Mumbai:

TV actor and model Samir Sharma was found dead last night at his Mumbai home, police said.

The 44-year-old actor – seen in Balaji Telefilms’ popular TV shows “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” and “Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki” – was found hanging in the kitchen of his Malad flat, police said, adding that they suspect he killed himself.

His body was found by a security guard who alerted other members of the apartment complex. The actor was living on rent at the Malad home.

A case of accidental death has been registered. “We have not found any evidence that suggests he may have been killed. Also, no suicide note has been found at the house so far. We are still investigating the case,” an officer said. The body has been sent for autopsy.

Samir Sharma – a familiar face on the small screen – was also seen in the 2009 Bollywood movie – “Hasee Toh Phasee“. He acted in several TV shows- “Dil Kya Chahta Hai“, “Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi” and “Left Right Left“.

Condolences poured on social media as the news of his death broke, nearly two months after Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai home. The 34-year-old’s death had triggered debate on mental health.

“Really sad and unfortunate. #RIPSameerSharma,” read an Instagram post by Sidharth Malhotra, who was the lead actor in “Hasee Toh Phasee“.

“May #SameerSharma soul rest in peace. prayers for the closed ones to have strength to cope up with the loss. It’s unfortunate @ rate suicides n depression is increasing in our society may be we all need to give it a serious thought and not just think but take actions too,” tweeted actor Shweta Rohira. 

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.) Helplines: AASRA: 91-22-27546669 (24 hours) Sneha Foundation: 91-44-24640050 (24 hours) Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 1860-2662-345 and 1800-2333-330 (24 hours) iCall: 022-25521111 (Available from Monday to Saturday: 8:00am to 10:00pm) Connecting NGO: 18002094353 (Available from 12 pm – 8 pm)