File photo of TV actress Ridhi Dogra with director Waseem Sabir

Waseem Sabir, director of popular television shows 'Veera' and 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon' dies after falling backwards, injuring skull at home. TV industry mourns his death
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; January 4, 2017)

Close on the heels of film producer Abis Rizvi's death in the Istanbul terror attacks on New Year's Eve, popular TV director Waseem Sabir passed away at his residence on Monday. Sabir, who was in is mid 30s, reportedly fell backwards and injured his head while tugging at a jammed drawer in an attempt to clean it. He was taken to hospital, but succumbed following internal bleeding.

Sabir helmed popular shows including the Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani-starrer 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon', 'Veera', 'Tamanna' and 'Ganga'. His untimely death sent shockwaves across the television industry. Producer Yash Patnaik ('Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi') says, "I was with him at the Lilavati hospital. I can't believe that Waseem is not around. He had such a great career ahead of him. He was a fine director and a wonderful human being. The way he understood the characters and story was exceptional."

Ridhi Dogra, who had worked with him on three shows, including her debut program, says, "He was the only person I could turn to for guidance. My husband, Raqesh Vashisht, and I feel a deep sense of emptiness; he was the first to know of our relationship and wanted us to marry soon."

Several television folk took to Twitter to express shock

Karan Wahi: Will miss you Waseem bhai…so much to tell u ... RIP bhai ..till we meet again.

Gautam Rode: Mera bhai meri jaan RIP. Tu jahan bhi rahe khush rahe.. will always love u mere bhai..Kahin naa kahin zaroor milenge.

Hiten Tejwani: U will be missed brother... shocking ..Waseem.. may your soul rest in peace.