Kannada filmmaker Guruprasad dies by suicide in Bengaluru; Decomposed body found days later

Kannada film director Guruprasad was found dead in a residential complex on the outskirts of the city on Sunday, police said.

The 52-year-old director is suspected of having committed suicide, reports news agency PTI. The incident took place within the limits of Madanayakanahalli police station.

“Filmmaker Guruprasad is said to be angry about something, about his film or some other issue. We have heard that he was facing financial stress… five to six days ago the neighbors had seen him coming to this house, after which it was apparently not stepped outside. It seems he hanged himself five to six days ago and died,” CK Baba, Superintendent of Police (SP), Bengaluru Rural, told PTI.

Informing reporters, he said, “…after seeing the body, we have registered the case and will investigate the matter.” Guruprasad was known for his films including Mata and Yeddelu Manjunatha.

According to police sources, the body was found in a decomposed state hanging from a ceiling fan in the flat, and neighbors alerted the police after a foul smell attracted everyone’s attention.

The body has been shifted for post-mortem, they said.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai expressed his condolences in a message on “It is a sad fact that famous film director Guruprasad has passed away. He gave many good films to Karnataka. It is very painful that he committed suicide. May God rest his soul in eternal peace. Om Shanti,” wrote Mr. Bommai in Canada.

Some reports suggest that Guruprasad may have been under credit pressure, which would have prompted him to take this serious step. The director, who recently remarried, also faced financial challenges, including those related to unpaid purchases.

(with input from agencies)

(Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local mental health professional if you or someone you know needs help.)