'Indian Idol' Winner Sandeep Acharya Passes Away

Singer and 'Indian Idol' winner Sandeep Acharya breathed his last on Sunday.

Sandeep, who hailed from Rajasthan, had won music reality show 'Indian Idol', Season 2 in 2006.

The singer was apparently suffering from jaundice for some time. The medical condition aggravated while he was at a relative's wedding. The 29-year-old's was rushed to a Gurgaon hospital where he breathed his last on Sunday morning.

Confirming the news, the singer's brother Akshay told Times of India, "Last night, doctors said his condition was under control and he was showing signs of recovery. We were all hoping we'd soon take him home. But nobody knew that he would leave us forever."

The young singer is survived by his wife and an infant daughter.

Reacting to the singer's sudden demise, celebrities expressed shock and offered condolences.

Sonu Nigam tweeted, "Sandeep Acharya died? Oh my God...his Wikipedia has been modified 15 minutes back... any1 knows how? I'm so so sad. What a beautiful soul."

Shreya Ghosal posted, "Just heard about Indian Idol Sandeep Acharya...Shocked. Too young, and a wonderful guy...I still hope this news is untrue..."

Actress and show host Mini Mathur lamented, "What a sad, premature goodbye to a talented, ambitious, happy boy. RIP Sandeep Acharya."

Apart from winning 'Indian Idol', Sandeep's Wikipedia credits the singer of winning the best new Bollywood talent award in New Jersey, USA and Sur Aradhna award in Delhi's Siri Fort Auditorium.