He is best remembered for his role as Vikram Mallah in Bandit Queen.

Films like Godmother and other regional films were also to his kitty.

Nirmal Pandey was rushed to Holy Spirit hospital in Andheri while he was shooting for a movie.

He was declared dead at 2.30 pm IST. Sources close to his family confirmed about his chronic illness too.

The mourning family comprises of his wife Archana and two twin kids.

Peers shocked
Bollywood is completely taken aback by an unanticipated demise of a talented actor like Nirmal. Major actors reacted to this loss of talent.

Sudhir Mishra, director of his film Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi said, “Nirmal was a gentle guy, and very comfortable with his softer side. That's how I remember him. I can't comment profoundly because I was out of touch with Nirmal for the past seven-eight years. I'm very sorry and guilt-ridden."

Shekhar Kapoor, who casted him in Bandit Queen wrote on Twitter, "just heard that Nirmal Pandey passed away. A terrific actor and human being who had yet to achieve his full potential. He ws so kind & gntle"

Jackie Shroff who shared screen with him in One Two Ka Four said, "I am sad to hear the news. He was a great guy to work with. Great energy on the set. If his family needs any help from me, I am always there for them."

“Will miss nirmal pandey.great talent.may his soul rest in peace.simple& a nice guy.wonderfully quirky actor.wish had worked with him more, “said Shahrukh on Twitter.

Nirmal’s co-star Arbaaz Khan in 'Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya', said "Nirmal got a great launch in Bollywood through Bandit Queen. There was no doubt that he was a fine actor but everyone comes with its own destiny.

All his performances were well appreciated but not everyone gets a slice of stardom in Bollywood. Obviously, his career graph might not be what he expected from the films he choose. But it is big loss to Bollywood and it is sad that an actor of his calibre passed away at such an early age."

An ambitious actor
A passout of the prestigious National School of Drama, Nirmal Pandey carved a niche for himself in movies. In NSD, he was a junior of Irrfan. He came to know about it while shooting for a commercial and was “deeply saddened’ by the news.

"He was not just a good actor but also an excellent singer. I had not been in touch with him for some time, but the news is saddening," Irrfan said.

Nirmal was awarded with a rare distinction of ‘Best Actress’ category while receiving the Valenti award in France in 1996.

This was for his popular role of a transvestite in Amol Palekar’s Daayraa. May god rest his soul in peace.