Actor Bikramjeet Kanwarpal dies due to COVID-19 complications
Mumbai, May 1: Actor Bikramjeet Kanwarpal, who has appeared in films like "Page 3" and " 2 States" as well as popular television show "Adaalat", has died due to coronavirus-related complications. He was 52.
The actor, who was admitted in a city hospital here, passed away on Saturday morning.
"He was admitted to hospital ten days ago at Seven Hills, he was later shifted to ICU as his condition worsened. He passed away today morning at around 5 am," Kanwarpal's close friend Himanshu Dadbhawala told PTI.
After retiring from the Indian Army, Kanwarpal made his acting debut in early 2000. His other movie credits include "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year", "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", "Aarakshan" and "The Ghazi Attack".
On television, some of his noteworthy performances were in Anil Kapoor-starrer "24", "Adaalat", Diya Aur Baati Hum" and "Yeh Hai Chahatein".
He was last seen in Disney Plus Hotstar web series "Special Ops".
Kanwarpal is survived by his parents.
Soon after the news of the actor's demise, several cine personalities took to Twitter to pay tributes to one of the most "disciplined, energetic and positive man".
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh said Kanwarpal's sudden death has left him heartbroken.
"Extremely sad news . I've known Major Bikramjeet for so many years. He and I have worked on so many films together. The last being Bypass Road. Such a fantastic, encouraging and energetic human being he was and will always be remembered as. #RIP My dear friend will miss you," he wrote.
Music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani called him a man of dignity.
"A man who lent dignity to everything he did, #BikramjeetKanwarpal carried the Fauji stamp. Jai Hind, Sir," he said.
Actor Siddhant Kapoor shared a photograph of him on his Instagram Stories.
"I'm so sorry major! Will have dinner with you on the other side some day! Love you may your beautiful soul RIP thank you for serving the nation, lost a friend and a co-star," he wrote.
Rohit Bose Roy remembered Bikramjeet for his jovial nature.
"And we lose another one... The happiest, most gentlemanly, always positive and smiling Major Bikramjeet... RIP," he said.
Actor Bidita Bag said he was a disciplined man while serving in the army and also as an actor.
"As an army officer he religiously served India. He was a disciplined man in his previous post as also in his current thespianic art. He was lively, vibrant, full of energy. My grief goes boundless that I would ever never get him as an inspiring co-actor. RIP #BikramjeetKanwarpal," she said.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also paid homage to the actor.
Sad to hear about the demise of actor Major Bikramjeet Kanwarpal this morning due to #Covid. A retired army officer, Kanwarpal had played supporting roles in many films and television serials. Heartfelt condolences to his family & near ones," he wrote.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Won't contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati
Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.
