Actor Kushal Punjabi, who was seen in movies like Lakshya, Kaal, Salaam-e-Ishq and Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, was found hanging from the ceiling of his Pali Hill residence in Mumbai, along with a suicide note.
“Yes, it is a case of suicide. His parents were trying to reach to him since afternoon. But his phone was unavailable. They waited till night, when there was no response, they reached Kushal’s building by 10:30 pm. The actor was alone at home and that’s why they had to break open the door. His body was found hanging from the ceiling. The body has been sent for postmortem and we have filed the case”, said DCP Paramjit Singh Dahiya to the media.
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The authorities added that a suicide note has also been found along with the body of the 37-year-old deceased actor. However, they informed that Kushal has not blamed anyone in the suicide note as the cause of his death.
Taking to social media, Karanvir Bohra, who was a close friend of Kushal Punjabi, announced the death of the actor.
“Your demise has shocked the hell out of me. I’m still in denial, Kushal Punjabi. I know you are in a happier place, but this is unfathomable. The way you lead your life really inspired me in more ways than one…. but what was I to know. Your zest for dancing, fitness, off-road biking, fatherhood and above all that, that smiling face of yours, your happy-go-lucky nature your warmth all that was such ingenuity. I’m gonna miss you so much #kushlani. You will always be remembered as a guy who lived a full life.”, he wrote.
Actor Karan Patel paid a tribute to the actor and wrote: “RIP, my brother. Guess It’s true when they say, “The happiest Faces hide the most saddened hearts”. Seeing your spirit and zest for life, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that you will bid your final goodbye to life in a way that will send a chill down our spines every time we think of you. Kushal Punjabi, you will be missed forever. Hope and pray you are in a better place. Still can’t believe you’re gone. Gone too soon.”
Actor Baba Sehgal expressed his disbelief over the demise as he wrote “I just cannot come to the terms that Kushal is no more. Always ready to face challenges of all kinds and such an adorable father. He was a friend but more like a younger brother to me. RIP #KushalPunjabi”.
I just cannot come to the terms that Kushal is no more. Always ready to face challenges of all kinds and such an adorable father. He was a friend but more like a younger brother to me. RIP #KushalPunjabi pic.twitter.com/GZxdgp5t3A
— Baba Sehgal (@OnlyBabaSehgal) December 27, 2019
Several other personalities from the industry including Shweta Tiwari and Jay Bhanushali expressed shock and sadness over the untimely death of the actor.
Kushal Punjabi is survived by wife Audrey Dolhen and son Kian.
He had featured in reality shows like Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and Fear Factor. The actor had also worked in soaps like Kasam Se, Dekho Magar Pyaar Se and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, etc.