McLeodganj: Actor Asif Basra, a familiar face in Bollywood films for nearly two decades and recently seen in OTT series Pataal Lok and Hostages, allegedly died by suicide at his rented home in HP’s McLeodganj on Thursday.

The 53-year-old, who also had impressive cameos in ‘Kai Po Che,’ and ‘Jab We Met,’ was staying in the house since September.

Locals had seen him with his dog earlier in the day. He was allegedly found hanging from the roof by his girlfriend, who informed the police. “Prima facie, it appears he hanged himself,” Kangra SP Vimukt Ranjan told TOI. No suicide note has been recovered so far, he said. Basra had been visiting McLeodganj intermittently for the past five years.

“A team of forensic experts has taken evidence from the spot. His family members will reach Dharamshala on Friday. The post-mortem will be carried out only after their arrival,” Ranjan said.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted, “It is unbelievable, yet another loss of a dear friend #AsifBasra - gem of a talent & full of life personality…” 

As an actor, Basra was known for his expressive eyes. He commanded attention even in the smallest of roles. Often his acting was so effortless you hardly seemed to notice it. He only had a minute or more of screen time as a predatory shark hitting on a lonely Geet Dhillon (Kareena Kapoor) in a railway station in Jab We Met. But we still remember the scene. His excellence was also evident in a recent Titan ad with Rajkummar Rao. The way his facial expressions change when he learns that his former young employee is offering him a CEO’s job underlined his quality as an actor. He had also worked in 2017 Himachali film, ‘Saanjh’, described as the first in the state’s western Pahari language.

Several Bollywood actors and directors expressed shock at his sudden death. Actor Divya Dutta tweeted, “Terribly shocked to hear about @asifbasra’s untimely demise. We shot together for #hostages2. Looked such a happy free spirited man! And was such a fab actor!! Rip Asif. This is hard to digest.” Ranvir Shorey posted, “Asif Basra was a warm, generous and exuberant co actor and friend. He will be missed dearly. My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP.”

Director Rahul Dholakia wrote, “Shocked to hear about Basra!! What a wonderful actor and a jovial fellow - I mean why would he?? Very Sad - Had directed him in Parzania (Chagan), in Lamhaa (the Darzee) - and also in society - Very sad to hear about his passing !! #asifbasra Hope you are at peace.” Fellow director Vivek Agnihotri tweeted, “OMG... no way... you can’t do this Asif. We just did #TheTashkentFiles together and we were supposed to start my new film. OMG. What’s happening? Why? Not you? Never...”