When Rituraj Singh Revealed He And Shah Rukh Khan Were BFFs In Their Younger Days At TAG

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FEBRUARY 20,2024

We woke up to sad news today. Popular TV actor Rituraj Singh passed away on Tuesday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest. He was 59 years old. The entire industry is left in shock and is mourning his sudden demise. While many are recalling his fond memories, we are here to take you down memory lane when Rituraj opened up about his bond with Shah Rukh Khan.

On Tuesday at midnight, the Anupamaa actor died of a cardiac arrest at 12:30 AM. He was also undergoing treatments for his pancreas-related issues. Rituraj Singh's close friend and colleague, Amit Behl, confimed the news.

Also Read: Anupamaa Actor Rituraj Singh Dies Of Cardiac Arrest At 59

On his 50th birthday, the Diya Aur Baati Hum actor revealed the special bond he shared with Shah Rukh Khan during their early days in Barry John's TAG (Theatre Action Group). He even credited the superstar for inspiring him to become an actor.

Rituraj Singh and Shah Rukh Khan's history

'He would hug me and introduce me to others as his oldest friend. He would invite me to his vanity van, and we would smoke together,' the late actor shared about SRK on his 50th birthday.

In an old interview with the Indian Express, Rituraj recalled his close bond with the Pathaan actor when they were students together at Barry John's TAG. This was way before they became screen actors.

'We used to discuss many things about life. At that age, you are just filled up with everyday stuff, and there is an everyday high. We used to rehearse together and play football, among other things," Singh said.


Also Read: When Shah Rukh Khan Was Presented A Special Real Madrid Jersey

He further added, "Somewhere down the line, he got the feeling that acting is something that his life is all about, and thank God it happened, or else we wouldn't have had a magnet of a miraculous star today.'

Rituraj Singh also opened up about how he and Shah Rukh Khan used to share clothes and were thick buddies back in the day.

'We could fit into each other's clothes because of the same body structure. We were really thick buddies, and those were the best days of my life. I came to Mumbai to act at his insistence. He would come to Delhi and tell me, 'What are you doing here? Come, let's go to Mumbai. You're such a good actor,' he recalled.

Rituraj Singh on why he never asked for work from Shah Rukh Khan

While SRK went on to become a monstrous superstar who continues to rule Bollywood, Rituraj became a household name with TV serials like Banegi Apni Baat, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Yeh Rishtaa Kya Kehlata Hai, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and Anupama, among others.


He even acted in movies like Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya, Yaariyan 2, Tum Mile, Jersey, and more. He also made special appearances in web series like Made in Heaven, Criminal Justice, and Bandish Bandits.

When asked why Rituraj never confronted Shah Rukh Khan for work in his films, he said, "I have never asked SRK for work because, unlike others, I don't suck up to him and ask favors. But I know that if God forbid I am in a miserable situation tomorrow, SRK will be the first one to reach out to me.'

May you rest in peace, Rituraj Singh. You will be missed.

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