Uday Kiran remains a cherished name in Telugu cinema — a self-made star who captured hearts with his boy-next-door charm and string of romantic blockbusters. With hits like Chitram, Nuvvu Nenu, Manasantha Nuvve, Nee Sneham, Neeku Nenu Naaku Telsu, and Avunanna Kaadanna, Uday quickly became the face of youthful love stories in the early 2000s. His meteoric rise led many to believe he would dominate the industry for years.
However, fame came with a price. A series of box-office failures and dwindling opportunities led Uday Kiran into a spiral of personal and professional setbacks. At just 33, the actor tragically ended his life — a loss that continues to haunt Telugu cinema.
Now, actor and Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2 winner Kaushal Manda, who had worked closely with Uday Kiran in multiple films, has spoken candidly about the late actor’s struggles.
In a recent interview, Kaushal offered a raw and emotional perspective, stating:
“I knew Uday Kiran even before he entered films — he lived in Begumpet and had a very tough upbringing. He fought his way up. But this industry can’t tolerate those who rise on merit. I’ve seen it myself, how people pull you down once you start growing. Uday was mentally tortured… He must have felt it was better to die than live with such pain.”
Kaushal emphasized the toxic undercurrents of the industry — the trolling, the subtle sabotage, and the constant emotional pressure many rising stars face.
“There are people who deliberately drag down those who shine. They send messages, troll, and isolate you. I’ve been in the industry for 25 years, and I’ve seen how cruel it can be to people like Uday. I just hope his soul finds peace,” he added, visibly moved.
Kaushal, who appeared alongside Uday Kiran in films like Manasantha Nuvve, Shriram, Nee Sneham, and Jodi No.1, shared that he witnessed Uday’s emotional decline first-hand. His recent appearance as the hero’s friend in Manchu Vishnu’s Kannappa has brought him back into the spotlight, but Kaushal continues to carry the emotional weight of Uday’s tragic end.
His comments have reignited conversations about the pressures young actors face in the film industry, and how mental health needs to be treated with greater seriousness and empathy in the world of cinema.
