Actor Nitesh Pandey, Star of Om Shanti Om, Passes Away at Age 51

The death of veteran Indian actor Nitesh Pandey has left the film industry in shock. Anupamaa actor Pandey, best known for his role in the 2007 blockbuster, ‘Om Shanti Om’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan, passed away at the age of 51 due to cardiac arrest in Igatpuri, Maharashtra. He was reportedly doing fine until his last day.

Nitesh Pandey had been in the industry for over 33 years and had performed in numerous stage plays, television serials, films, and web series. He formed part of some of the most iconic and classic Indian films such as ‘Sholay’, ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’ and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’ and ‘Sarfarosh’. Besides working with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, he also worked with modern filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra, Dev Benegal, Imtiaz Ali, Shamim Desai, Rajat Kapoor, and others.

Apart from his movie roles, Pandey was an active member of the theatre circuit in Mumbai and across India. He received critical acclaim for his performances in Sohaila Kapur’s play ‘Haveli’, and Paresh Mokashi’s ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

Pandey’s short but lasting legacy will remain forever etched in the minds of his fans and colleagues alike. Many celebrities have taken to social media to pay their respects to the departed soul.

Veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Rekha, and Juhi Chawla wrote heartfelt tributes honoring Pandey’s contribution to the film and theater industry. Apart from them, television actress Supriya Pilgaonkar, Neena Gupta, and Anupam Kher also paid tribute. Recalling their association with the late actor, they said that Pandey was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor, and creative talent.

The sudden demise of this legendary actor has indeed shaken up the industry, but his work will be remembered for years to come.