Former Bollywood star Ranjit Chowdhry has died in India at the age of 64 after suffering from a ruptured ulcer in his intestines, according to reports.
The Indian-born actor is best known for playing Vikram in the popular American TV-series “The Office.” He also had roles in “Prison Break.”
“He had come to India for a dental treatment. He has been here since December-January,” Indian theater actor Dolly Thakore told the Press Trust of India (PTI).
Chowdhry—a New York resident—had his flight scheduled back to America on April 8. But because of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, a novel coronavirus that originated in China and has since caused a global pandemic, India imposed strict lockdown measures and the actor was unable to return to America.
“He was so well loved and an adorable guy,” Thakore told PTI. “I reached out to the family. He has a wife and 16-year-old son in New York.”
“He got a ruptured ulcer in the intestine which happened on April 14,” she added. “A physician was called who said he needs to go to the hospital and he was taken to Breach Candy hospital. They operated on him but he died at the hospital yesterday [April 15] at 4 in the morning.”
Raell Padamsee, Chowdhry’s half-sister, shared the news on her personal Instagram account with the caption: “For all those who knew Ranjit, the funeral will be held tomorrow and a gathering to celebrate his life and share stories on May 5th. With love, Raell.”
Having been born and raised in Mumbai, Chowdhry’s family also had a background in theater and acting.
His mother, Pearl Padamsee, was a renowned theater actress, director, and producer of English-language theater in the 1950s through the 1990s.
Chowdhry learned acting at Campion School in Mumbai and started his acting career in 1978.
He became well-known in India doing comedies in the late 1970s and early 1980s before moving to the United States for a Hollywood career, TMZ reported.
Chowdhry appeared in several American series like “NYPD Blue” and “Prison Break” before playing Vikram in “The Office” in 2007. He also wrote the screenplay and acted in “Sam & Me,” which won an honorable mention in 1991.
Indian actor Rahul Khanna, who co-starred with Chowdhry, said he was “gutted to learn” about his friend’s passing and tributed him in a lengthy post on Twitter.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family & especially his son,” Khanna wrote. “Giving you a standing ovation & raising a toast to you, my friend!”
I have such fun memories of working with him on Bollywood/ Hollywood, then, on an off-Broadway musical (that we both eventually ended up not doing) and, of course, the dinners at his apartment in New York. Giving you a standing ovation & raising a toast to you, my friend!
— Rahul Khanna (@R_Khanna) April 16, 2020
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta said on Twitter he is pleased to have worked with Chowdhry, and always found joy in his performances.
“Thank you for the joy you gave us through your performances,” Gupta wrote. “Keep smiling wherever you are.”
Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter Rahul Dholakia wrote on Twitter, “Very Sad to hear about #RanjitChowdhry—was a big fan of his films—Great comic timing & Good actor.”
Very Sad to hear about #RanjitChowdhry – was a big fan of his films – Great comic timing & Good actor. khatta Metha, khubsoorat, lonely in America, Sam and me. He was also the first ever judge, in our Show Naya Andaz in New Jersey in 1993.#RIP
— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) April 16, 2020
Chowdhry is survived by his wife and 16-year-old son.