 64

Film and theatre actor Ranjit Chowdhry died in Mumbai on Wednesday, aged 64. The actor's half-sister, theatre director Raell Padamsee, shared the news of his death on social media.

Son of the renowned theatre artiste Pearl Padamsee, Chowdhry gained popularity with his performances as the impish, quick-witted young man in films like Khatta Meetha (1978), Baton Baton Mein (1979) and Khoobsurat (1980). While the films went on to be hugely popular, Chowdhry chose to move abroad for a career in Hollywood.  

Forming a close friendship with directors like Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair, the actor featured in films like Mississippi Masala (1991), Fire (1996) and Bollywood Hollywood (2002). He even wrote the screenplay for Mehta's Sam & Me. Mehta tweeted: "Miss him — a real loss."

Chowdhry also worked in two episodes of the US television series, Prison Break, as Dr Marvin Gudat.

Actor Rahul Khanna, who co-starred with Chowdhry in Bollywood Hollywood, shared his grief online.

Actress Poorna Jagannathan also shared her experience of working with the actor.

In recent years, Chowdhry gained prominence for his role as the telemarketer Vikram in the American television series The Office (2005–2013).

The actor's funeral will be held in Mumbai today.