Mayank Pawar to Danish Zehen: Reality show contestants whose deaths shocked fans

Reality shows provide a platform to young contestants to gain instant popularity. There have been many young contestants, who rose to stardom after participating in a reality show. However, for some, their journey ended too soon because of their sudden death. The sudden deaths of reality show contestants like Danish Zehen, Mayank Pawar a few others, have saddened their fans and also shocked the entertainment industry. These reality show contestants were once loved by millions and had become familiar faces in many homes but their lives were cut short and left everyone heartbroken. (Photo: Instagram)

The sudden death of Mayank Pawar, known for Splitsvilla 7, on February 24 has left fans very upset. He was 37 and reportedly passed away in Delhi at his home. The exact reason for his death has not been confirmed, but there are reports saying it may be linked to liver damage. The news of Mayank's demise was shared by his team on his official Instagram account. The statement read, “A brother, a champion, a mentor, and an inspiration to many. Mayank Pawar will forever live in our hearts." (Photo: Instagram)

Danish Zehen, who was last seen in reality show Ace of Space, died in a fatal car accident on December 20, 2018. According to a report in PTI, the 21-year-old YouTube star, died in an accident on Sion-Panvel Highway in neighbouring Navi Mumbai in the wee hours of December 20. Zehen was driving back to Navi Mumbai after attending a wedding in Kurla when he lost control of his car and it hit a roadside wall around 12.30 am. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. (Photo: Instagram)

Another loss that deeply affected the industry was that of Sai Gundewar, who was seen on Splitsvilla 4. After his reality TV appearance, he moved to films and acted in movies like Rock On!!, PK, and Baazaar. He later shifted to the United States for treatment after being diagnosed with brain cancer. In May 2020, he passed away at the age of 42. Those who worked with him remembered him as a soft-spoken person who was sincere and committed to his work. (Photo: Instagram)

Actor Nitin Chauhan, best known for winning the reality show Dadagiri 2 passed away at the age of 35. The television industry was shaken by the sudden death of the young actor, who died by suicide in 2024. Chauhan was widely recognized for his roles in popular TV shows such as Splitsvilla 5, Zindagi Dot Com, Crime Patrol, and Friends. News of Nitin's demise was confirmed by his co-stars Sudeep Sahir and Vibhuti Thakur. Nitin became popular after winning Dadagiri 2 and went on to do projects like Splitsvilla 5, Zindagi Dot Com, Crime Patrol. His last appearance was in the TV show Tera Yaar Hoon Main in 2022. (Photo: Instagram)

Aditya Singh Rajput was found dead in the bathroom of his Andheri home in May 2023. Aditya rose to prominence after appearing in the reality show Splitsvilla 9 in 2016. Apart from reality shows, he also appeared in films such as 'Krantiveer,' 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara,' and 'U me Aur Hum,' among others. Aditya appeared as Aman Mehra in the Ajay Devgn-Kajol debut, U Me Aur Hum. Aside from films, Aditya had a significant role in the renowned TV drama CIA (CAMBALA Investigation Agencies). (Photo: Instagram)