The Bollywood and the Hindi television fraternity were in for shock as news about actor Sidharth Shukla’s sad and sudden demise was known. He was just 40 years old.

The winner of Bigg Boss 13 in 2020 had allegedly suffered a heart attack and when brought to the Cooper Hospital, had already passed away, according to the officials of the hospital.

He made his television debut in 2008 playing the lead role in Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na on Sony TV.

This followed more roles on TV till he gained popularity and fame essaying the role of District Collector Shivraj Shekhar in the popular show Balika Vadhu on Colors TV. He received several awards for this role, which came to an end in 2015, with his character dying fighting terrorists.

Now well recognised Shukla went on to participate in dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 and in 2014 he made his big screen debut in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt.

His last appearance was in Ekta Kapoor’s immensely popular show Broken But Beautiful 3, in which he essays the role of Agastya.

He was also seen in shows like Dil Se Dil Tak. He is also popular for his stints in reality shows Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and Bigg Boss 13.

Born in Mumbai to Ashok Shukla, a civil engineer, and Rita Shukla, a homemaker Sidharth's family belongs to Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. He completed his schooling from St. Xavier's High School, Fort and later graduated in Interior designing from Rachana Sansad School of Interior Design.

His untimely death was condoled by several actors, including Akshay Kumar, Rapper Badshah, Madhuri Dixit, Kiara Advani, Ranvir Shorey, Raveena Tandon, Riteish Deshmukh, Bipasha Basu and Manoj Bajpayee among others.

Also read: Sidharth Shukla has a life lesson for fans