Latest news with #SanRechal
NDTV
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
San Rechal's Death Reflects The Realities Of The Modelling Industry
The recent death of 26-year-old Chennai-based model San Rechal, reportedly due to financial pressure and debt, has sparked a wider conversation about the invisible challenges faced by many working models in India. A 22-year-old model, Zeeba Shaikh reflects on how the industry has evolved and not always for the better. 'There was a time when modelling was a path to freedom and independence. Today, it feels like a playground for the privileged. Budgets have shrunk, but expectations haven't.' With the rise of influencer culture and fast-paced digital content, she says, professional models often find themselves replaced or undervalued. Show director Vahbiz Mehta agrees that ramp modelling isn't as financially rewarding as other verticals like shoots or films, especially for newcomers. 'Like in any field, the pay grows with experience. But yes, runway work doesn't fall in the highest pay bracket,' she shares. Zeeba also highlights how the algorithm-driven internet economy has blurred the lines between modelling and content creation. Many models are now expected to double as influencers to stay relevant. Meanwhile, AI has begun to eat into basic e-commerce assignments - jobs that once kept portfolios and bank accounts afloat. ALSO READ: Who Was Model San Rechal, Who Died By Suicide In Puducherry? On casting and opportunity, Vahbiz recalls directing the Vivienne Westwood show. 'Over 480 models auditioned - some with no ramp experience. The final 50 were chosen purely on merit, and many were fresh faces. There was no bias - just a focus on what worked for the show.' While Zeeba speaks about the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, Vahbiz notes that the global fashion industry is also pushing for more inclusivity. 'At fashion weeks like Lakmé, we ensure representation across body types and skin tones. Designers are recognising the value of relatability.' Together, their voices reflect the many sides of a complex industry - where dreams, pressure, opportunity, and change coexist every day.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Who is San Rechal, former Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu who died by suicide at 26?
San Rechal Gandhi, former Miss Puducherry and an outspoken advocate for inclusivity in the fashion industry, died on Saturday at the age of 26. The model, social media influencer, and founder of a grooming agency passed away at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) days after a reported suicide attempt on July also known by her birth name Shankarapriya, rose to prominence not just for her accolades on the runway but for what she represented: A powerful voice against colourism in beauty and entertainment QUEEN 'MISS RECHAL'Crowned 'Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu' in 2019 and later 'Miss Puducherry' in 2021, San Rechal was vocal about discriminatory beauty standards in the industry. "My vision is to create an environment free of unrealistic beauty standards," she told 'Etimes' in an earlier interview. "I want to inspire a generation that believes they can achieve their dreams, no matter their colour, size, or shape." San Rechal was crowned 'Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu' in 2019 and 'Miss Puducherry' in 2021. (Instagram/@san_rechal_official) Born and raised in Puducherry, Rechal lost her mother at a young age and was brought up by her father, Gandhi, who stood by her ambitions to become a model. Her journey to self-acceptance began in school, where she faced bullying and discrimination for her darker skin tone. Instead of retreating, she chose to confront these biases head-on-using the very industry that once rejected her as a platform for change."The key is to focus on yourself, irrespective of what society says," she once said. "I want to bring that kind of change."RISING STARRechal's modelling career was defined by courage and conviction. Despite being turned away from several pageants in her early days due to her complexion, she broke through to win four major beauty titles and walk international ramps in London, Germany, and France. In 2023, she represented India at the 'Miss Africa Golden' pageant. San Rechal won four major beauty titles. She co-founded 'Rose Noire Fashion & Grooming Ltd', a modelling agency, and ran 'RADO's Gift', a non-profit that cared for stray and indigenous puppies - a cause close to her heart. On social media, where she had a following of over 180,000 on Instagram, Rechal often shared her thoughts on self-worth, beauty bias, and animal welfare. San Rechal ran a non-profit that cared for stray and indigenous puppies. She was also an active member of the "Pondicherry Queens" community on Coto, a platform aimed at empowering WAS BATTLING DEPRESSIONAccording to police, Rechal had been battling depression and severe financial stress in the months leading up to her death. After reportedly consuming an overdose of sleeping pills at her father's home on July 5, she was first taken to the Puducherry Government Hospital and later transferred to JIPMER, where she succumbed to said she had sold jewellery recently to fund her career and had sought financial help from her father, who was unable to assist due to obligations toward her younger brother. According to reports, a note recovered by the police stated that no one was responsible for her death, but officials are also looking into possible marital issues as a contributing factor. She had married recently, though little is publicly known about her husband or the nature of the relationship.- Ends
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Who Was Model San Rechal, Who Died By Suicide In Puducherry?
Model and social media influencer San Rechal, 26, died by suicide in Puducherry on Sunday. She was reportedly struggling with financial stress and personal challenges. The model allegedly consumed a large quantity of pills after visiting her father's home, leading to her hospitalisation. San Rechal was transferred between multiple hospitals before she died at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research. A note recovered by the police stated that no one was accountable for her death. San Rechal had recently got married. Authorities are investigating possible marital issues as a contributing factor to her death. Who Was San Rechal San Rechal, also known as San Rechal Gandhi and Shankarapriya, was a model from Puducherry. She gained recognition for challenging traditional beauty standards, particularly the obsession with fair skin in India. She was the winner of multiple beauty pageants, including Miss Pondicherry (2020–2021) and Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu (2019). She represented India in the Miss Africa Golden 2023 pageant. She also walked the ramp as a model at several fashion shows and featured in several advertisements. View this post on Instagram A post shared by San rechal Gandhi / Pageant Coach (@san_rechal_official) In addition to her modelling career, San Rechal was actively involved in the 'Pondicherry Queens' community on Coto, a platform where women support and motivate each other. San Rechal's Stance On Colourism In The Entertainment Industry San Rechal was known for her dedication to promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance in the beauty and modelling industries. Her journey to self-acceptance begun while she was still in school, after years of being targeted because of her skin tone. She was driven to use to her voice as an example for those who experienced similar discrimination due to their skin colour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by San rechal Gandhi / Pageant Coach (@san_rechal_official) In an interview with Etimes, San Rechal shared why it was important to break unrealistic beauty stereotypes. She said, "My vision for the future is to create an environment that is free of any unrealistic standards and stereotypes of beauty. I wish to be in a position that changes the current perspectives of the modeling and beauty industry in our society. I believe that anyone can achieve their goals and dreams." The late model added, "The key ingredient is just to focus on yourself irrespective of what society says, irrespective of any obstacles or hindrances in your immediate external environment. I want to bring that kind of change and create a generation that focuses on achieving whatever they put their hearts into irrespective of colour, size, weight, and height, not just in the beauty industry but in all the others as well." Even though San Rechal was previously turned down by beauty pageants due to the colour of her skin, she eventually found success as a model, winning four titles and numerous awards. San Rechal, who had 180,000 followers on Instagram, was also the co-founder of a modelling agency Rose Noire Fashion & Grooming Ltd, and RADO's gift, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to rescuing and caring for indigenous puppies.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Popular model San Rechal, who fought colourism, dies by suicide at 26
San Rechal, a 26‑year‑old model and social media influencer from Puducherry, died by suicide on Sunday after allegedly consuming a large number of tablets, reports NDTV citing Puducherry police. San Rechal, 26, had recently married.(Instagram/@San_Rechal_Official) Rechal had recently married and also earned acclaim for her bold advocacy against colourism in the fashion and film industries. She was first rushed to a government hospital from her father's residence. She was subsequently moved to a private facility and ultimately transferred to JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research), where she was declared dead. Authorities told NDTV that mounting personal and financial pressures may have driven her to take such a drastic step. Investigators discovered that she had recently pledged or sold jewelry to fund her professional pursuits. Reports in local media indicate she had anticipated financial assistance from her father, who also has a son, but was turned down. A suicide note recovered at the scene reportedly absolved everyone of blame, although a Tahsildar‑level probe has been initiated to explore whether unresolved issues within her recent marriage may have contributed to her deteriorating mental state San Rechal rose to prominence after winning the Miss Puducherry crown in 2022 and went on to represent India at the Miss Africa Golden pageant in 2023. She had earned acclaim for her courageous stand against the pervasive stigma surrounding darker skin tones, a subject she championed through her social media platforms. Her death has sparked renewed online conversations around mental health, financial strain faced by entertainers, and the persistent battle against colourism. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Ex-Miss Puducherry Who Challenged Colourism: All About Model San Rachel Who Died By Suicide
Last Updated: Rechal's victory as Miss Puducherry 2021 marked a turning point in her career, propelling her into national and international beauty competitions Popular model, ex-Miss Puducherry, and social media personality San Rechal—who allegedly died by suicide on Sunday—was a strong advocate against colourism in the fashion industry. Rechal rose to prominence in the competitive world of pageantry, where she made her mark despite facing intense societal pressures. However, her journey was not without its struggles, as she often spoke out about being targeted online due to her dark skin, a topic she frequently addressed in interviews and on social media. Rechal's victory as Miss Puducherry 2021 marked a turning point in her career, propelling her into national and international beauty competitions. In 2021, she was crowned Miss World Black Beauty, a milestone achievement that defied industry norms and prejudices surrounding beauty standards. She used her platform to speak out against colourism, sharing her personal experiences of online trolling, where she was often criticised for her skin tone. Despite the hate, Rechal remained a strong advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry. She famously said, 'Beauty is not defined by colour, shape, or size. I embrace who I am and encourage others to do the same." Her success continued when she was selected to represent India at the Miss Africa Golden 2023 pageant, further cementing her status as a rising star in the global modeling world. However, behind the public persona, Rechal was quietly battling mental health issues. Sources report that she had struggled with depression for some time, but her ongoing battle was not widely known to the public. According to the police, heavy financial and personal pressure may have led her to take the extreme step. Officials said that in recent months, San had sold her jewellery to raise money for her career. She was reportedly hoping for help from her father, but he said he couldn't support her because he had to take care of her brother. The police recovered a suicide note, which said that no one was responsible for her death. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 12:34 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
