Mumbai bid farewell to veteran TV actor Rituraj Singh, who passed away at the age of 59 on Tuesday after succumbing to a cardiac arrest following complications from pancreatic disease.
Singh, renowned for his diverse roles on television, had been battling pancreatic disease and was admitted to the hospital due to his condition. Although he had been discharged, his health took a turn for the worse on Monday night, ultimately leading to a fatal heart attack.
“Pancreatic diseases, encompassing pancreatic inflammation or malignancies, have seen a significant rise in recent times. We encounter numerous high-profile cases grappling with pancreatic problems, which can unfortunately lead to mortality,” explained Dr. Piyush Gupta, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
Pancreatitis, characterized by inflammation and swelling of the pancreas, is often triggered by the attack of digestive juices or enzymes on the pancreas.
Dr. Ashwani Mehta, Senior Cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, emphasized that severe diseases like acute pancreatitis can induce electrolyte imbalances and strain on the heart, potentially leading to cardiac complications or kidney failure, which are common causes of death in such cases.
Alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, gallstones, and certain medications are among the factors associated with pancreatic disorders, with these risk factors witnessing an upward trend in society today. Additionally, obesity, smoking, and alcoholism have indirect links to cardiac issues, further underscoring the interconnection between pancreatic and heart diseases.
Dr. Ashwani stressed the importance of early detection of gallbladder stones and adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent such conditions, highlighting the significance of maintaining a BMI below 23 and avoiding excessive alcohol, smoking, and drug use.
With a career spanning over three decades, Rituraj Singh left an indelible mark on Indian television with memorable performances in shows like ‘Banegi Apni Baat’, ‘Tehkikaat’, ‘Kutumb’, ‘Jyoti’, ‘Beintehaa’, and the recent hit ‘Anupamaa’. His talent also shone in the web series ‘Made in Heaven’ (2022) and the movie ‘Yaariyan 2’ (2023). Singh’s contribution to the entertainment industry will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.