Who was San Rechal Gandhi? Everything you need to know about the 26 year old model who died by suicide

San Rechal Gandhi, a 26-year-old model and social media influencer from Puducherry, died by suicide on July 13, 2025. Known for her advocacy against colourism and her growing presence in the fashion industry, San Rechal had earned several regional beauty titles and represented India at an international pageant. Despite her public success, she was reportedly facing serious financial distress in the weeks leading up to her death. The circumstances surrounding her passing have sparked public discussions about mental health, financial pressures in the modelling world, and the hidden struggles faced by those in the spotlight.

Pageant Titles and Modelling Career:

San Rechal held several beauty pageant titles, including:

• -Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu (2019)

• -Miss Best Attitude (2019)

• -Miss Puducherry (2020–21)

• -Queen of Madras (2022)

In 2023, she also represented India at the Miss Africa Golden international pageant. Beyond competing, she worked as a pageant coach and co-founded a modelling agency named Rose Noire Fashion & Grooming Ltd.

Activism Against Colourism:

San Rechal was outspoken about the discrimination faced by individuals with darker skin tones, particularly in the beauty and modelling industries. She frequently discussed her own experiences with colour-based bias and encouraged others to challenge conventional beauty standards.

Social Media and Public Engagement:

With a following of approximately 180,000 Instagram users, she shared updates on her work, views on social issues, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her modelling life. She also ran a non-profit initiative called RADO’s Gift, which focused on rescuing indigenous puppies.

Financial Struggles and Final Days:

Despite her online popularity and achievements, San Rechal faced serious financial challenges. She had recently sold her jewellery to fund her modelling career and to cover debts reportedly incurred from organising fashion-related events. On the day of her death, she visited her father’s home to ask for financial help. He declined, reportedly saying he had obligations toward her brother.

Circumstances Surrounding Her Death:

San Rechal consumed a large number of tablets in what police say was an intentional act. She was first taken to a government hospital, which could not admit her, followed by a private hospital. Finally, she was brought to JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research), where she passed away.

Suicide Note and Investigation:

A suicide note was recovered, in which she wrote that no one should be held responsible for her death. Given that she was recently married, a Tahsildar-level inquiry has been launched to determine whether marital issues may have played a role in her emotional distress.

Impact and Public Response

San Rechal’s death has triggered conversations around mental health, financial insecurity in creative professions, and the pressures faced by young professionals in the digital age. Her efforts to confront colourism and support other aspiring models are part of the legacy she leaves behind.