Former Bigg Boss Contestant Jayashree Ramaiah Found Dead

Kannada actor Jayashree Ramaiah was found dead at an old age home in Bengaluru on Monday. Initial reports suggest it is a case of alleged suicide. The young actor, who gained prominence after appearing as a contestant on the third season of Bigg Boss Kannada, had reportedly been battling depression. Friends and family claim she had stopped returning their calls and messages over the last few months. 

Ramaiah had reportedly been residing at the Sandhya Kirana, a rehab home for aged persons in Bengaluru, seeking treatment for her health issues. She died there on Sunday, according to India Today. Tributes are pouring in from across the Kannada film industry upon the actor's early death. 

Jayashree Ramaiah On Dealing With Depression 

In June last year, the Uppu Huli Khara actor had taken to Facebook to write what many took to be a parting note of suicide. Her post reportedly said, "I quit. Goodbye to this f*cking world and depression." 

In a social media interaction through Facebook Live, she was quoted saying, "I am not doing all of these things for publicity’s sake. I am not expecting financial help from (Kiccha) Sudeep sir. I am only expecting my death as I am unable to battle depression. I am financially strong but I am depressed."

"I am a loser I need mercy killing. That is all I expect right now. I am not a good girl. Please, please, please give me mercy killing," she added. 

Ramaiah later deleted the said post, and wrote, "I'm Alright and safe!! Love you all." She thanked Sudeep, one of Kannada cinema's leading actors, for his help to her.

Going Through A "Tumultuous Phase," Said Ramaiah  

In an earlier interview, Ramaiah had opened up on the meaning behind her social media posts. "It was a tumultuous phase of my life; I can’t explain in words what was going through my mind. I was constantly thinking of ending my life, which eventually drove me to put up those posts on social media," she was quoted saying. 

Ramaiah's death has evoked tributes for her, with many reiterating the importance of mental health. Director Mayuraa Raghavendra told TOI, "It is something that no one should go through. She was suffering a lot and it was seen in her attempt to suicide last year as well... This news of her death is shocking and I am yet to come to terms with it."