Television actor Arjun Bijlani and his family are in mourning following the death of his father-in-law, Rakesh Chandra Swami, who passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 73. Rakesh Chandra Swami suffered a brain stroke on December 29 and was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, where he was placed on a ventilator for three days before he passed away.

Arjun Bijlani and his wife, Neha Swami, were in Dubai celebrating the New Year when they received news of Rakesh Chandra Swami's hospitalization. They immediately returned to Mumbai to be with the family. The funeral was held in Mumbai, with close family members and relatives in attendance to pay their final respects. Visuals from the funeral showed Arjun Bijlani getting emotional and comforting his son, Ayaan.

Arjun Bijlani performed the last rites for his father-in-law, and later traveled to Haridwar to immerse his ashes in the sacred river, in accordance with Hindu customs. Their son, Ayaan, also participated in honoring his late grandfather.

Neha Swami shared an emotional tribute to her father on social media, expressing her grief and love. In her heartfelt note, she wrote, "Daddy, I still can't accept that you're gone, and I don't want to believe it. My heart struggles to accept a reality without you". She also shared photos from the puja and prayer gathering at home.

Neha reflected on the close bond her father shared with Arjun, who was like a son to him, especially after Arjun lost his own father at a young age. She also reminisced about her parents' love, describing her father's devotion to her mother as a rare and beautiful example of love. "You taught me what love really means – the purity, the honesty, the depth, the truth," she wrote, adding, "Everything I am is because of both of you".

Neha also addressed her brother, Nishank, in her post, expressing comfort in the belief that her father is now reunited with her mother. She promised her father that she would take care of Nishank and love Ayaan just as he loved him. She also promised to make Arjun, her father's favorite son-in-law, proud.

"It's not just me; our entire family feels this emptiness," Neha wrote. "Yet somehow, I feel you everywhere. In silence. In memories. I am going to miss you so much, Daddy". She also cherished their last dinner together, their last conversation, and the last message he sent her. "I wanted more time with you, Daddy. More conversations. More moments. Just more of you. I love you. Always. Beyond this life," she concluded.