Who is Krishi Thapanda? All About 'Bigg Boss Kannada' Fame Actress After Businessman Vaishak Dies by Suicide in Her Bengaluru Flat
Kannada actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Krishi Thapanda, 37, is in headlines after businessman Vaishak, 45, was found dead in her Bengaluru apartment on June 24, 2026. Police are investigating the suspected suicide, which follows Vaishak's recent legal troubles and personal issues.
Kannada actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Krishi Thapanda is currently at the centre of a police investigation after businessman Vaishak, aged 45, was found dead in her apartment in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwarinagar on Wednesday night, June 24, 2026. The incident has sent shockwaves through the South Indian entertainment industry, with authorities actively probing the circumstances surrounding the death. Krishi Thapanda’s Friend Vaishak Allegedly Dies by Suicide in Bengaluru; Phoned Actress Before Death.
What Exactly Happened?
According to police reports, Vaishak Upadhyaya, a 45-year-old Bengaluru-based businessman, was discovered dead at Krishi Thapanda's rented flat located in Elegant Terrace Apartments, Hosakerehalli, on the night of June 24, 2026. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was a suicide.
Police stated that Vaishak had been staying at the apartment for approximately a week, with Krishi Thapanda's knowledge, while the actress was away in Nelamangala. Shortly before the tragic discovery, Vaishak reportedly contacted Thapanda, sending her messages indicating his distressed state and intentions to end his life. Krishi, upon receiving these alarming messages, attempted to console him through calls and messages, urging him not to take any extreme steps, and subsequently alerted his family. When Krishi returned to her apartment later that night, she found Vaishak unresponsive, leading her to immediately inform the police control room around 11:30 PM.
The Rajarajeshwarinagar police have registered a case of unnatural death based on a complaint filed by Vaishak's father. No suicide note or video message was recovered from the premises. Investigations into Vaishak's background reveal he had reportedly been battling depression and facing personal and marital problems, having lived separately from his wife for about a month. Furthermore, he was previously arrested earlier this year in an alleged high-profile extortion and threat case involving businessman and advocate Aravind Reddy, though he was later released on bail, and the Karnataka High Court had stayed further probe against him.
Who is Krishi Thapanda?
Krishi Thapanda is a prominent Indian actress and model, primarily recognised for her work in Kannada cinema. Born on September 23, 1989, in Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka, she is currently 37 years old. Her journey into the entertainment world began after a corporate career where she worked as an assistant manager at InterCall, a US-based audio conferencing and meeting services company.
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Her initial breakthrough came in 2014 when she was crowned Miss Karnataka, a title that opened doors for her in the modelling and acting industries.
Her Life and Career
Krishi Thapanda officially debuted in the Kannada film industry with the romantic comedy Akira, which was released in May 2016. In the film, she played the role of Lavanya. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best Debut Actress (Kannada) at the 2016 SIIMA Awards. Although Akira was her first release, she had initially signed the film Kahi, which hit theatres in November 2016, where she portrayed a teacher. Kahi garnered critical acclaim and was awarded the Karnataka State Award for Best Screenplay.
Krishi Thapanda has built a diverse filmography, showcasing her versatility across a range of roles in the Kannada film industry. She made notable appearances in Akira (2016) as Lavanya and Kahi (2016), followed by Eradu Kanasu (2017), where she starred alongside Vijay Raghavendra and Karunya Ram. She went on to feature in Ira (2018), Dalapathi (2018), and Kannadakkagi Ondannu Otthi (2018), playing the role of Pramaya opposite Shatamarshan Avinash. Her later projects include Lanke (2021), in which she portrayed Paavani, Blank (2022), Rupayi (2023), and most recently Gana (2025), co-starring Prajwal Devaraj, Vedhika Kumar, and Yasha Shivakumar.
Beyond films, Thapanda gained widespread recognition through her participation in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 5. She entered the reality show on Colors Super, which premiered on October 15, 2017, and was hosted by Kichcha Sudeep. She was evicted in the 12th week, finishing in 9th place, after being nominated six times. She also made a cameo appearance as Monica, a drug dealer, in the Kannada daily soap Marali Manasagide on Colors Kannada in 2022. Sanchita Ugale Dies by Suicide: ‘Kumkum Bhagya’, ‘Chhaava’ Actress No More - Reports.
As the police continue their investigation into Vaishak Upadhyay's death, the focus remains on gathering forensic evidence and piecing together the events that led to the tragic incident.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 11:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
