Mumbai, Dec 02 : Television actor Arjun Bijlani is grieving the sudden demise of his father in law, Rakesh Chandra Swami, who passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 73.
Swami suffered a sudden brain stroke on December 29, 2025, while preparing for dinner. He was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai and placed on a ventilator, but despite intensive medical care, he succumbed to his condition.
Arjun, who was on a trip to Dubai, immediately cut his plans short to return to India and stay with his wife, Neha Swami Bijlani, during the family emergency. A close relative told Hindustan Times, “He was well and preparing to have dinner when he suffered a stroke. The family had seen him just before they left, so this came as a complete surprise. We are all still trying to come to terms with it.”
Swami’s final rites were conducted at the Oshiwara crematorium in Mumbai. He is survived by his daughter, Neha, and son, Nishank Swami.
Neha Swami, who shared a very close bond with her father, often expressed her love for him on social media. On Father’s Day 2025, she wrote: “Happy Father’s Day to my daddy. I’ve always admired the way you loved, led, and protected our family. I always hoped Arjun would learn from you. Your strength, patience, and the way you make fatherhood look like a blessing. A father’s love is the foundation of a family and yours has shaped who I am and what I seek in the people I love. Love you daddy.”
She also celebrated his birthday with heartfelt posts, writing: “My Daddy, my rock, my everything. From the smallest worries to the biggest challenges, you’ve always been there. Forever your little girl. Love you daddy.”
The sudden loss has left the Bijlani-Swami family in mourning as they come to terms with the passing of a beloved father and grandfather.