Guruprasad death: Kannada director found dead at 51 in Bengaluru apartment; suicide being investigated

Renowned Kannada filmmaker Guruprasad, aged 52, known for his acclaimed movies such as Mata, Eddelu Manjunatha, and Director’s Special, was found dead in his Bengaluru apartment on Sunday. The tragic discovery was made after neighbors in the Dasanapura locality, where he lived alone, reported a foul smell from his flat. Upon investigation, police found Guruprasad's decomposing body hanging from the ceiling fan. Initial reports suggest that financial difficulties and pressure from creditors may have led to this unfortunate end.

Investigation Ongoing

According to the Times of India, the Madanayakanahalli police, along with Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), are currently examining the flat for evidence and clues that might explain the circumstances surrounding his death.

Authorities are also inspecting Guruprasad's phone and other belongings for a potential death note or other explanations. According to apartment residents, the security staff initially shared a message in the building’s WhatsApp group around 11 am, alerting others to the foul smell from tower no. 27. Resident Jayaram told the media, “We last saw him about four days ago, and it was the security guard who noticed the smell and informed us, which led us to call the police.”

Financial Troubles and Creditor Pressure

Guruprasad’s struggles with finances had reportedly intensified over the past few years. He had allegedly borrowed money from multiple individuals and was facing pressure to settle these debts. Recently, he was also accused of failing to pay for Kannada literature and cinema materials he had purchased.

According to a complaint filed by bookstore owner Lakshmikant, Guruprasad had requested a bulk order discount for his students, totaling Rs 65,000, but reportedly left the payment unsettled and became unreachable.

A Celebrated Career in Sandalwood

Guruprasad began his career in 2006 with Mata, starring Jaggesh, which earned him critical acclaim and a Karnataka State Filmfare Award. He gained popularity not only for his directorial ventures but also for his acting and dialogue writing in the Kannada film industry.

His portfolio includes notable titles like Eddelu Manjunatha and Director’s Special, which solidified his reputation in Sandalwood. Guruprasad had recently remarried and was working on his latest project, Adema, which was still in production at the time of his passing.

The local film community and fans are mourning the loss of a celebrated filmmaker whose unique contributions to Kannada cinema will be remembered.