‘The Office’ Actor Ranjit Chowdhry Dead at 64

Ranjit Chowdhry, best known in the U.S. for his role in The Office, has reportedly died at the age of 64.

According to the Times of India, the New York-based actor had traveled to India earlier this year to receive dental treatment. Chowdhry had planned to return to the States on April 8, but was unable to do so amid the coronavirus shutdowns. Indian theater actress Dolly Thakore said Chowdhry had suffered a ruptured ulcer in his intestine on April 14, and underwent an emergency operation in Mumbai. He died at 4 a.m. April 15. Thakore said a funeral was held on Thursday with close family members in attendance. A celebration of life is planned for May 5.

Chowdhry began his career doing Bollywood films in the late 1970s. After writing the screenplay for the 1991 film Sam & Me, the Mumbai-born actor would go on to land a number of acting roles in the U.S., including the telemarketer Vikram in seasons 4 and 5 of NBC’s hit sitcom The Office.

Chowdhry also appeared in TV shows like Prison Break, Cosby, and Law & Order: SVU, as well as the 2006 film Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah.

Fans and celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to Chowdhry, reflecting on his achievements in both U.S. and Indian entertainment. You can read some of the messages below.