Popular television actor and host Arjun Bijlani faced a personal tragedy as he bid a tearful farewell to his father-in-law, Rakesh Goswami. The actor was forced to cut short his New Year vacation in Dubai and rush back to Mumbai after Goswami's sudden passing.
A Sudden and Shocking Demise
Rakesh Goswami, aged 73, passed away on Thursday following a sudden stroke. A family member revealed to HT City that the incident was entirely unexpected. Goswami was reportedly fit and fine and was about to have dinner when he suffered the stroke. He was immediately rushed to Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai and placed on a ventilator, but could not be saved.
The news sent the entire family into a state of shock. The family member added that Arjun and his wife, Neha Swami, had met Goswami just before flying out for their holiday, making the loss even more difficult to process.
Emotional Final Rites in Mumbai
The final rites for Rakesh Goswami were conducted at the Oshiwara crematorium in the presence of close family members. A viral video from the funeral captured the raw emotions of the moment. Arjun Bijlani was seen holding his young son close, comforting him as he himself struggled to hold back tears. The actor also took on the role of a pallbearer, carrying his father-in-law's body on his shoulders during the ceremony, a poignant display of respect and love.
Internet Pours in Condolences
As the news and video spread online, fans and well-wishers flooded social media with messages of support for the grieving family. Comments ranged from "Condolences to the family rip" and "Stay strong" to expressions like "It's really heartbreaking" and "Rest in peace." Many directly addressed Neha and Arjun, urging them to stay strong during this difficult time.
A Daughter's Heartfelt Tribute
Rakesh Goswami is survived by his daughter, Neha Swami, and his son, Nishank Swami. Earlier this year, on Father's Day, Neha had shared a deeply emotional post dedicated to her father on Instagram. She posted pictures of him spending time with her son and penned a touching note.
In her message, 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, your patience, and the way you make fatherhood look like a blessing." She added that her father's love was the foundation of their family and thanked him for being an exemplary figure.
Arjun's Professional Commitments
On the professional front, Arjun Bijlani recently won the first season of the reality show 'Fall & Rise'. Since December 2025, he has also been actively hosting episodes of 'Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment Season 3' on Colors TV. He stepped in to host several episodes during the maternity break of the show's regular host, Bharti Singh.
