Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput dead at 34

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been found dead at the age of 34 at his residence in Mumbai, the Times of India has reported.

Initial reports state that Rajput committed suicide at his Bandra residence by hanging himself on Sunday. The news was later confirmed by Commissioner of Police Dr Manoj Sharma.

[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CAK3B3IjGq8/]]

Pranay Ashok, a spokesperson for Mumbai police, said in a statement: "Sushant Singh Rajput has committed suicide, Mumbai Police is investigating. Police has not found any note yet."

[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-S3cIDWOx/]]

Per the Times, an official statement from Rajput's team reads:

"It pains us to share that Sushant Singh Rajput is no longer with us. We request his fans to keep him in their thoughts and celebrate his life, and his work like they have done so far. We request media to help us maintain privacy at this moment of grief."

Following news of Rajput's tragic passing, tributes have started to flood in on social media:

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1272096708537638912]]

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter: "Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless...I remember watching #SushantSinghRajput in Chhichhore and telling my friend Sajid, its producer how much I’d enjoyed the film and wish I’d been a part of it. Such a talented actor...may God give strength to his family"

And India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, tweeted to his 54 million+ followers: "Sushant Singh Rajput...a bright young actor gone too soon. He excelled on TV and in films. His rise in the world of entertainment inspired many and he leaves behind several memorable performances. Shocked by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and fans. Om Shanti."

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1272114642039345153]]

Rajput's career kicked off with roles in television serials. He made his on-screen debut in the 2008 romantic drama Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil, which was quickly followed by an award-winning performance in the popular soap opera Pavitra Rishta.

Rajput made his film debut in the 2013 drama Kai Po Che!, for which he received a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.

Since then, he has starred a number of successful and acclaimed Bollywood productions, such as Shuddh Desi Romance, Byomkesh Bakshy!, the 2014 satire PK (2014).

He would later earn his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his role in the 2016 sports biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.

Our thoughts are with Rajput's family, friends, and fans during this time.