Sidharth Shukla’s family issues first statement after the actor’s passing

Thanking fans for their support, the family requested privacy to grieve

The family of popular Indian film and television actor Sidharth Shukla, best known for his role in the long-running TV show Balika Vadhu and Bigg Boss, has issued their first statement following the actor’s untimely demise last week on Thursday.

They thanked the late actor’s fans and for their love and requested privacy so that they may grieve the loss, reported Hindustan Times. “Heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of Sidharth’s journey and showered him with unconditional love. It definitely doesn’t end here as he now resides in our hearts forever! Sidharth valued his privacy, hence we request you to allow our family the privacy to grieve,” read the statement.

“A special thank you to the Mumbai Police force for their sensitivity and compassion. They have been like a shield, protecting us and standing by us every minute of the day! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Om Shanti -The Shukla Family,” it concluded. 

The actor, who passed away at 40 after suffering a heart attack, is survived by his mother and two sisters. The statement from the family comes after the sensationalist media coverage of Shukla’s funeral was criticised by several prominent celebrities. After a video surfaced on social media which shows how Shehnaaz Gill, the rumoured girlfriend of late actor Sidharth Shukla and her brother Shehbaaz are followed and pushed around as a crying Shehnaaz runs after Sidharth's hearse, many Bollywood stars have taken to social media and lamented on such behaviour from the paparazzi, terming it as "heartless.”