Tollywood actor Uday Kiran committed suicide by hanging himself in his Srinagar Colony flat on Sunday. The star, who had been fighting depression for years and whose elder brother had also committed suicide 25 years ago, had tried to kill himself at least four times in the past.
But the suicide has also opened a can of worms that Tollywood, or for that matter all film industries, are well aware of. Quick rise to fame… stardom… rejection… depression… and sometimes, death.
Also see: Uday Kiran's life in pictures
Uday Kiran started his career at 19. His rise was nothing short of meteoric and he had a huge fan base especially among young women and college students. He was the only actor who delivered a hat-trick of hits with his first three Tollywood films, 'Chitram', 'Nuvvu Nenu' and 'Manasantha Nuvve'.
Childhood troubles
The actor had a troubled childhood to say the least. His elder brother had killed himself 25 years ago, when he was only eight. In 2006, his mother had died while on a pilgrimage. Sources say that Uday Kiran’s relationship with his father went downhill from then on as it was rumoured that he had married someone much younger, which the actor did not approve.
His father V.V.K. Murthy, however, denies it. “I’m alone and not married. My son felt that I was misusing his finances, so we separated.”
Also read: Big '4' blamed for Uday Kiran suicide
A meteoric rise
Uday Kiran became a big star within a short time and big producers were queuing up to sign him. In 2003, when he was at the peak of his career, he got engaged to Chiranjeevi’s daughter Sushmitha. However, a couple of days later, a press note was released stating that the marriage was off. Neither party, strangely, ever gave an explanation.
Downward spiral
Sources close to the actor say that the engagement was the biggest mistake of his career.
Once it was called off, his career, which was at its peak, started faltering. It was even rumoured that the “Mega Family” had ensured that producers stayed away from him. The facts around this, have not been confirmed.
And when he lucked out in Tollywood, he moved to Chennai, but barring a couple of films, he got nowhere. But the actor, however, tried his best to stay afloat in the industry. He even put his own money into projects. Sources also add that Uday was never invited to any film events in recent times and claim that added to the humiliation.
Ruins
It might be coincidence, but a few incidents ensured that Uday Kiran’s career was finished. In 2005, director Teja, who initially had introduced him in the industry, made Avunanna Kadanna with him. The film was slated for release on April 6, 2005. Perhaps by coincidence, Allu Aravind’s son Allu Arjun’s film Bunny also released on the same date, sidelining Uday’s efforts. With no work, Uday slipped into depression. He tried to kill himself at least four times.
After separating from his father, his aunt Poornima, a psychiatrist, was taking care of him. Sources say that her “treatment” had worked. His aunt, however, had warned him not to get married, as he was not emotionally capable. But after taking care of him for years, Poornima left him after he married Vishitha on October 24, 2012.
Money woes
After putting a lot of money in films, the actor was almost broke. But the actor, however, had a few projects in hand. He was supposed to shoot an ad film with Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn on January 19 and 20. He was also supposed to star in a Tamil film. A Gautam Menon film was also in the pipeline. In fact, Telugu producer Babji had called Uday Kiran on Sunday night at 7.30 pm to discuss a new film. He was supposed to meet the actor on Monday morning for detailed discussions and to give an advance. “I was shocked when I saw the news after I woke up on Monday,” says Babji.
Estranged Father
When contacted, V.V.K. Murthy says that he had come to know about his son’s death on TV. “I just saw it on TV and I feel very sad. I will go to see his body once my daughter comes from Muscat. She asked me to stay at home,” says Murthy. When asked about the differences with his son, he blames financial reasons. “After we separated I didn’t know anything about my son. I also come to know about his marriage on TV,” adds Murthy.
Talking about both his sons ending their lives, he says, “I feel sad that as a father I couldn’t do anything.” And did he console his daughter-in-law? “When I am saying that I didn’t know about his marriage, why are you asking me about my daughter-in-law?” he questions.
A mentor speaks: Talking about the actor, director Teja, who gave him his first break with Chitram, says, “He wanted to meet me. But I told him that I was busy. But I knew he was depressed as he didn’t have any films. If he came to me, I would have had to promise something, so I told him to come later.”
Uday’s rise and fall
- Was the only actor who delivered a hat-trick of hits with his first three films, Chitram, Nuvvu Nenu and Manasantha Nuvve.
- But with no work, Uday slowly went into depression. He tried to kill himself at least four times earlier.
- His marriage too was apparently not a very happy one.
Next: Tollywood reacts
T’wood tweets
Woke up to hear the news of Uday Kiran!!!!R.i.p Uday!!!!one of the nicest and friendliest guys. - Priyamani
Heartbroken! Rip udaykiran. You were a sweet soul. Geees not fair :( devastating. - Lakshmi Manchu
(I’m) Shocked. Uday Kiran is no more. (He) was such a warm and nice person. - Prakash Raj
Nithiin says, Just heard bout uday kiran..really sad.. May his soul r.i.p
Another young actor Nani shocked after heard the news. He tweeted, Shocked .. Shattered .. Clueless .. Restless .. Just don't know what to say .. Why why why?
Actress Taapsee Pannu wrote, Suicide rate across movie industry all over the world is getting scary. I wish god gives us all strength n reason to sail through all times
Eega star Sudeep too shocked. He tweeted, Udaykiran's news is a shocker.. was unable to react whn I got th news..spoke to him whn he ws here at blore less than a week bk.. RIP my frnd
Actor Ram tweeted, Sweet.. Polite.. Always Smiling.. #RIP UdayKiran
Manchu Manoj: So sad to hear one of my good friend Uday Kiran is no more. God pl give strength to their family. RIP babai...
In Grief
Several Tollywood personalities turned up at the city’s Apollo hospital, where Uday Kiran’s body was first taken to, including Producer M.S. Raju, actors Siva Krishna, Sivaji Raja, Srikanth, Tanish, Narsingh Yadav and Tarun.
