Kannada actress Shobitha Shivanna was found dead in her apartment in the Kondapur area of Hyderabad, authorities confirmed on Monday.
Police suspect the actress died by suicide, although the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.
According to the Gachibowli police, Shivanna, 32, was discovered hanging at her residence. "A case has been registered, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause and circumstances of her death," a police official said.
Her body was transferred to Gandhi Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The actress, a rising star in the Kannada film industry, was known for her roles in acclaimed films such as Eradondla Mooru, ATM: Attempt to Murder, and Vandana. She also appeared in blockbuster projects including U-Turn and the K.G.F franchise.
Shobitha had made a name for herself on television as well, featuring in popular serials like Gaalipata, Mangala Gowri, and Brahmagantu.
The news of her untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment fraternity. Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike.
Actress Geeta Bharti Bhatt expressed her grief by sharing photos of the two on Instagram, writing, "RIP Shobitha avre. You shouldn’t have left us this way. Your smile, love for life, and very presence will be deeply missed!"
Born and raised in Bengaluru, Shivanna had a passion for acting from an early age. She attended Baldwin Girls High School and graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Bengaluru. Her career took off with her debut in the 2015 film RangiTaranga, which became a turning point in her life.