Popular TV stars who died by suicide

The alleged suicide of 20-year-old TV actor Tunisha Sharma shocked the nation, bringing into focus the struggle of many in this glamorous industry. Here are TV and film actors who succumbed to financial or mental pressures and took the extreme step of suicide.

Tunisha Sharma: The 21-year-old actor allegedly committed suicide on the set of the TV serial 'Ali Baba: Dastaan-E-Kabul' in Vasai area of Mumbai. Sharma, who was shooting for 'Ali Baba: Dastaan-E-Kabul' on Saturday, had gone to the washroom on the show's set. When she did not return for a long time, the door was broken down and she was found hanging inside. Credit: Instagram/@_tunisha.sharma_

Sushant Singh Rajput: The Bollywood star was found dead in his flat in June 2020, an incident which sent shockwaves through the nation. The suicide of Rajput, who started his career with the TV show Pavitra Rishta, triggered nation-wide debates on mental health. Credit: Reuters Photo

Vaishali Thakkar TV actor Vaishali Thakkar, aged 30, was found dead in her Indore home in October this year. A suicide note revealed that Thakkar took the extreme step as her neighbour was mentally torturing her for over 2 years. She was seen in the serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Credit: Instagram/misstakkar_15

Kushal Punjabi: Jhalak Dikhla Jaa fame Kushal Punjabi, who also appeared in TV shows like Ishq Mei Marjawan, died by suicide in December 2019. Aged 42, the actor was suffering from depression. A note was recovered, wherein the actor left his belongings to his family. Credit: Instagram/@itsme_kushalpunjabi

Sejal Sharma: TV actor Sejal Sharma was found dead in her Mira Road residence in January 2020. After her show Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji ended, Sharma was reportedly depressed. A note found on her said no one should be blamed for her death. Credit: Instagram/@i_sejalsharmaofficial

Manmeet Grewal: Famous for his TV show Kuldeepak, 32-year-old Manmeet Grewal died by suicide at his residence in Navi Mumbai due to financial stress as an aftermath of Covid-19 in May 2020. Credit: Instagram/manmeetgrewal69_official

Preksha Mehta: Stressed due to Covid-19 lockdown and financial problems, Crime Patrol actor Preksha Mehta was found hanging in her Indore home in May 2020. Credit: Instagram/@iamprekshamehta

Samir Sharma: TV actor Samir Sharma was found hanging in his Malad residence by a building security guard in August 2020. He shot to fame after his TV show Yeh Rishte Hain Pyar Ke. Credit: Instagram/@samir5d

Pratyusha Banerjee: Protagonist of the popular TV show Balika Vadhu, Pratyusha Banerjee was found dead in her apartment in Mumbai in April 2016. Her parents accused the actor’s boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh to have abetted her suicide. Credit: Twitter