BENGALURU: The Kannada and Tamil television industries are in mourning following the death of popular television actress Nandini CM, who was found dead in an apparent case of suicide at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Kengeri, Bengaluru. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the entertainment fraternity, with colleagues and fans expressing disbelief and grief over her sudden demise.
Nandini, 26, was well known for her performances in Kannada television serials such as Jeeva Hoovagide, Sangharsha, Madhumagalu and Neenade Naa. At the time of her death, she was also making a mark in Tamil television, where she was playing the lead role in the popular serial Gowri.
According to the police, Nandini was found hanging in her room at a PG facility located in the Kengeri police station limits. The Kengeri Police have registered an Unnatural Death Report under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act, 2023. Further investigation is currently underway.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident occurred between 11.16 pm and 12.30 am on the night of December 28, 2025. The police received information about the death on the morning of December 29, at around 9.15 am, following which officers rushed to the spot and initiated legal procedures.
The incident took place on the second floor of the PG building, where Nandini had been residing since August 2025. Originally from Kottur in Ballari district, she had moved to Bengaluru several years ago to pursue a career in acting. She had been staying in various PG accommodations across the city as she navigated her professional journey in the television industry.
According to the FIR, Nandini completed her Pre-University Course (PUC) in Ballari in 2018. She later enrolled in an engineering course at RR Institute in Hesaraghatta. However, her growing interest in acting reportedly led her to discontinue attending college regularly. She subsequently underwent formal acting training in Rajarajeshwari Nagar before entering the television industry.
Since 2019, Nandini has acted in several Kannada serials, mostly in supporting roles, gradually gaining recognition for her performances. Her dedication and screen presence earned her appreciation from viewers and peers alike, paving the way for more prominent opportunities.
Police officials stated that on the evening of December 28, Nandini had visited the house of her friend, identified as Puneeth. She later returned to her PG at around 11.23 pm and locked herself inside her room. When repeated phone calls went unanswered, Puneeth grew concerned and alerted the PG manager, Kumar, and the in-charge, Kiran, at around 11.50 pm.
When the room was forcibly opened, Nandini was found hanging from the window grille using a veil cloth. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and the Kengeri Police arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. Upon examination, the police confirmed that she had died on the spot.
At around 3.45 am on December 29, the police informed Nandini’s family about the incident. Her relatives arrived in Bengaluru at approximately 8.00 am and later provided statements to the police.
During the investigation, the police reportedly recovered a diary from Nandini’s room. In her personal writings, she had expressed her unwillingness to accept a government job that was offered to her in 2023 on compassionate grounds following her father’s death. She reiterated her desire to continue her acting career and noted that her family did not fully understand her feelings and aspirations. The family has since stated that they do not suspect any foul play and have not made allegations against anyone in connection with her death.
