New Delhi: Film actor Ananya Raj, best known for her roles in Hindi movies such as ‘Ghost’, ‘7 Hours to Go’ and ‘The Final Exit’, has died at the age of 27. Her family confirmed on Sunday, August 16, that the actor passed away in her sleep following a year-long struggle with physical and mental health issues.

As per an Instagram statement released by her family, Ananya died during the early hours of July 15. The family refrained from making a public announcement for a month to grieve in private.

Describing her fight as that of a “warrior”, her family shared that she faced her health complications with remarkable fortitude before dying peacefully. They remembered her as a fiercely independent individual who lived life on her own terms and requested privacy from fans and well-wishers during this painful time.

The family's post read, “This is Ananya's family. With great pain, we have to announce that Ananya passed away in the wee hours of 15th July. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. For over a year, she was going through physical and mental discomfort. And she fought like a warrior to overcome them.”

They further added, “She was a strong-spirited girl and lived like a Queen. Bachcha, your absence will be dearly felt. We urge all of you to pray for her soul. And in these trying times, we wish to maintain privacy and quietude.”

Following the update, tributes and condolences poured in on social media, with fans expressing sorrow and shock over her sudden demise.

Ananya embarked on her Bollywood career in 2016 with ‘7 Hours to Go’, sharing the screen with Shiv Panditt, Sandeepa Dhar and Varun Badola. She later featured in ‘The Final Exit’ (2017) and Vikram Bhatt's horror thriller ‘Ghost’ (2019). Beyond Hindi cinema, she worked in regional projects, including the Telugu film ‘Thaggede Le’ and the multi-language feature ‘Madrasi Gang’.