Hasee Toh Phasee actor Sameer Sharma dies by suicide at 44

Hindi television and film actor Sameer Sharma has died by suicide. He was found hanging in the kitchen of his residence at Malad in northwestern Mumbai yesterday. He was 44.

According to a report in the tabloid newspaper Mid-Day, the police suspect that he died two days ago. The incident only came to light when a security guard noticed a body hanging and alerted the society members last night.

Senior inspector George Fernandez from the Malad police station told the publication, “A case of accidental death has been registered and the body has been sent for an autopsy.”

Sharma was part of the popular Hindi television serial Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke (2019), which was telecast on the Star Plus channel and is currently available on Disney+ Hotstar.

Sharma played Kuhu’s father Shaurya Maheshwari in the serial. Over the years he has been seen in other popular shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii (2000), Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000), Left Right Left (2006) and Geet (2010).

Sharma also played character roles in mainstream Hindi films like Hasee Toh Phasee (2014), Ittefaq (2017) and My Birthday Song (2018).

The actor’s death comes less than two months after the death by suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, which has triggered a debate in the media and a section of the film industry about nepotism and cliques in the business.