New Delhi: Kerala State Award-winning actor Akhil Viswanath was found dead at his residence on Saturday. He was 30 years old.
Akhil was best known for his lead role in the 2019 Kerala State Award-winning film Chola, in which he portrayed the character of a lover. His other notable work includes Operation Java.
He had also received the Kerala State Government Award for Best Child Artist along with his brother, Arun, for their performance in the film Maangaandi.
According to a report by Times Now, Akhil’s father, Viswanath, is currently undergoing treatment after sustaining injuries in a recent motorcycle accident. The actor’s mother, Geetha, reportedly found him motionless while preparing to leave for work.
Reports further suggest that Akhil had been working as a mobile shop mechanic in Kodaly, although he had not been attending work for some time. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
As per Manorama Online, Akhil was found hanging inside his house.
Chola was directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan.
Akhil’s death was confirmed by film worker Manoj Kumar, who wrote, “What have you done, Akhil?”
Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan also shared a condolence note on Facebook, which read:
“The news that Akhil committed suicide is heartbreaking. He came to cinema from extreme poverty. A single movie called Chola was enough for him to enter Malayalam cinema as an actor. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. After the film was confined, the future hopes of many people, including that young man who proved his talent through the film, were pushed into darkness. I can’t believe Akhil committed suicide. I knew he was preparing to act in a film that was to start soon. I feel deeply saddened. I do not know the cause of this untimely death, but those who darkened the futures of people like you have a part in this tragedy. May your soul rest in peace.”
Actor Joju George also expressed his grief, writing, “Rest in peace, Akhil.”
Akhil had earlier won the State Government Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in the telefilm Maangaandi, in which he acted alongside his brother Arun.
(Discussions on suicides can be triggering for some. But suicides are preventable. If you are looking for help, some suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-40769002 from Sanjivini (Delhi-based, 10 am – 5.30 pm) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based, 8 am – 10 pm), +91 9999666555 from Vandrevala Foundation (Mumbai-based, 24×7)