Popular television actor Arjun Bijlani and his wife, Neha Swami, are facing a period of profound grief. The couple recently lost a pillar of their family, Neha's father, Rakesh Chandra Swami. He passed away on January 1 at the age of 73 following a sudden brain stroke.
A Sudden Health Crisis and Heartfelt Tribute
The unfortunate sequence of events began on December 29 when Rakesh Chandra Swami was admitted to a hospital after suffering a brain stroke. His condition was critical, and he was placed on a ventilator the very next day, December 30. At the time, Arjun and Neha were in Dubai for New Year celebrations but immediately cut their trip short and rushed back to Mumbai upon hearing the news. Despite their swift return and medical efforts, he could not be saved.
Arjun Bijlani shared his sorrow and paid a moving tribute to his father-in-law on Instagram. He posted a series of nostalgic throwback photos along with an emotional note in Hindi. He wrote, "Om Shanti Papa !! Aap ki batein aur seekh hamesha hamare saath Rahengi ..!! Neha aur Ayaan ka poora Dhyaan rakhoonga chinta mat karna ..(!! Your words of wisdom and advice will always stay with us ..!! I will take full care of Neha and Ayaan, don't worry.) !! Love u always !!" He fondly remembered Rakesh Swami as a strong support system for both him and his wife.
Celebrities Gather for a Solemn Prayer Meet
To honour the departed soul, Arjun Bijlani and Neha Swami organized a prayer meet in Mumbai on January 5. The gathering was attended by close family members, friends, and several well-known faces from the entertainment industry who came to offer their condolences and support to the grieving family.
The list of celebrities who attended the somber event included:
- Mouni Roy
- Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain
- Isha Malviya
- Aamir Ali
- Sana Makbul
- Ravie Dubey
- Eisha Singh
Their presence highlighted the close-knit nature of the television fraternity and the respect Arjun commands among his peers.
A Promise to Uphold a Father's Legacy
In his heartfelt note, Arjun Bijlani made a solemn promise to his late father-in-law. He assured him that he would cherish his wisdom forever and, more importantly, step up as the protector of the family. Arjun vowed to take complete care of his wife Neha and their young son, Ayaan, filling the void left by the family's patriarch.
This tragic loss has cast a shadow over the Bijlani-Swami family as they navigate this difficult time. The actor's public acknowledgment of his father-in-law's role as a guiding force underscores the deep personal loss, beyond the public persona. The family seeks privacy as they mourn while appreciating the outpouring of love from fans and colleagues alike.
