Neel Nanda was catapulted to fame with his performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Neel Nanda, a US-based comedian of Indian origin, died just days after celebrating his 32nd birthday, his manager of over a decade, Greg Weiss, told the media.
The date and the cause of Mr Nanda's death were not revealed at the request of his family and girlfriend. Speaking to USA Today, Mr Weiss said: "My client of over 11 years has passed. Neel was not (only a) great comic (but) a good friend and a fantastic human being."
The news of his death came as a rude shock as Mr Nanda had just celebrated his birthday, headlining a comedy club in Toronto. On Instagram, the comic also promoted his "birthday weekend" show at Toronto's Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club.
Soon after the news of his tragic death broke, tributes poured in for the comedian.
The Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club mourned "the loss of a brilliantly funny soul". "On behalf of our entire Jokers team, please accept our deepest sympathies as we mourn the loss of a brilliantly funny soul. We send love and condolences to Neel Nanda's family, friends, and fans.
May he rest in peace," the club said in a post.
"RIP Neel Nanda, a great comic who built a whole comedy scene in Santa Monica nearly single-handedly and always gave his all and was welcoming to everyone," wrote comedian John Roy on X, adding, "I had the pleasure of knowing him a little and seeing him perform. A sweet, funny guy."
Neel Nanda was born in Atlanta to Indian immigrant parents. He was catapulted to fame with his performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Comedy Central's Adam Devine's House Party.