Arjun Bijlani performs final rituals as Neha Swami pays heartfelt tribute to her late father

Television actor Arjun Bijlani and his wife Neha Swami are in a period of deep personal mourning after the sudden death of Neha’s father, Rakesh Chandra Swami. The 73-year-old passed away on January 1, 2026, following a severe stroke that left him on a ventilator for several days at a Mumbai hospital. Family members were by his side as he breathed his last, and his final rites were held at Mumbai’s Oshiwara crematorium with close relatives in attendance.

Neha, who shared a series of personal images on social media, wrote a heartfelt tribute to her late father that captured both her grief and gratitude. In her note, she admitted she still struggles to accept a world without him, describing an emptiness that resonates through her entire family. She spoke about feeling his presence in moments of silence and memory, and how precious the last dinner and phone message from him have become to her.

Her post reflected on her parents’ love, saying her father’s devotion to her mother was a rare and beautiful example of love in its purest form. She credited both her parents for teaching her what love truly means—its honesty, depth, and truth—and acknowledged that everything she is today comes from them.

Neha also addressed her brother directly in the message, expressing comfort in the belief that her father is now reunited with her mother and urging him to watch over them both. She admitted to feeling a sense of guilt for not being able to care for her parents as she wished, but found peace in trusting her brother to safeguard their legacy.

In an emotional pledge to her late father, Neha promised to care for her family. She assured him she will look after her brother Nishank and love her son Ayaan the way he loved him. She even mentioned Arjun, whom she called her father’s favorite son-in-law, promising to make him proud.

The tribute closed with a raw expression of loss and love, as Neha said she wanted more time—more conversations, more moments—and affirmed that her love for her father will last beyond this life.

Photos in the carousel posted on her account include a moving moment from the asthi visarjan (immersion of ashes), where Arjun Bijlani is seen performing the ritual alongside Neha’s brother, showing the family united in grief and remembrance.