Actor VJ Chitra, well-known for her role as Mullai in the popular Tamil TV serial Pandian Stores, was found dead in a hotel room earlier today. The police suspect it to be a case of suicide.
According to the police, she had checked into her room around 1 am on Wednesday after completing a shoot. They are questioning her fiancee who was allegedly present at the hotel visiting her. Quoting her fiancee, the police said that Chitra informed him that she would go for a bath and he stepped out of the room. However, he had to inform the hotel staff after the door was locked from the inside and repeated knocks went unanswered. The hotel authorities then informed the police about the incident.
Chitra who began her career as an anchor worked across major Tamil television channels, including Makkal TV, Jaya TV and Zee Tamizh. Her acting stint over the past five years in shows like Chinna Papa Periya Papa (Sun TV), Saravanan Meenatchi (Vijay TV), Darling Darling (Zee Tamizh) and Velunachi (Colors Tamil) made her a household name among Tamil audiences.
The news of her demise sent shockwaves among her fans and colleagues who took to social media to share their grief and express condolences.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers:
Tamil Nadu:
State health department suicide helpline number - 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in TN
Maharashtra (Mumbai):
Aasra - 022 2754 6669
Andhra Pradesh:
Life Suicide Prevention Helpline No.78930-78930
Karnataka:
Sahai: 24-hour helpline numbers: 080- 65000111, 080-65000222
Kerala:
Maithri helpline - 0484-2540530
Chaithram helpline: 0484-2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana:
Telangana government suicide prevention toll-free no: 104