The tragic death of 23-year-old model Anjali Varmora in Surat, Gujarat, has brought the issue of mental health and suicide back into the spotlight. On June 7, 2025, Varmora was found dead at her home in the Athwa area, with authorities suspecting suicide. A day before her death, she posted a cryptic reel on her Instagram account, which has over 37,000 followers, with the text "Today I realised I am nothing for you." This post, along with another reel stating, "It doesn't matter if everything is lost, but it hurts if love is lost," has led investigators to believe that she may have been battling mental stress.
Authorities are currently investigating the case, questioning family members, and analyzing her mobile phone for potential clues. As of now, no suicide note has been discovered. Varmora regularly shared reels on Instagram and also posted vlogs on her YouTube channel.
This incident closely follows the suicide of another aspiring model in Surat. Just a month prior, 19-year-old Sukhpreet Kaur from Madhya Pradesh was found dead in the Saroli area. Investigations revealed that Kaur was allegedly being blackmailed and mentally harassed by a man named Mahendra Rajput, who has since been charged with assault and abetment.
These back-to-back incidents highlight a concerning trend and raise questions about the pressures faced by young individuals in the modeling industry. While investigations are ongoing, mental health professionals are emphasizing the critical need for increased awareness, accessible support systems, and safe spaces for individuals to report distress.
The state of Gujarat has seen a worrying increase in suicide rates in recent years. Official data presented in the Assembly revealed that over 25,000 suicide deaths were reported between 2020-21 and 2022-23. The numbers break down to 8,307 suicides in 2020-21, 8,614 in 2021-22, and 8,557 in 2022-23. Urban centers like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot account for a significant portion of these deaths. Of particular concern is the rising rate of student suicides, with nearly equal numbers of male and female victims. Student suicides increased from 147 in 2020-21 to 179 in 2022-23, with examination pressure, relationship issues, and family problems identified as contributing factors.
Anjali Varmora's last social media post echoes similar sentiments expressed by other public figures who have tragically died by suicide. Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA, posted an enigmatic message on Instagram shortly before her death in 2022. Similarly, South Korean model Daul Kim, who died by suicide in 2009, had previously written about her struggles with loneliness, depression, and the pressures of the fashion industry on her blog.
The circumstances surrounding Anjali Varmora's death serve as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially among young people pursuing demanding careers. It highlights the need for open conversations, readily available resources, and a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help when they need it.
