MUMBAI: Film writer-director and actor Mandira Bedi’s husband, Raj Kaushal, passed away early Wednesday morning after a massive heart attack. He was 49 and is survived by Mandira and the children Vir and Tara.

Family friend actor Rohit Roy was amongst the first to confirm the news to the media saying that Kaushal passed away around 4.30 am in morning, he said, "He had a heart attack. He was at home, by the time the family could get any medical help, Raj had gone." 

Filmmaker Onir, who worked with Kaushal in the 2005 film My Brother...Nikhil also tweeted announcing the news of Kaushal's death, "Gone too soon. We lost film-maker and producer Raj Kaushal this morning. Very sad. He was one of the producers of my first film My Brother...Nikhil. One of those few who believed in our vision and supported us. Prayers for his soul." 

Several Bollywood celebrities like Neha Dhupia, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, Arshad Warsi and Tisca Chopra also condoled his death on social media. Kher wrote, "Deeply saddened & shocked to know about the sudden demise of #RajKaushal! A friend, a film-maker & a very positive man. Have some great memories of working with him & spending time with him few years back. Sorry, dearest @mandybedi & family for your irreparable loss. #OmShanti."

Manoj Bajpayee wrote, "No news can be more shocking and tragic for us personally than losing our dear friend and a fantastic human being Raj Kaushal !! It will definitely take time to come to terms with this loss!! Rest in peace my friend."

Kaushal's funeral took place in the afternoon at Shivaji Ground crematorium and was attended by actors like Roy, his brother Ronit Roy, actor Ashish Choudhary

Mandira and Kaushal got married in 1999 and had their first child, Veer Kaushal, in January 2011 after which they decided to adopt a daughter and named her Tara Bedi Kaushal. 

Apart from directing many ad commercials, Raj had also directed movies namely Anthony Kaun Hai (2006), Shaadi Ka Laddoo (2004), and Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999). He produced Onir’s film My Brother... Nikhil (2005).