Harassed by Loan Shark, Tamil Film Producer Commits Suicide

Chennai: Tamil film producer Ashok Kumar committed suicide at his residence in Chennai on Tuesday. In his suicide note, Kumar blamed a film financier for forcing him to take the extreme step.

Kumar was found hanging in his apartment in Chennai’s Alwarthirunagar locality. He is related to leading Kollywood director-actor M Sasikumar, who produced some of his films.

In his suicide note, Kumar blamed film financier Anbuchezhian of charging exorbitant interest on loans given to his production company.

"The most sinful act I committed was to borrow loan from Anbuchezhian. He charged more than the interest rates over the last seven years. However, over the last six months, Anbuchezhian insulted and humiliated me. He sent his people home to threaten elders and women in my family (sic)," Kumar’s suicide note read.

The letter added: "Don't think I'm a coward or a selfish person. I had only two options. One was to kill and the other was to commit suicide. If I had to kill, the deceased family will have to suffer. So, I chose the latter (sic)."

It has been alleged that the financier enjoys a certain influence with politicians, police force and the film fraternity.

On Tuesday, the deceased’s cousin, director Sasikumar and his friends filed a complaint against Anbuchezhian at the Valasaravakkam police station.

Sasikumar said, "Ashok Kumar was my cousin, my shadow and a co-producer, who managed all my financial affairs."

Other directors have also come out to blame Anbuchezhian for Ashok Kumar's suicide.

"Ashok Kumar's suicide should be the last one. During Ajith's 'Naan Kadavil' film, he too faced a similar situation. Directos Gautam Memon, Lingasamy too were victims of this loan shark. We urge the central government to conduct raids at Anbuchezhian's house," said director Suseendhran.

Following this, the police have filed a case against the financier and have formed special teams to nab him.

President of the Tamil Film Producer Council, Vishal, has condemned the incident and issued a statement.

“Devastated to hear the sad demise of a Dear Friend, Ashok Kumar who sacrificed his life succumbing to the pressure created by financiers. I truly wish that this will be the last sacrifice in the name of financial burden. Suicide is not a solution & I hereby request producers to reach out to us if they face such threats from Financiers, we will be more than happy to help them out," the statement said.

Actor Prakash Raj said action must be taken against financiers who charge "exorbitant interest".

"Tamil Nadu Producer Council will support all Producers and make sure that such incidents don't happen. Black money should be eradicated and government should take action against financiers who charge exorbitant interest," said Prakash Raj.