Anupamaa actor Rituraj Singh, who played the role of Yashpal in the Rupali Ganguly-headlined Disney+ Hotstar show, has died of cardiac arrest at 59, confirmed a condolence note shared by his neighbour, actor Arshard Warsi, on Tuesday.

“I am so saddened to know that Ritu Raj passed away...Lost a friend and a great actor… will miss you brother…,” wrote Arshad on X, remembering Rituraj not only as a neighbour but also as a co-actor and one of the producers for his debut film.

Primarily known for his roles in television serials like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, CID, Adaalat, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Aahat and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Rituraj had also appeared in numerous Bollywood films including Satyameva Jayate 2 (2021) and Yaariyan 2 (2023).

Recently, the actor essayed the role of Rafeeq in Rohit Shetty’s OTT debut Indian Police Force starring Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Vivek Oberoi.

According to news reports, Rituraj’s close friend and fellow actor Amit Behl confirmed his death on Monday.

Rituraj was reportedly admitted to a hospital some time back for treatment of pancreas. He had also developed cardiac complications, according to news reports.