28-Year-Old S’porean Actor Passed Away Due to Complications from His Leukaemia Treatment

The Singaporean arts scene has lost a promising talent.

Shahid Nasheer, a 28-year-old actor, passed away on 14 October 2024, following complications arising from his leukaemia treatment.

The news was shared by Checkpoint Theatre, one of the theatre companies that worked closely with Shahid.

 

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A post shared by Checkpoint Theatre (@checkpointtheatre)

Respected Artist & Friend

Checkpoint Theatre’s joint artistic directors, Claire Wong and Huzir Sulaiman, expressed their deep respect and admiration for Shahid in a heartfelt tribute, describing him as a “young giant” who made an “indelible mark” on their projects.

Shahid was not only a talented artist but also a beloved friend.

Shahid had starred in a number of notable local productions.

He was set to perform in Checkpoint’s upcoming production, “Hard Mode,” which will run from 18 to 26 October 2024, at the School of The Arts.

The show will now open in his honor.

His previous works with Checkpoint Theatre included the critically acclaimed “Brown Boys Don’t Tell Jokes” (2023), the fundraiser “Checkpoint Celebrates!” (2023), and “Secondary: The Musical” (2024).

In “Brown Boys Don’t Tell Jokes,” Shahid played a conflicted political science professor whose monologue moved audiences to tears. In “Secondary: The Musical,” his ability to rap brought to life an unforgettable character.

Beyond theatre, Shahid’s versatility shone in other projects as well.

He took on the role of Sang Nila Utama in the multidisciplinary exhibition “The Bicentennial Experience” (2019). During the pandemic, he taught himself sound engineering through YouTube, contributing his skills to experimental works at the T:>Works Festival of Women N.O.W. (2020).

Most recently, he appeared in the Philippines film “Elevator” (2024), acting alongside Singaporean star Adrian Pang.

In his final Instagram post, made on 3 October, Shahid shared his experience of the gruelling treatment.

He spoke about the toll chemotherapy had taken on him, describing it as the “most intense chemo regimen available to humanity.”

Shahid lamented having to give up many projects and the trajectory of his career, but his words also reflected his unwavering spirit, as he declared, “new things emerge from the ashes.”

Despite his pain, he held onto hope and the bravery to fight, a sentiment his friends and family knew he had “in spades.”

 

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A post shared by Shahid Nasheer (@thesparklyman)

Shahid leaves behind his parents, sister, extended family, and longtime girlfriend, Lauren.