Comedian Neel Nanda Dies Days After Celebrating 32nd Birthday

LOS ANGELES, CA (IANS) – Neel Nanda, the stand-up Indian American comedian, who appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and ‘Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party’, has died at the age of 32.

Born in Atlanta to immigrant parents, Nanda’s interest in comedy began as a child, when he would watch Comedy Central and retell his favorite jokes at his middle school.

The news of his death came as a shock as Nanda had just celebrated his birthday, headlining a comedy club in Toronto. The family has not released the exact time or details of his passing.

“I (am) deeply shocked and saddened by this,” Nanda’s manager Greg Weiss said in a December 24 statement. “He was a wonderful comic, but a better person. He had the world in front of him.”

The cause of death has yet to be shared publicly.

As news of Nanda’s passing emerged, many fans, friends, and fellow stars took to social media to pay tribute.

“RIP Neel Nanda,” Matt Rife wrote. “You were one of the nicest, hardest-working comedians I’ve ever called a friend and i hope you can be at peace brother.”

Fellow comedian Mario Adrion, who recently performed alongside Nanda, also penned a gut-wrenching message to his friend. “I just did shows with him in Canada last week and am f–king heartbroken,” Adrion wrote on Instagram.

“We only met this year but he brought a lot of light and positivity into my life in the short time I got to spend with him. Neel was a great comedian and always made an effort to lift up others around him- I am grateful I got to meet him,” he added. “Much love to his family and everyone who’s grieving!”

Meanwhile, The Port Comedy Club, where Nanda previously performed, took to their Instagram page on December 23 to honor his legacy. “It is with a very heavy heart we say good bye to comedy great, Neel Nanda,” the club’s message began.

“Absolutely shocked by the news. Such a positive force for comedy and a huge loss to our community. Rest in Peace Neel,” their tribute concluded.

Dane Cook also shared a message on Nanda’s passing. “I didn’t know Neel Nanda personally but reading several tributes is both heart breaking and eye opening,” Cook wrote.