Actor-model Sidharth Shukla, best known for his role in the TV show Balika Vadhu, died this morning of a heart attack at 40. Sidharth Shukla’s sudden death has left celebs “shocked and sad”, with tributes pouring in from his colleagues. Reacting to the news, his co-star from Balika Vadhu, Avika Gor said, “I am extremely shocked and have no words hearing this news.”

“It’s just so unbelievable. He was kind and an amazing soul. Though I haven’t met him too many times, he was sweet and a pure hearted gentleman. Prayers for his soul and his family gone too soon,” Gor said.

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Sidharth Shukla, who has a huge fan following and became a household name after winning Bigg Boss 13, was active on social media till about last week and posted his family pictures on Instagram handle. His last tweet, posted on August 30, congratulated athletes Sunil Antil and Avani Lekhara on their golds at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Many other celebs posted condolences.

His friend-turned-closest-competitor in Bigg Boss 13, Asim Riaz posted a heartfelt hote on Instagram.

Sidharth Shukla started out as a model and made his acting debut with the 2008 TV show Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na. His big break was the show Balika Vadhu, in which he featured with late actress Pratyusha Banerjee.

Sidharth Shukla also won Khatron Ke Khiladi 7 and competed on the dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6. He hosted the shows Savdhaan India and India’s Got Talent.

Sidharth Shukla did supporting roles in films like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Business In Kazakhstan. His last lead role was in the web-series Broken But Beautiful 3.