Tamil television actor Lokesh Rajendran died by suicide on Tuesday, October 4. The 34-year-old was best known for his role as ‘Raasu’ in the Tamil serial Marmadesam. He was a child artist when he played the character of Raasu whose adult version was played by Chetan.
According to The New Indian Express, his father said that he came to know of a misunderstanding between him and his wife. He added that Lokesh had got a legal notice for divorce from his wife a few days back. Lokesh is survived by two children.
According to the police, Lokesh was addicted to alcohol because of family problems and would often be found sleeping at the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT). The police added that he was found at the terminus on Monday, October 3, as well. Since he looked uncomfortable, the bystanders alerted the police and also called an ambulance. Lokesh was taken to the Kilpauk Government College and Hospital but passed away on Tuesday night. The police have filed a case under Section 174 (police to enquire and report on suicide) under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Lokesh has acted in more than 150 televised serials and 15 movies with popular stars like Vijayakanth and Prabhu. Lokesh has also directed one of the short films in the popular Tamil anthology 6 Athiyayam. The anthology comprised six films directed by six different filmmakers. Apart from writing and directing the short film, Lokesh had also edited it.
Director and producer Suresh Eav took to Twitter to express his condolences.
தற்கொலை எதுக்கும் முடிவல்ல மச்சி ... இவ்வளவு பெரிய திறமைசாலியாக இருந்தும் இந்த முடிவு எடுத்திருக்க கூடாதுடா ... #மர்மதேசம் குழந்தையாக தொடங்கிய உன் பயணம் இப்படி முடிந்திருக்க கூடாது
— SureshEAV (@Dir_Suresheav) October 4, 2022
பெரிய இயக்குநரா ஜெயிச்சிருக்க வேண்டியவன் நீ
Miss you machi #LokeshRajendran ...RIP pic.twitter.com/U7fYyxG7vi
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.