Nitesh and I have known each other for the past 26 years - Rajan Shahi

"I am very shocked and sad. Nitesh and I have known each other for the past 26 years while we struggled in our respective fields. And we met through a common friend. We shared an excellent rapport during that time. He was a pleasant person, full of life and was always down to earth, maintaining his calm and composure. However, we were not in regular touch but still shared a good rapport. In 2011 we collaborated for 'Kuch Toh Log Kahaenge'. He portrayed a beautiful role, just as he seemed in real life. When I called him for Anupamaa, he had prior commitments but still agreed to be a part of it without even listening to the role. When we met on the set, he said that he used to have a blast at the sets and would have loved to be a part of the show regularly hadn't he had prior commitments".

"On May 3rd, he sent me a landscape painting randomly with picturesque scenery which he painted. That was our last communication. He never shared something like this before, but that painting had a sentiment attached. My prayers and condolences are with him, wherever he is, and I hope he is in a good place, just in a serene place like the painting. I wish his family the deepest condolences. He was a nice artist and human being in today's world, filled with negativity and controversies. Meeting a person in such a time who values professionalism is rare. Currently, I am not in Mumbai, but as soon as I reach there, I will meet his family."