- Model and pageant titleholder San Rachel, known offstage as Sankara Priya, has died by suicide in Puducherry.
- She reportedly suffered from depression, financial debt, and a kidney-related illness.
- Her passing has reignited conversations around mental health awareness in the modelling industry.
Sankara Priya, popularly known by her stage name San Rachel, was a rising star in Tamil Nadu’s modelling scene. Having earned acclaim with titles like Miss Puducherry 2020 and Queen of Madras for two consecutive years, she stood out as a strong advocate of inclusivity and self-confidence.
Behind the glamour, however, San Rachel struggled with personal health battles and financial pressures. According to authorities, she had been under immense mental stress and reportedly attempted suicide on June 6 by consuming sleeping pills.
Behind the Crown: San Rachel’s Tragic Fight Against Depression and Debt
San Rachel’s journey in the modelling industry was not just about aesthetics—it was about resilience. Emerging from Puducherry with limited resources, she carved her identity through local beauty pageants that recognized confidence and authenticity over conformity. Her wins reflected a shift in regional beauty standards, embracing diversity with pride.
Despite public admiration, close sources revealed that San Rachel was grappling with growing debts that had begun to overwhelm her. Coupled with her declining health, particularly a reported kidney condition, the burden may have contributed to her emotional and psychological distress. Authorities recovered a suicide note in which she absolved others of responsibility, hinting at a deeply personal decision.
Her death has sparked grief and introspection across the modelling and pageant community. Social media has since been flooded with tributes and calls for mental health support within high-pressure industries. Many are demanding systemic changes to ensure models are offered professional counseling and financial planning resources early in their careers.
The Puducherry police have launched an investigation to understand the sequence of events that led to her passing. A post-mortem is underway, and local officials, including the Tehsildar, are involved in assessing the circumstances. This tragic incident is now a painful reminder of the silent battles that often go unnoticed beneath public success.
San Rachel’s untimely death reminds us that success does not shield one from inner struggles. Her story calls for compassion, awareness, and stronger mental health advocacy.
“Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to, it’s not for them.” — Joubert Botha
