New Year turns tragic for TV actor Arjun Bijlani as father in law Rakesh Chandra Swami passes away at 73 a
The new year opened on a sombre note for television actor and host Arjun Bijlani and his family. His father in law, Rakesh Chandra Swami, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, following a sudden medical emergency. He was 73. Family sources confirmed that Swami suffered a brain stroke on December 29 and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai before his condition deteriorated.
A sudden medical emergency
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Rakesh Chandra Swami was rushed to Bellevue Hospital after suffering a stroke while at home. He was admitted to the ICU and placed on ventilator support, where he remained for three days. A family member told the publication that he had been in good health until the incident. “He was fit and fine and was about to have dinner when he suddenly suffered a stroke. The entire family is in shock and still trying to come to terms with what happened,” the source said.
Swami is survived by his daughter Neha Swami, who is married to Arjun Bijlani, and his son Nishank Swami.
Final rites held in Mumbai
The last rites of Rakesh Chandra Swami were performed on Thursday afternoon at the Oshiwara crematorium in Mumbai. Close family members and relatives were present to pay their final respects. Sources close to the family shared that Arjun had shared a close bond with his father in law, who had been a strong emotional presence in his life, especially after the actor lost his own father at a young age.
At the time of the medical emergency, Arjun Bijlani and his wife Neha were in Dubai with their family for New Year celebrations. The actor had been sharing moments from the trip on social media just days earlier. Reports suggest that the couple immediately returned to Mumbai after receiving news of Swami’s condition and stayed by his side at the hospital.
A father remembered with love
Earlier this year, Neha Swami had shared a heartfelt Father’s Day post for her father, offering a glimpse into their close relationship. Along with pictures of her father with her son, she wrote about admiring the way he led and protected the family, calling his love the foundation that shaped her life and values. The post has since resurfaced, resonating deeply with fans amid the family’s loss.
On the professional front, Arjun Bijlani was recently seen on the reality show Rise and Fall, hosted by Ashneer Grover. He emerged as the winner, taking home the trophy and a prize money of Rs 28 lakh. Married since 2013, Arjun and Neha are known to keep their personal life private.
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