`Raees` actor Narendra Jha passes away due to cardiac arrest

One of the finest actors of Bollywood, Narendra Jha, who was seen in films like `Haider`, `Raees` and `Kaabil`, died at the age of 55.

Mumbai: It is indeed a sad year for Bollywood. A few days after the untimely demise of Indian cinema's first female superstar Sridevi, Hindi film industry has lost another gem. Well-known actor Narendra Jha passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 55. 

According to reports, Jha breathed his last at his farmhouse in Wada. His driver Lakshman Singh told IANS, "He had no health issues and last night (Tuesday) he was fine. He ate properly and spoke to us... Things were fine. Around 4 a.m. today, he felt a chest pain so we took him to a nearby hospital, but everything was over by then."

Born in Bihar's Madhubani, Jha began his small screen journey with Mandira Bedi’s 'Shanti' and went on to model in TV ads.

He worked in movies like 'Raees', 'Haider', 'Kaabil' and 'Mohenjo Daro' besides doing TV show like 'Begusaraai', 'Choona Hai Aasmaan', 'Ek Ghar Banaunga' among others. Jha had earned immense appreciation for his character roles. He was also seen as Raj Bansal, the main antagonist, in 'Ghayal Once Again', which was the sequel to 1990-released 'Ghayal' starring Sunny Deol in the lead role. 

He worked with iconic filmmakers like Shyam Benegal in the film 'Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero'. He also featured in a play 'Samvidhaan', in which he played Mohammed Ali Jinnah, as well as did shows on television.

Narendra was also signed up for the upcoming Salman Khan starrer 'Race 3', as well as another movie. The actor was married to former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) CEO Pankaja Thakur.

As the news about the actor's death spread, condolence messages began pouring on Twitter.

As per reports, his last rites will take place in Wada. However, an official confirmation regarding the same is awaited.