Model San Rechal's Tragic End At 26: Here Are 8 Celebrities Who Faced The Same Invisible Battle

Monday, July 14, 2025, 18:54

San Rechal Gandhi, a former Miss Puducherry and an outspoken model who had represented India on international runways, passed away on July 13 in Puducherry. She was 26. Police say she allegedly took her own life after consuming an overdose of blood pressure medication, and a note was reportedly found at the scene.

The model, known for her advocacy against colourism and vocal stance on women's safety, had been in and out of hospitals since July 5, after her health deteriorated following the overdose. Despite treatment at both private hospitals and JIPMER, she could not be revived.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/san_rechal_official

The news of her death has shocked the regional fashion circuit, as well as many of her fans and followers who admired her outspoken nature and unfiltered online presence. But the motive behind her suicide is still unclear. While some reports suggest she was dealing with mounting debt, others point to a lingering medical issue that hadn't responded well to treatment.

Her passing now joins a troubling list of suicides among young people in the entertainment world, particularly in India.

San Rechal: A Model Who Fought For Visibility

Born Sankara Priya, Rechal began her pageant career early and won titles including Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu in 2019 and Miss Puducherry in 2021. She made waves in the industry by refusing to lighten her skin for shoots and by calling out implicit colourism during interviews and stage appearances.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/san_rechal_official

She walked international ramps in London, Berlin, and Paris, and often used her platform to speak about gender-based violence and everyday sexism. Raised by her father after losing her mother at a young age, Rechal's journey in the modelling world was all about breaking moulds.

Her recent marriage, financial pressure, and persistent health concerns had reportedly taken a toll on her. Yet her death still came as a surprise to many who saw her as someone constantly pushing boundaries.

A Pattern We Can't Keep Ignoring

Rechal's death is not isolated. It echoes a pattern that's been growing over the years-young, talented individuals in the public eye quietly battling emotional and psychological stress.

Sushant Singh Rajput (1986-2020)

The 34-year-old actor was found dead in his Mumbai flat on June 14, 2020. Initial reports labelled it a suicide by hanging. Despite ongoing investigations and conspiracy theories, one thing was made clear by those close to him-Sushant had been battling depression. His passing was a national shockwave and sparked conversations on nepotism, isolation in the film industry, and mental health access.

Jiah Khan (1988-2013)

The "Ghajini" actor was just 25 when she died by suicide at her Juhu residence in 2013. Her death was later tied to her turbulent relationship with actor Sooraj Pancholi, with legal proceedings dragging on for years. Jiah's case became emblematic of how personal relationships can spiral into emotional breakdowns, especially when one feels trapped.

Asif Basra (1967-2020)

The veteran actor, known for his character roles in films like "Kai Po Che!" and "Black Friday," was found hanging in a private complex in McLeod Ganj. Friends said he was cheerful just days before. His death again highlighted how invisible these struggles can be.

Nafisa Joseph (1978-2004)

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One of the early faces of MTV India and a Femina Miss India Universe winner, Nafisa took her own life at 26. Reports suggested the end of a long-term relationship played a role. Her friends described her as vibrant and driven, once again showing that the signs aren't always obvious.

Pratyusha Banerjee (1991-2016)

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Known for her iconic role as Anandi in Balika Vadhu, Pratyusha Banerjee became a household name at a young age. But behind her rising television stardom was a battle few saw coming. In April 2016, she died by suicide at just 24, a shock that rippled through the industry and her fanbase.

Later, troubling details emerged about her relationship, with a court finding her partner's alleged emotional abuse to be a significant factor. Her untimely death left many questioning how often bright, smiling faces hide inner turmoil.

Tunisha Sharma (2002-2022)

Just 20, the TV actor died by suicide on a set in Vasai, Maharashtra. She had spoken about anxiety and emotional strain in interviews. Her co-actor and former boyfriend was later booked for abetment.

Vaishali Takkar (1992-2022)

The "Sasural Simar Ka" actor died by suicide in Indore at age 30. A note indicated that harassment by an ex-boyfriend contributed to her decision. Her death reignited conversations about the stigma around seeking help and reporting abuse.

Samir Sharma (1976-2020)

The television actor, seen in shows like "Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke" and "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii," was found dead at his home in Malad. The cause was listed as suicide. Sharma's case didn't get the same media attention, but those who knew him said he had been going through personal difficulties.

Mental Health In The Limelight

Many of these individuals were high-achieving, seemingly thriving, and constantly under public scrutiny. Their struggles, often shared with very few people highlight how difficult it is to ask for help when you're expected to "have it all."

India still grapples with limited mental health infrastructure and a strong cultural resistance to discussing depression or therapy. The entertainment industry, while glamorous on the outside, is known for its unpredictability, loneliness, and performance pressure.

The Unanswered Questions Around San Rechal's Death

San Rechal's case leaves several questions open. Why did someone so outspoken and driven feel this was her only option? Did her health condition worsen her mental state? Were her financial troubles deeper than anyone realised?

What's clear is that another bright young woman who tried to use her voice for change was silently struggling.

As her loved ones wait for the post-mortem results, the spotlight once again falls on an industry, and a country, that is still learning how to take mental health seriously.