Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput ended committed suicide on Sunday (June 14, 2020) at his luxurious home in Mumbai. The 34-year might just be a few movies old in Bollywood but the news of his death has sent a shock-waves in Hindi film industry.

The country has been mourning the demise of Sushant Singh Rajput as it was the second case of suicide reported from the Entertainment industry within a period of 30-days. Yes, you read that right! Crime Patrol actress Preksha Mehta committed suicide on May 25, 2020.

For the unversed, Sushant and Preksha were not the only Indian actors who committed suicide and left their fans into shock, there are various Indian actors who died by suicide over the years.

In this article, we will mention all Indian actors and actresses who committed suicide in the past few years.

List of Indian Actors Who Committed Suicide

Sameer Sharma (2020)

Sameer Sharma — who is known for his role in Yeh Rishte Hain Pyaar Ke — reportedly committed suicide at his Malad home on August 6, 2020. He was 44-year old. Sameer has been part of popular TV dramas like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Left Right Left, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon – Ek Baar Phir among others.

According to report by ANI, the actor was found hanging at the ceiling in his Malad home. ANI tweeted, “TV actor & model Sameer Sharma was found hanging from his kitchen ceiling at his residence in Malad West last night. Accidental Death Report registered, body sent for autopsy. Looking at the body’s condition, it’s suspected that he died by suicide two days back: Malad Police. #Mumbai”.

Anupama Pathak (2020)

Bhojpur actress Anupama Pathal reportedly ended her life by hanging at the ceiling in her home in Dahisar, Mumbai. Ahead of taking the extreme step, she went live on Facebook and expressed her pain. In 10-minute long video, she urged her fans not to trust anyone.

A suicide note was discovered from her house mentioning financial crisis one of the reasons of committing suicide. She also mentioned a man, Manish Jha, who allegedly took her two-wheeler in May and refused to return it to her later.

In her last Facebook post, which was at 12 am, she wrote, “Bye bye and Good night.”

Susheel Gowda (2020)

Popular Kannada TV actor and fitness trainer, Susheel Gowda ended his life by committing suicide at his home in Mandya. He was merely 30-year old.

Confirming the news of Susheel Gowda passing away by suicide, K Parashuram, Mandya Superintendent of Police told The Indian Express, “Susheel Gowda took his own life in his house located in Induvalu, Mandya. His mortal remains have been handed over to the family after post-mortem. An investigation is now underway.”

Gowda is popularly known for his role in Kannada TV showAnthapura. He is one of many Indian actors who died by suicide in 2020.

Sushant Singh Rajput (2020)

Sushant Singh Rajput, who was last seen in Bollywood movie ‘Chhichhore’, was found dead at his Mumbai residence on Sunday (June 14, 2020). The reason of why the Shuddh Desi Romance actor took the extreme step is yet to be ascertained.

In his career spanning almost seven year, Sushant Singh had given us some memorable characters that will remain in hour minds and hearts forever. Sushant was one of a very few Indian actors who gained nation wide recognition and fame despite having no god-father in Bollywood.

According to reports, Sushant was suffering from depression.

Preksha Mehta (2020)

Preksha Mehta is one of the Indian actors who committed suicide in 2020. The Crime Patrol actress was found hanging at her home in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Besides having played roles in TV shows like Laal Ishq and Meri Durga, she worked in Akshay Kumar starrer Pad Man. .

Her body was found hanging from a Ceiling fan by family members. When she was rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead on arrival. Before ending her life, she posted a chilling message on Instagram, which says, “Sabse bura hota hai sapno ka mar jaana (sic).” The worst is when your dreams die.

According to reports, she was suffering from depression. In a suicide note, she expressed her disappointment pertaining to her career and failed relationships.

Manmeet Grewal (2020)

Manmeet Grewal — who worked in popular TV shows like “Aadat Se Majboor” and “Kuldeepak” — reportedly died by suicide. Notably, Manmeet Grewal was the first Indian actor who committed suicide in 2020.

Grewal committed suicide after struggling with dwindling finances amid lockdown, family friend-producer Manjit Singh Rajput said. He hanged himself at his Kharghar home where he used to live with his wife.

“He was going through a major financial issue and he was also in depression. The added pressure of not being able to repay loans amid this (no work phase) got to him. His wife is completely shocked and devastated,” Rajput told PTI.

Kushal Punjabi (2019)

Kushal Punjabi was a known face in TV industry. He reportedly committed suicide on December 26, 2019 at his home in Pali Hills, Mumbai. In a suicide note, Kushal Punjab had stated that his property should not be distributed to his parents and son.

Besides playing lead roles in multiple TV shows, Kushal Punjabi worked in various Bollywood movies including Lakshya, Kaal, Salaam-e-Ishq and Dhan Dhanaa Dhan Goal. He was also the winner of the TV reality game show Zor Ka Jhatka: Total Wipeout in 2011.

According to reports, Kushal Punjabi was suffering from depression.

Nitin Kapoor (2017)

Yesteryears Telugu actor Nitin Kapoor allegedly ended his life by jumping off a high rise building in Mumbai. Nitin Kapoor committed suicide in the year 2017 but the reason behind the alleged suicide is yet to be known.

Nitik Kapoor was a cousin of Bollywood actor Jithendra, married Jayasudha in 1985 after two years of courtship. As per a report in Deccan Chronicle, Nitik Kapoor was rumoured to be suffering from “severe depression” and had sought psychiatric help.

Pratyusha Banerjee (2016)

Pratyush Banerjee is one of the youngest Indian actors who committed suicide. She was merely 24-year old and became a household name in TV industry courtesy to her role as Anandi in Balika Vadhu; a role she assumed when the show took a time leap paving the way for the exit of the original Anandi, played by Avika Gor.

Apart from this, she starred in multiple TV shows such as Sasural Simar Ka, Gulmohar Grand, and Hum Hain Na. She also took part in Salman Khan’s controversial show, Bigg Boss 7 but could not manage to stick for long period of time. She was supposed to enter TV show Adhuri Kahaani Humari as a naagin.

It is still not known what led Pratyusha Banerjee  to take such a drastic step.

Sai Prashanth (2016)

Sai Prashanth is one of many Tamil actors who committed suicide and left their fans into shock. Popularly known for his performances in movies like ‘Thegidi’, ‘Vadacurry’, ‘Neram’ and ‘Mundhinam Paartheney’, Sai Prashanth ended his life by consuming alcohol laced with poison at his residence in Chennai.

In a suicide note, he purportedly wrote to his wife Sujitha, said that she is not to blame for his decision. He told her that his death will not create any problem for her, and that all her jewellery will be returned to her along with Rs. 5 lakhs.

Those who know him had said that he was depressed and under pressure due to financial issues.  But industry insiders also point out as to how chronic depression is plaguing the entire TV serial industry and young people are dying with no one to help.

Shikha Joshi (2015)

BA Pass actress Shika Joshi reportedly committed suicide by slitting her throat. A video of Joshi holding Dr Vijay Sharma responsible for her death went viral on the internet. The video was shot by her flatmate, Madhu Bharti. Asked why did she commit suicide? Shika Joshi, was gasping breaths, accused Dr Sharma and other married man who exploited her for her tragic death.

Notably, she filed a police case against Dr Sharma for molesting her when visited his clinic for treatment. At that time Khar Police had arrested him but he came out on bail.

Ranganath (2015)

Ranganath was a veteran Telugu actor. He was 66-year old. He committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling fan at his house in Gandhinagar. The popular Telugu actor had scribbled a message on the wall asking his relatives to hand over his properties to his domestic help. Ranganath had not mentioned any specific reason behind the suicide.

He might have committed suicide because he was staying alone and was highly depressed. His daughter Neeraja said the actor had spoken about suicide in various occasions. “We had gone to psychologists for counselling a few times,” she said.

Ranganath was one of the finest Telugu actors who committed suicide.

Uday Kiran (2014)

Uday Kiran was one of the most noted South Indian actors who died by suicide. According to reports, he hanged himself at his apartment in Srinagar colony, Hyderbad. It is still not clear what led Uday Kiran to take the extreme step.

There have been buzz that he ended his life after being depressed over his dull career. On the other hand, police suspect that family disputes could be the reason behind his alleged suicide.

For the unversed, in 2001, he won the Filmfare award for Best Actor — Telugu and is the only Telugu actor to have his first four films remade into all regional languages.

Jiah Khan (2013)

Jiah Khan was a British-American actor. She allegedly committed suicide on June 3, 2013. Jiah Khan debuted in Bollywood with Ram Gopal Verma’s Nishabd in 2007. Her performance in her debut film earned her a nomination for Filmfare Award for the Best Female Debut.

The Ghajini actress was found hanging at her Juhu residence. Her suicide case was extensively examined by CBI. Jiah Khan’s mother Rabia Amin had claimed that actor Sooraj Pancholi murdered her daughter leading to the prosecution to lay charges of murder and sexual assault, which failed in 2017.

In 2018, Sooraj Pancholi was charged with abetting her suicide.

Sreenath (2010)

Sreenath was one of the most popular Malayalam actors who passed away of suicide. A day after he was found dead in a hotel room in Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district with his wrist slashed, his family members suspected foul play in his dath.

While interacting to mediapersons, Sreenath’s brother had said, “No one can believe that he committed suicide and there is no reason for that. It could be that someone is behind this or he was driven to do this. We just can’t believe that he will do this.”

According to the police, Sreenath’s body was discovered by the hotel staff.

Santhosh Jogi (2010)

Santhosh Jogi was one of the finest Malayalam actor and singer who died of suicide. He debuted in Malayalam movie with Two Wheeler. He worked in dozens of movies but the most memorable roles were in Mayavi, in which he played the main villain role, and in Keerthichakra, in which he played the role of a military officer.

According to reports, Santhosh was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his friend’s flat in Thrissur, Kerala. As per police’s reports, he took this extreme step because of his family issues.

Kunal Singh (2008)

Kunal Singh was a South Indian actor, who also featured in multiple Bhojpuri movies and one Hindi movie. Kunal Singh reportedly committed suicide at his residence in Oshiwara, Mumbai. The body of Kunal was discovered by one of hi friends, Lavina Bhatia, who was also present in the apartment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vinay Choube had told news agency IANS that when Lavina stepped into the bathroom, Singh hanged himself from the ceiling fan in his first floor flat in Windermere apartment.

He did not leave behind any suicide note.

Mayoori (2005)

Mayoori is yet another South Indian actress who passed away by committing suicide. Mayoori was multi talented actress. She starred in Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films from 1998 to 2005.

According to reports, she committed suicide when she was merely 22-year old.  She had major roles in films such as Summer in Bethlehem, Aakasha Ganga, and Prem Poojari.

Monal Naval (2002)

Monal Naval is one of the youngest Tamil actresses who died by suicide. Monal Naval was found hanging from the ceiling fan. When she was rushed to a corporate hospital, she was declared dead.

Monal was adopted by mother’s sister, with whom she living for the past three yeas. She worked in six Tamil movies including blockbuster samuthiram and in two malayalam films. Her sister Simran had accused choreographer Prasanna Sujit as a possible reason for the suicide. The duo had split just a few days before she ended her life.

Silk Smitha (1996)

Silk Smitha was one of the most sought after actresses of 80s and 90s but died by committing suicide. Her original name was Vijayalakshmi Vadlapati. She worked mainly in South Indian movies but her role in Tamil movie Vandichakkaram as Silka made her sensation.

Since then, she became a s*x symbol and most sought-after erotic actress in the 1980s. In her career spanning almost two decades, she starred in more than 450 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages.

Also Read |  Silk Smitha’s lookalike sets internet on FIRE

On 23 September 1996, she was found dead in her apartment in Chennai. According to reports, she was suffering from depression over debt accumulated from producing movies.

Gurudutt (1964)

Gurudutt was one of the first Indian actors who committed suicide. He was a director, producer and actor. His real name was Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone. In his career, he delivered multiple classics such as Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Chaudhvin Ka Chand.

Gurudutt’s two movies Pyaasa and Kagaaz Ke Phool has been included in the list of the greatest movies of all time. In 2010, he was also included among CNN’s “top 25 Asian actors of all time”. He was quite popular among the people for making lyrical and artistic films within the context of popular Hindi cinema of the 1950s, and expanding its commercial conventions, starting with his 1957 film Pyaasa.

Gurudutt found dead at his rented apartment in Pedder Road in Mumbai on October 10, 1964. He reported to have consumed alcohol laced with sleeping pills. It is still not clear whether he died by committing suicide or accidental overdose.

He had made two attempts at suicide earlier.

This is a list of Indian actors—  belonging to Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bhojpuri —who passed away by suicide.

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