Sidharth Shukla breathed his last on Thursday, September 2. The reason behind the actor’s sudden demise is reportedly a severe heart attack. The news has left the entertainment industry, his friends, fans and well wishers heartbroken. He was just 40 and many are yet to come in terms of this loss. His untimely death is making everyone face the harsh realities of life being uncertain and unpredictable. The concept of long term planning seems stale. Life is in the present, here and now. Apart from paying their respects and remembering their fine actor and colleague, celebrities also share views on why it is important to celebrate life:
Live each day as if it’s your last, is a very age old saying and I completely believe in that. Having said that, you also have to be responsible… I’ve lost my father and some very close friends and have realised that everything that seems so important and urgent doesn’t really matter once the person is gone. Death is the ultimate truth. Learn to forgive, learn to live. Always smile and just make the most of every moment. Be alive in every moment that’s all. It’s very sad that Sidharth Shukla passed away. I did not know him well but of course being part of the same industry he was an acquaintance. He was a very popular actor. It’s very sad of him going like this, I am sure it’s very hard for the family, my love and power to them. It’s just sad that’s all I can say. I can’t really comment on him too much because I didn’t really know him well. Death is all around us so keep living as much as you can.
Delnaaz Irani
I actually don’t know what to say, it’s so shocking. It’s been one day since the news broke. I didn’t know Sidharth personally and have not worked with him, but it’s such a sad feeling. There is a void that his demise has created, there is this numbness. I have no words to express what I have been feeling since yesterday. We were travelling back home to Mumbai from Raipur yesterday and Percy (partner; DJ) and I were just thinking about this. That we plan so much our investments, properties, future work and you just never know what is going to happen at the next moment. Every time something like this happens, you learn a lesson and you realise that whatever you plan there’s a bigger plan that God has for you. I think we should not take life for granted, our loved ones for granted because life is actually unpredictable. It can throw something at you that you are never prepared for. It’s always best to lead everyday as if it’s your last without planning for the future and just be happy at every moment spent with your loved ones. Sometime back it was Raj Kaushal and now it’s Sidharth. Both these deaths are shocking and devastating. No amount of planning is helpful. It’s always best to lead each day as it comes and just be thankful for all the little things and joys of life when you have your loved ones around you.
Nivedita Basu
It’s not just Sidharth, the pandemic too made me realise that you have to live for today and not look for long term plans. When people say that 10 years down the line I want this and that, I am like I want to enjoy everything today. Whether it’s going out, spending on myself and my family, I think it’s all about today. And irrespective of the pandemic you have to be careful. Taking out time for your children, family, relatives and friends is important. What is happening around us isn’t a common thing. I mean in the past two years anyway mental health and physical health have come into prominence thankfully. Please understand the importance of being kind, staying happy and being there for one another. Till now when you haven’t cared about your body it’s time you do so.
Sharad Malhotra
Yesterday I was at work and this message came as news in one of my friend’s groups. It did not sink in initially. I couldn’t process and obviously started ringing people to clarify thinking this to be a rumour, some lame joke or fake news… It totally left most of us numb and shocked. I didn’t know him personally but obviously we are members of the same fraternity. I bumped into him a couple of times. He came across as a warm and smiling guy. I think all I’ll say right now is that life is very unpredictable, live in the moment, love every moment because you don’t know when is your last moment and till how long we are here or we are supposed to be here on earth. We don’t know what happens after death. Yes we have goals and things to achieve. I think the main goal of life should not just be earning money, getting fame etc. I think it’s most important that we celebrate every moment of our life. It could be work, it could be personal. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, just be in the moment, cherish that moment. Remember every second is important with your loved ones. Let’s not hold grudges. I think the concept of long term planning seems rather meaningless at times. When we get to know about such shocking news you subconsciously ask yourself why do we need long term planning? It’s good to obviously plan for your future and a couple of years in advance but the most important thing is that you live your today well. This is the moment we need to live, enjoy and be grateful for. Get up every morning. Please show gratitude towards everything you have, your parents, family, house, pets, friends, car… We just hope and pray that there’s love around us, peace and harmony. Om Shanti. Please take care of yourselves.
As I’ve become older I know I haven’t become wiser but there has been a little bit of sense drilled in me. The last two years have taught us that life is something that happens between your plans. All I can say is pick up the phone and make that call, make amends in life if you have to. Apologise if you have to. Do it right now because all you have is now. I wish I had done something better. This is a very sensitive subject. I just want to add one thing that one must remember that everyone has their own way of grieving at times like these. It is imperative that we give the close ones and the family the respect, their privacy and not invade it.
