Actor Kavi Kumar Azad, who played Dr Hansraj Hathi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, passed away yesterday after suffering cardiac arrest. The actor, 45, was rushed to Wockhardt Hospital in the morning after he complained of discomfort, but was declared dead on arrival.

The show's creator Asit Kumarr Modi revealed that Azad excused himself from work last morning as he was feeling unwell. Hours later, the producer learnt of his demise. Their nine-year-long collaboration had resulted in a deep friendship. "After his health scare in 2009, he promised to take better care of himself. He was not married and considered the Taarak Mehta team as family. Often, he would bring home-cooked food for the entire team. He would tell me, 'When I come to the set, the people here make me forget all my troubles'. It is heartbreaking to see him go so young," said Modi.