Kannada and Tamil TV Actress Nandini CM Found Dead in Bengaluru

New Delhi, December 30, 2025: The South Indian television industry is in mourning following the tragic death of Nandini CM, a 26-year-old actress known for her work in Kannada and Tamil serials. Nandini was found dead by suicide at her paying guest (PG) accommodation in the Mylasandra area of Kengeri, Bengaluru, early on Monday morning, December 29, 2025.

The incident has sparked widespread conversation regarding the intense pressure young professionals often face when balancing family expectations with creative aspirations.

A Career Driven by Passion

Originally from Kotturu in the Vijayanagara district, Nandini moved to Bengaluru in 2018 to pursue higher education. Although she initially enrolled in an engineering (BE) course at the RR Institute in Hesaraghatta, her passion for the arts soon took precedence. She eventually discontinued her studies to undergo formal acting training in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

Since 2019, Nandini had become a familiar face on television, appearing in popular Kannada serials such as:

• Jeeva Hoovagide
• Sangharsha
• Madhumagalu
• Neenade Naa

Her career reached a new milestone with her entry into the Tamil television industry. She gained significant acclaim for her lead performance in the serial Gowri, where she showcased her versatility by playing the dual roles of Kanaka and Durga.

According to police reports and diary entries recovered from her room, Nandini’s family had been consistently pressuring her to accept the stable government position and leave the entertainment industry. Nandini, however, remained steadfast in her desire to pursue her acting dreams.

In a poignant note addressed to her mother, Nandini reportedly wrote:

“I was hoping to achieve success in my acting career, but no one listens to me. I do not want to go for a government job.”

The diary entries also hinted at additional distress regarding pressure to marry, which she felt mentally unprepared for, contributing to a state of emotional exhaustion.

Circumstances of the Discovery

The incident came to light after Nandini failed to respond to calls from her boyfriend, Puneet, on Sunday night. After visiting him earlier that evening, she had returned to her PG around 11:23 PM. When she became unreachable, Puneet alerted the PG management.

Around 3:45 AM on Monday, the staff forced open the door to Room 202 and discovered her body. The Kengeri police arrived shortly after and registered a case of unnatural death.

Investigation Status

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West), Anita Haddannavar, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Nandini’s mother, G.R. Basavarajeshwari, stated to the police that while there was significant family disagreement over her career choices, she does not suspect any foul play or third-party involvement in her daughter’s death.

The news has sent shockwaves through the fraternity, with colleagues remembering Nandini as a hardworking and dedicated artist who was just beginning to see the fruits of her labor.