Veteran Telugu actor Ranganath hangs himself, police suspect depression
Veteran Telugu actor Ranganath committed suicide on Saturday evening by hanging himself at his residence in Hyderabad's Kavadiguda area.
The incident came to light at around 5 pm when two representatives of a cultural organisation from Malkajgiri went to his house to invite him for a felicitation function. However, they found the door locked from inside and there was no response despite repeated knocks, the Times of India reported.
"As there was no response, the visitors, suspecting that something was amiss, informed Ranganath's daughter Neeraja, who resides nearby. Neeraja with the help of a few others prised opened the door and found Ranganath hanging from the ceiling in the kitchen,'' assistant commissioner of police (Chikkadpally) J Narasaiah told TOI.
The 66-year-old actor did not leave any suicide note, but just wrote the word 'destiny' on the wall.
The police believe loneliness and depression may have caused him to take this extreme step, as his wife had passed away in 2009.
Reports also suggest that Ranganath sometimes remarked to his daughter if it was necessary for him to continue life having lost his wife. He is also to have told his family that his days were 'numbered'. A case of death under Section 174 of Criminal Procedure Code has been registered.
A report in India Today adds:
Born in 1949 in then Madras, Ranganath started his career as a ticket collector in Indian Railways. In 1969, he made his acting debut in Telugu drama Budhimantudu. He starred in over 200 films in a career spanning over three decades. Although a very popular character artiste, Ranganath starred in nearly 50 films in lead roles, including "Zamindarugari Ammayi", "Panthulamma", "Intinti Ramayanam" and "America Ammayi". His other notable films include Adavi Donga, Veta, Donga Mogudu, Kalisundam Raa and Nijam. He also directed a lone film called Moguds-Pellams.
Reactions have started pouring in on social media.
Chief Minister Sri K Chandrashekar Rao expressed his condolences on the demise of Cine Actor Sri Ranganath.
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) December 19, 2015
My deepest condolences over the passing of versatile Telugu actor Ranganath. May his soul rest in peace.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 19, 2015
Ranganath had mentioned in a TV program, regarding this, of the suffering his wife had undergone, and a long slow death.
— Ratnakar Sadasyula (@ScorpiusMaximus) December 19, 2015
RIP Ranganath Garu.. U wer a grt human being.. Fortunate to have known U n to have worked wit U.. May ur soul RIP... pic.twitter.com/Ii3C0fo5ja
— Varun Sandesh (@iamvarunsandesh) December 19, 2015
Ranganath garu attempted suicide...Lastly He has written "DESTINY" word.. :-( pic.twitter.com/76oKO1Lgq7
— Suresh Kondi (@V6_Suresh) December 19, 2015
Ranganath garu,a talented actor who Entertained audience more than 300 films.Great loss to TFI.Good human.Inspired many with his words.#Rip
— Gopi Mohan (@Gopimohan) December 19, 2015
Ranganath garu RIP sir..This is such a bad news..feeling very sad
— kalyan koduri (@Iamkalyankoduri) December 19, 2015
Wonderful human being, great loving husband, good poet, great actor Ranganath garu is no more. In tears. Rip.
— Eternal Siblings (@souls_universe) December 20, 2015