Bollywood actress Jiah Khan has died in an apparent suicide at her home in the Indian city of Mumbai, police say.
Khan, 25, who made her debut opposite Indian acting legend Amitabh Bachchan, was found by her family, an officer said.
Police were interviewing her neighbours, the officer said, adding that no suicide note was found.
Khan at an event for Housefull in 2010The British-Indian star was born in New York in 1988, but grew up in Chelsea in London before moving to Mumbai for her Bollywood career.
In 2007, Khan started her career with the controversial film Nishabd (No Words), playing the role of a teenager in love with her best friend's much older father, played by Bachchan.
The movie received average reviews because of its provocative plot but Khan was praised for her bold acting.
The actress, who changed her name from Nafisa Khan, went on to star alongside actor Aamir Khan in Ghajini, a box-office hit.
India's film industry reacted with shock and sadness to the news of her death.
Bachchan told a reporter he was "shocked and disturbed".
Actress Sonam Kapoor tweeted: "Rip Jiah khan. Terrible tragedy. Very very shocking and disturbing news."
She made her Bollywood debut opposite Bachchan"Nobody should be in so much pain and a state of such hopelessness. I hope her soul finds some respite in death. #ripjiahkhan."
Actress Bipasha Basu tweeted: "#Rip Jiah Khan!God bless her soul!"
Khan's latest film Housefull was a comedy released in 2010, which also starred Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone.
She was also an ambassador for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) and featured in adverts for the animal rights group.
Khan's website said she was bound for the US, with a message saying: "She has now signed a Hollywood project ... details to be released soon!"
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org
