02 November,2026 12:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anuj Thakur. Pic via Instagram
Television actor Anuj Thakur died at the age of 33 on October 27. The actor's passing was confirmed by his close friend and casting director Rupesh Sonar, who paid an emotional tribute to the actor in an Instagram post. The actor reportedly suffered a seizure while he was asleep and did not wake up the following morning. He was found dead at his home by his mother.
In a conversation with The Times of India, Rupesh shared that he had known Anuj for nearly 17 years, after the two first worked together on the show Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka in 2008. Later, they went on to collaborate on several other projects.
Recalling the circumstances around Anuj's death, Rupesh said, "I was shocked to hear that he had gone to sleep at night and never woke up. I met his family, including his mother and brother, on Saturday. That's when I was told that Anuj had suffered a seizure and passed away during the episode. Anuj was an early riser. He woke up at 4.30 am every day and followed his routine, which included fitness and jogging. However, that morning, he didn't get up. His alarm went off at 4.30 am, and when his mother went to his room to wake him, she found that he had died."
He further added, "I have known Anuj since 2008; we worked together on our first show, Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka. We did several shows together after that. It is very difficult to accept that he is no more. I met him just 10 days ago, and he was talking about making a comeback. His enthusiasm was the same as it had been in 2008. He always spoke respectfully to everyone and treated people with dignity. He was generous, cheerful, and helpful. He was a wonderful person and like a younger brother to me. I still cannot understand why he had to leave us so soon," Rupesh added.
Anuj had appeared in several television shows, such as Dhoom Machao Dhoom, Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka, Beendh Banoonga Ghodi Chadunga, and Mahisagar. After a hiatus of more than a decade, Anuj was reportedly looking forward to returning to television.
In his Instagram post, Rupesh Sonar expressed his grief, sharing it was difficult to accept the actor's untimely passing. He wrote, "Still can't believe that you are no longer with us. You were not just a friend but like a little brother to me. We had so many projects planned together, and I still remember witnessing your struggles during your initial days and seeing your journey. Life is truly unpredictable. It's heartbreaking to accept that you are gone so soon. This news feels unreal. You will always be remembered, brother. Rest in peace."
