Famous Kannada film director and actor Guruprasad was found dead in his apartment in Bengaluru on Sunday, police said. The 52-year-old director, known for his films “Mata”, “Eddelu Manjunatha” and “Director’s Special”, was reportedly struggling with financial problems at the time of his death.

Bengaluru Rural superintendent of police (SP) CK Baba said the principal’s body was found at his house within the jurisdiction of Madanayakanahalli police station.

He said the police were informed after neighbors noticed a bad smell coming from the manager’s apartment, which was locked from the inside. After receiving the information, the police reached his house, entered the flat and found Guruprasad’s highly decomposed body hanging in the living room.

“This morning (Sunday) it was determined that the director died by suicide. His neighbors last saw him entering his apartment 5-6 days ago, and he was not seen going out afterwards. “According to preliminary findings, it is thought that he may have died by suicide at that time, but the investigation into the incident is ongoing,” he said.

“A case has been registered under Article 194 of BNSS. Our teams are conducting an investigation.”

Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed his condolences to X in Kannada and said: “It is a sad fact that famous film director Guruprasad passed away. He gave many good films to Karnataka. It’s very painful that he committed suicide. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.”

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote about X: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of creative director and Kanakpur native Mr. Guruprasad. I pray that Guruprasad’s soul rests in peace as he contributed to the silver screen and television in his own style. I also share the pain of the family and loved ones of the deceased. Om Shanti,” he posted on X. Guruprasad is survived by his wife and two daughters.