Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput 'commits suicide'

The Indian film fraternity is mourning the demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who committed suicide at his Mumbai home on Sunday, police confirmed. He was 34.

The award-winning actor, who played Indian skipper MS Dhoni in the cricketer’s biopic, was found hanging at his residence days after his manager Disha Salina allegedly killed herself.

The reason for his suicide is yet to be confirmed and post-mortem reports are being awaited, according to Mumbai Police.

“It pains us to share that Sushant Singh Rajput is no longer with us," said a statement by Rajput’s publicist.

"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."

The actor’s former manager, Disha Salian, died last Monday after a fall from the 14th floor of a building in Mumbai, India's financial capital. The police are investigating both cases.

In a career spanning over a decade, Rajput gave some outstanding performances in movies including Kedarnath, Kai Po Che and Shuddh Desi Romance, among others.

An engineering topper by education, Rajput’s last film Chhichhore was a superhit.

People from all walks of life – actors, ministers, cricketers, his fans, and cinema lovers – paid tributes to the Bollywood actor.

“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," tweeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Shocked by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and fans."