(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to suicide.Young actor and State Award winner Akhil Vishwanath (30) was found dead at his home.Akhil was best known for his performance in Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s film ‘Chola’, where he played the lead role of the lover. He had also acted in films including ‘Operation Java’. According to Manorama Online reports, Akhil was found hanging inside his house. His mother, Geetha, discovered him while she was getting ready to leave for work.Akhil was working as a mechanic at a mobile phone shop in Kottali, though he had reportedly stopped going to work for some time. His father, Vishwanathan of Chunkal Chencherivalappil, is currently undergoing treatment after sustaining serious injuries in a bike accident.
Journey from child artist to ‘Chola’
Akhil Vishwanath’s association with cinema began at a young age. While he was a student, he won the State Government Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in the telefilm ‘Mangandi’, in which he acted alongside his brother Arun. Both brothers received the award in the same year.He later gained wider attention through ‘Chola’, directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, which won the State Film Award in 2019.
Industry reacts with shock
The news of Akhil’s death was first shared by film worker Manoj Kumar, who wrote, “What have you done, Akhil?”Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s condolence note read, “The news that Akhil has committed suicide is heartbreaking. He came into cinema from a life filled with severe hardships. Just one film like Chola was enough for him to firmly establish himself as an actor in Malayalam cinema. That did not happen. When that film was sidelined, the future hopes of many people who proved their talent through that film, including that young man, were pushed into darkness. I still cannot believe that Akhil committed suicide. I understand that he was recently preparing to act in an upcoming OTT film.”
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
The director further wrote, “I feel deeply sad, Akhil. I do not know what caused this untimely death. But those who turned the future of people like you, including yourself, into darkness also share responsibility for it. May your soul rest in peace. May your loving smile touch me again someday.”’Chola’ actor Joju George expressed his grief, saying, “Rest In Peace Akhil .”DISCLAIMER:If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, please seek professional help immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO. Helplines are also available. Go to Source
