Neville Pillay, A South African Radio Jockey and actor has sadly passed away at the age of 45 on the 22nd of September 2021.
Neville was an outstanding comedian, a skilled and experienced MC, a talented songwriter “Master of the twisted tune” and a well-known actor.
Pillay’s cause of death has not been disclosed to the public yet.
Short Bio
DJ Neville Pillay was a popular South African radio presenter, actor, and comedian based in Durban. He was also known as “Top dan”.
Neville worked with the national radio station, Lotus FM. He hosted the breakfast show on weekdays from 7 to 10 am.
He was popularly known for his offbeat twisted tunes, humorous scam calls, and general mayhem on air.
Apart from his radio career, he was also a good actor. He had featured in a few Indian movies; Attack of the Indian werewolf, 31 Million Reasons, and Curry and Vice.
Neville Heart Attack Story
Neville had initially suffered a heart attack and a mild stroke in 2019, which has affected his sight in some way.
Neville was first diagnosed with diabetes when he was 28 years old about 13 years ago. He was told by his doctor that he was at higher risk for diabetes because of his family history.
Neville needed serious medical as he had only months to live. The illness brought about two sicknesses to him “diabetes” and kidney failure”.
Carol Neville’s wife commented following his demise.
Carol had said, “Within two months, his weight blew up from 70kg to 110kg, with 40% of that being water retention. We managed to consult with a nephrologist (kidney specialist) in private practice. He confirmed Neville’s kidneys were in their last stages and he would need dialysis at least three times a week.”
Tributes
Friends and loved ones took to Facebook to pay final tribute to Neville Pillay.
https://www.facebook.com/bashwithtash/posts/399172444911706
Alan Khan said, “I tragically lost two family members earlier this week who passed on from complications related to COVID-19 and a few minutes ago, I received the sad news that my former colleague Neville Pillay has passed on. I was fortunate to have worked with Neville during my time at East Coast Radio. He was multitalented and creatively, very gifted. Apart from his outstanding ability on-air, Neville was a popular comedian, a skilled and experienced MC, a talented songwriter (Master of the twisted tune), and an accomplished actor. When I returned to Durban after my stay at Jacaranda 94.2, we reconnected at Lotus FM where he was hosting the very successful breakfast show. I have so many fond memories of Neville and I will always smile when I remember his Top Dan jokes, his twisted tunes, and the fun, happy radio that he created for so many years. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans. I pray that Neville will rest in eternal peace and may his memory always be a blessing…”
https://www.facebook.com/alankhanradio/posts/10159663660311894
Dala U Crew said, “A Man so Overwhelmingly Blessed with Talent, He excelled in Every Field he Found himself in, whether it was Acting, Singing, Stand Up, MCing, or just being a Professional Radio DJ. He just Effortlessly Owned every Stage he Stood On with an Abundance of Charisma, a Wealth of Knowledge & a little bit of Cheekiness. A Generation was Fortunate enough to Wake Up to His Voice every Morning & some of us were even more Privileged to have met him in person.
https://www.facebook.com/dalaucrew/posts/1575042002838890
Masood Boomgaard- The Comedian said in a Facebook post, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Neville Pillay, an incredibly talented individual with whom I had the pleasure of working for the better part of a decade. Neville brought joy to the lives of many, many people through his comedy and other creative projects. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family, friends, and fans. This is the last picture Neville and I took together at a fundraising event for him which I participated in.
https://www.facebook.com/comedianmasood/posts/396075361902390