Mumbai (PTI): "Anupamaa" actor Nitesh Pandey died early Wednesday morning, his brother-in-law and producer Siddharth Nagar confirmed. He was in his 50s.

The actor, also known for roles in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Om Shanti Om" and Dibakar Banerjee's "Khosla Ka Ghosla", was in Igatpuri for a shoot.

"He went to Igatpuri yesterday morning for a shoot and he died around 1.30 am. The news is true (about his demise). I am shocked, we spoke about two-three days ago and how this has happened suddenly," Nagar told PTI.

According to his "Anupamaa" co-star Rushad Rana, Pandey suffered a cardiac arrest.

The last rites of the actor will be held in Mumbai. Pandey is survived by his wife Arpita and a son.

Actor Ashwin Mushran mourned Pandey's death. "Lost a friend and a genuinely lovely person today. I'm so sorry to hear of your passing #niteshpandey. We spoke a few days ago and you said 'Let's meet Ashwin...Nahin toh zindagi bhar phone par baat karenge' (otherwise we will keep talking over phone all our lives) I guess we won't now. Travel to the other side in peace my friend," the actor said.

Commenting on the deaths of Pandey, Vaibhavi Upadhyaya and Aditya Singh Rajput, filmmaker Hansal Mehta said the industry has lost three young actors within a span of three-four days.

"Rest In Peace dear colleagues. This is such an unkind time. Prayers with their grieving families," he said.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit remembered Pandey as a "brilliant actor and a fun loving person".

"His demise is a great loss to the film and Tv industry. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family and near ones. Om shanti," he said.

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Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.

He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.

"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.

Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.

Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.

Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.

Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.