'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' actor Vaibhavi Upadhyaya dies in road accident
Shimla (PTI): Actor Vaibhavi Upadhyaya, best known for TV series "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai: Take 2", passed away in a road accident in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, said police.
Upadhyaya died in the Banjar area of Kullu district when the Mumbai number Fortuner she was travelling in with her fiance fell into a gorge. The accident occurred while negotiating a steep curve.
"Vaibhavi tried to get out of the vehicle through the window and sustained a head injury which proved fatal while the other passenger was safe," SP Kullu Sakshi Verma told PTI.
The last rites of the actor, who was in her 30s, will be held in Mumbai on Wednesday, added Verma.
"Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" producer J D Majethia shared the news of Upadhyaya's demise on his Instagram Story early Wednesday morning.
"Life is so unpredictable. A very fine actress, dear friend Vaibhavi Upadhyay popularly known as 'Jasmine' of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai passed away. She met with an accident in the north... (sic)" he wrote.
On "Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai", Upadhyaya starred as Jasmine Mawani, the love interest of Rosesh, played by Rajesh Kumar.
Her fiery character would often crack up viewers with her foot-in-the-mouth literal Gujarati to English translations. Upadhyaya's Jasmine was also popular for the Gujarati catchphrase "Khot nat kehti" (I speak the truth) and for standing up to family matriarch, the elite Maya Sarabhai (Ratna Pathak Shah).
"Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai" cast members also paid tributes to the late actor on social media.
Satish Shah, who played the Sarabhai family patriarch Indravadan, remembered Upadhyaya as "a fine actor and a colleague".
"The whole SvS team is in shock. Om Shanti," Shah tweeted.
"Shocking! A very fine actress and a dear friend Vaibhavi Upadhyaya, popularly known as 'Jasmine' of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai passed away," wrote show's actor-director Deven Bhojani on Twitter.
Rupali Ganguly, who played Monisha in "Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai", said she was shocked to know about Upadhyaya's demise.
"Gone too soon Vaibhavi..." wrote the "Anupamaa" star on her Instagram Stories alongside a still of the late actor from their show.
"Can't believe this," Ganguly captioned another picture of Upadhyaya.
Sumeet Raghvan said he was in a state of shock.
"Absolutely numb. #vaibhaviupadhyaya Om Shanti," tweeted the actor, who played Sahil in "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai".
Upadhyaya's acting credits also include the Deepika Padukone-starrer "Chhapaak" and TV shows such as "CID" and "Adaalat".
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
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.
