Indian Bodybuilder Mayank Pawar Dies at 37

Mayank Pawar, a prominent figure in Indian reality television and the fitness industry, died on February 23, 2026, at the age of 37, leaving fans, colleagues, and the bodybuilding community in mourning.

The news was confirmed through a statement posted on Pawar's official Instagram account, which described him as "a brother, a champion, a mentor, and an inspiration to many." The post added, "Mayank Pawar will forever live in our hearts. Please join us in prayer and remembrance. Om Shanti." Family members and representatives have not disclosed the cause of death, and no further details have been released as of February 24.

A prayer meeting to honor Pawar is scheduled for February 25 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Valmiki Mandir in Sangam Park, Rana Pratap Bagh, New Delhi. Family, friends, and admirers are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Pawar first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on MTV Splitsvilla Season 7, a dating and competition reality show. He stood out for his calm demeanor, sincerity, and discipline during challenging tasks, earning praise from viewers and participants alike. Though he did not win the season, his elimination episode became one of the...