Heartbreaking to see him go so young, say Dr. Hathi's co-stars

Kavi Kumar Azad

Actor Kavi Kumar Azad, who played Dr Hansraj Hathi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, passed away yesterday after suffering cardiac arrest. The actor, 45, was rushed to Wockhardt Hospital in the morning after he complained of discomfort, but was declared dead on arrival.

The show's creator Asit Kumarr Modi revealed that Azad excused himself from work last morning as he was feeling unwell. Hours later, the producer learnt of his demise. Their nine-year-long collaboration had resulted in a deep friendship. "After his health scare in 2009, he promised to take better care of himself. He was not married and considered the Taarak Mehta team as family. Often, he would bring home-cooked food for the entire team. He would tell me, 'When I come to the set, the people here make me forget all my troubles'. It is heartbreaking to see him go so young," said Modi.

Ambika Ranjankumar

Ambika Ranjankumar, who played his wife in the comedy, remembers Azad as the guy who always had a wide smile on his face. "He was a happy-go-lucky person on set. He has left behind so many fond memories."

Mandar Chandwadhkar

Co-star Mandar Chandwadhkar aka Bhide says that Azad was passionate about two things - acting and food. "Whenever he came on set, the first thing he'd ask was, 'Khane mein kya hai?' before even saying good morning. He was a gem of a person, who cared for everyone, including the spot boys," said Chandwadhkar. He added that the actor had altered his lifestyle after the health scare. "Azad had lost weight. Last year, he promised to come home for Ganpati. I am going to miss him." Azad played Dr Hathi for nine years, having replaced Nirmal Soni in 2009. The last rites will be conducted this afternoon at a crematorium in Mira Road.

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