Reema Lagoo, Inder Kumar, Sonika Singh Chauhan: Celebs that left us in 2017

The year 2017 saw many celebs from the Television industry taking to the heavenly abode. From Reema Lagoo to Inder Kumar, our favourite stars’ unfortunate death has left their friends, family and fans heartbroken. Their passing away has a left a void so deep that it almost seems impossible to fill it.

Let’s take a look at the actors that we lost in 2017:

1. Reema Lagoo: 

Renowned actor Reema Lagoo breathed her last in Mumbai following a severe cardiac arrest on 18 May, 2017. The news of her sudden demise came as a shock to the entire entertainment fraternity, her fans and well-wishers alike. 

Reema ji is remembered for her roles in TV serials namely Tu Tu Main Main, Shrimaan Shrimati, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Rangeela, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Vaastav: The Reality, Yes Boss, Hum Saath Saath Hai, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon and others. Her last screen appearance was in the TV show Naamkarann.

She is also known for her roles in blockbusters like 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' (1989), 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' (1994) and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998). Her portrayal of Sanjay Dutt's mother in Vaastav was critically acclaimed. 

2. Sonika Singh Chauhan: 

Model-actress Sonika Singh Chauhan passed away on 29 April, 2017 after she met with a fatal road accident in Kolkata. She was accompanied by popular Bengali actor Vikram Chatterjee who was driving the car. Vikram was seriously injured but Sonika was declared dead by the time she reached the hospital.

Sonika used to host a popular prime-time show on a national channel. The 28-year-old actor also tried her hands in anchoring and was one of the hosts of Pro Kabaddi league.

3. Gautam Adhikari:

Veteran television producer Gautam Adhikari passed away in Mumbai on October 27, 2017, of cardiac arrest. He was 67. Gautam Adhikari was the chairman and co-founder of Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Limited also known as SAB TV, along with his brother Markand Adhikari. He is survived by wife Ranjana and two children.
 
The SAB group started in 1985 as a production house for Marathi content on TV and went on to have a bouquet of TV channels, including in Hindi. SAB TV is known for its unique TV shows, including comedy and satire.

Over the years, Adhikari also took to the director’s chair and helmed many serials, including Hello Inspector, Commander, Marshall, Silsila and Waqt Ki Raftar. His name was listed in the Limca Books of Records in 1999 for “directing maximum episodes”.

4. Inder Kumar

Inder Kumar, well known for his role in Salman Khan's Wanted, passed away on 29 July, 2017 after suffering from a heart attack at his Mumbai residence. He also became a popular face on the small screen for playing Mihir Virani in the TV show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. He is survived by his wife Pallavi Sarraf. Currently, he was busy shooting for his next film titled Phati Paid Hai Yaar.

5. Gagan Kang and Arjit Lawania:

Mahakali: Anth Hi Aarambh Hai actors Gagan Kang and Arjit Lawania along with their spot boy were killed when their car lost control and rammed into a stationery trailer near Manor in Palghar district on 19th August, 2017.

While Gagan was seen essaying the role of God Indra, Arjit essayed the character of Nandi on the mythological saga. 

Swastik Productions founder and creative director Siddharth Kumar Tewary had reacted to this shocking news and in a statement had said, "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic news. I dont think we will ever come to terms with this tragedy ...Our hearts go out to the families and we stand with them. Both Arijit and Gagan were good actors and extremely sincere towards their craft. May their souls R.I.P."