In a shocking incident, TV artiste and anchor Vaishnavi committed suicide at her residence yesterday. Vaishnavi who has starred in several popular TV serials including Manaivai and K. Balachander’s Anni, reportedly hanged herself on Monday afternoon at her Anna Nagar residence. The 22 year old artiste was also the anchor of the popular programme ‘Kondattam’ on Sun TV. Incidentally, she has also acted in Superstar’s Baba, in which she plays the role as one of the sisters of Manisha Koirala.

Instances of artistes in the entertainment industry ending their lives is not new. Actresses Shobha, ‘Silk’ Smitha, and Viji are sad examples of celebrity suicides. In recent times, promising TV artiste Shalini sent shock waves through the television industry by killing herself. Hectic shooting schedules, constant mental stress, and ‘fear of loss’ are some of the reasons that may be attributed to this alarming trend.