Bollywood actress Aarthi Agarwal has died of a heart attack a month after undergoing liposuction surgery.

It is understood the star, who was from New Jersey in the US, developed respiratory problems after the procedure, which took place around a month ago.

The International Business Times reports that the 31-year-old died from a heart attack at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City on Saturday.

Agarwal's manager was quoted by IANS as saying: "Aarthi was battling obesity and pulmonary illness. She was undergoing treatment and due to some complications, she suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away."

Agarwal made her Bollywood debut aged 16 when she appeared in Paagalpan.

She then went on to make her name in what are known as "Tollywood" films - the name given to Telugu-language films.

Agarwal's most recent film, Ranam 2, was released just the day before her death.

Her career had slowed down in recent years and she was living with her parents in Egg Harbor Township in New Jersey.
(Sky News)