'I know life was too hard on you'

Popular television actor Divya Bhatnagar of Yeh Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai fame, who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, died early on Monday at a Mumbai hospital following a cardiac arrest, family sources said. She was 36.

Divya was admitted to the Seven Hills hospital with COVID-19.

"She died after a cardiac arrest. She was admitted to hospital for about seven-eight days ago," a family member told PTI.

Nidhi Uttam, her co-star from Star Plus's longest-running soap, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, said she can't fathom the demise of her actor friend.

"I was keeping a track on her health for the last 10 days. I spoke to her mother last evening and she said all the reports were normal, but her lung infection was not okay. In the night, we came to know that she is quite critical and soon she passed away around 3-30 am. She shouldn't have gone so soon," Uttam told PTI.

Bhatnagar also acted in Udaan, Silsila Pyaar Ka, Sasural Genda Phool, Sawaare Sabke Sapne Preeto, Vish, among others.

Several TV actors took to social media to mourn Bhatnagar's death.

Her co-star Ridhiema Tiwari from Sasural Genda Phool said despite going through several problems in her personal life, Bhatnagar always appeared positive and smiling.

"She was a spiritual person and was seeking peace and happiness. It is sad to let go of this beautiful soul. I remember her for her smile and positivity. She had a lot of love for everyone. I spoke to her about 15 days back and she sounded all charged up for her new show," Tiwari told PTI.

Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who acted in Sawaare Sabke Sapne Preeto with Bhatnagar, said Bhatnagar was always around when she needed her the most.

'I know life was too hard on you..the pain is intolerable...but I know today you must be in a better place and free from all the sorrows, pains, sadness, cheats, lies... I will miss you divu and you also know that I loved you and cared for you,' she wrote on Instagram.

'God bless your soul. And may you find happiness wherever you are now. You will be missed & remembered. I love you @divyabhatnagarofficial. Too soon to be gone my friend... Om shanti,' she said.

Actor Shilpa Shirodkar, who worked with Bhatnagar in Silsila Pyaar Ka, said she is heartbroken.

'I'm so so so heartbroken. RIP my dearest Divya,' she said.