"He passed away around 12:30 am at his home."
Acclaimed television actor Rituraj Singh tragically passed away at the age of 59 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Rituraj began his television career in 1989. He played Arjun in the television film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones.
He went on to work in hit shows including CID, Adaalat and Diya Aur Baati Hum.
Rituraj’s close friend and theatre actor Amit Behl confirmed his death and explained:
“He had been hospitalised due to some stomach issues and was discharged a few days ago.
“He passed away around 12:30 am at his home due to a cardiac arrest.”
Rituraj also worked on several films.
Since news of his passing emerged, tributes poured in for Rituraj Singh.
His neighbour and actor Arshad Warsi posted on X:
“I am so saddened to know that Rituraj passed away.
“We lived in the same building. He was a part of my first film as a producer.
“Lost a friend and a great actor… will miss you brother…”
I am so saddened to know that Ritu Raj passed away. We lived in the same building, he was a part of my first film as a producer. Lost a friend and a great actor… will miss you brother…
— Arshad Warsi (@ArshadWarsi) February 20, 2024
Politician Praful Patel wrote: “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the renowned actor Rituraj Singh.
“With his powerful performances, he left a lasting impression in the world of cinema.
“His passing at the age of 59 due to a cardiac arrest is a great loss to the industry.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the renowned actor Rituraj Singh. With his powerful performances, he left a lasting impression in the world of cinema. His passing at the age of 59 due to a cardiac arrest is a great loss to the industry. May his soul rest in peace.… pic.twitter.com/18BllUt8KD
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) February 20, 2024
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also expressed grief, calling Rituraj “untapped” and “warm”. He said:
“Rituraj!!!! Can’t believe this!
“I directed him briefly in a daily soap called K Street Pali Hill but in the process we became good friends.
“Been a while since we hung out but I have such fond memories.
“Untapped actor and a warm human. Gone suddenly and too early.”
Rituraj!!!! Can’t believe this!
I directed him briefly in a daily soap called K Street Pali Hill but in the process we became good friends. Been a while since we hung out but I have such fond memories. Untapped actor and a warm human. Gone suddenly and too early. pic.twitter.com/53A2SJ4At4
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) February 20, 2024
Amid all the condolences, a picture from Rituraj’s Instagram profile has circulated online.
Rituraj had posted the photo to celebrate Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday on November 2, 2022.
It showed SRK, Rituraj and a few other colleagues. Rituraj Singh had captioned the post:
“Another Amazing Photograph taken by @amarthetalwar during Our Fabulous TAG Days.
“Happy Birthday, @iamsrk. Lots of love.”
In a previous interview, Rituraj spoke about his bond with SRK. He recalled:
“[Shah Rukh] would hug me and introduce me to others as his oldest friend.
“He would invite me to his vanity van and we would smoke together.
“We used to discuss many things about life. At that age, you are just filled up with everyday stuff and there is an everyday high.
“We used to rehearse together and play football, among other things.
“Somewhere down the line, he got the feeling that acting is something that his life is all about and thank God it happened, or else, we wouldn’t have had a magnet of a miraculous star today.
“We could fit into each other’s clothes because of the same body structure.”
“We were real thick buddies, and those were the best days of my life.
“I came to Mumbai to act at his insistence. He would come to Delhi and tell me, ‘What are you doing here? Come, let’s go to Mumbai. You’re such a good actor’.
“I have never asked SRK for work because unlike others, I don’t suck up to him and ask favours.
“But this I know, that if God forbid I am in a miserable situation tomorrow, SRK will be the first one to reach out to me.”
Rituraj Singh made his final television appearance as Rafeeq in Rohit Shetty’s thriller series Indian Police Force in 2024.
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