TV actor Dr Priya has died at the age of 35 after suffering a suspected heart attack.
The Indian TV star - who was eight months pregnant - passed away in hospital while at a routine pregnancy check up on 31 October.
Medical professionals were able to save her baby and the newborn is currently in ICU at a private hospital, according to her Karuthamuthu co-star Kishor Satya.
Advert
It was Satya who broke the heartbreaking news on Instagram where he paid tribute to Dr Priya.
“Last night while going to the hospital, the sight of sadness rained in my mind,” the actor said in a translated post.
Satya added: "One more unexpected death in the Malayalam television sector. Dr. Priya died of cardiac arrest yesterday. She was 8 months pregnant. The baby is in ICU. There were no other health issues. Went to hospital for routine checkup yesterday. She suddenly had a cardiac arrest there.
Advert
"[Dr Priya's] mother who is crying unable to accept the death of her only daughter. The pain of husband Nanna as a loving partner with Priya without going anywhere for 6 months...
"What will you say to comfort them.... Why did God show this cruelty to those innocent minds who are believers..."
As evident through her title, Dr Priya was a doctor who became a popular actor in India. She reportedly took some time away from acting while she was pregnant.
Tributes have been pouring in for the actor on social media, with one fan penning: “Prayers for her parents and husband ... the little one during this period. Our Lord strengthen them and make them overcome great loss.”
Advert
Elsewhere on Instagram, another follower called the news 'heartbreaking', while someone else said they were also sending ‘prayers’ after hearing about the news.
Dr Priya’s death is the latest in a string of unexpected deaths among figures on Indian television.
Earlier this week, actor Renjusha Menon, 35, ended her life in a flat she shared with her husband Manoj, another actor.
Advert
She was best know for her supporting roles in City of God, Marykkundoru Kunjaadu, Bombay March and Karyasthan.
And in August, actor Aparna Nair ended her life aged just 33. She is survived by her husband and two children.
If you have been affected by the contents of this article or are struggling in any way call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Topics: Health, World News, Celebrity, Film and TV
Callum Jones