Reality TV fans and the fitness community are in shock after the sudden death of Mayank Pawar, the Splitsvilla 7 contestant whose exit from the show once brought host Sunny Leone to tears. Pawar’s passing was confirmed on his official Instagram page, where a heartfelt message described him as “a brother, a champion, a mentor, and an inspiration to many,” and noted that he “will forever live in our hearts.”
Mayank, who was 37 years old, first gained widespread recognition through his journey on Splitsvilla Season 7, where his calm demeanour and grounded personality won him admirers. His elimination became one of the most emotional moments of the season, with Sunny Leone visibly moved as she hugged him goodbye. Co-host Nikhil Chinapa also embraced him, marking a rare heartfelt moment on the reality series.
Beyond his television fame, Pawar was a renowned figure in the fitness world. He held the Mr. India title multiple times — being a seven-time titleholder and a one-time overall winner — achievements that reflected his dedication to bodybuilding and disciplined training. In addition to his competitive success, Mayank worked as a celebrity fitness trainer, mentoring many clients and sharing motivational insights with his followers on social media.
At the time of reporting, the specific cause of his untimely death has not been made public, leaving fans and well-wishers deeply saddened and seeking answers. Online tributes poured in as followers shared memories of his journey, with many expressing disbelief. One fan wrote, “Can’t really believe… haven’t seen any pure soul like him in the entire Splitsvilla seasons,” while another called the news “unbelievable.” Some also speculated about health risks associated with intense training, though no official confirmation supports these claims.
A prayer meeting in his memory is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Valmiki Mandir, Sangam Park, Rana Pratap Bagh, from 5 PM to 6 PM, where friends, family and supporters will gather to honour his life.
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