Actress Mayoori, best known for her unforgettable roles in Malayalam cinema including the iconic ‘yakshi’ in *Aakasha Ganga*, tragically ended her life at just 22, leaving behind a brief yet impactful legacy.
A Promising Start to Stardom
Born Shalini in Kolkata in 1983, Mayoori entered the film industry at an astonishingly young age. She debuted in the Tamil film *Kumbakonam Gopalu* as the female lead while still in Class 8.
Her mature performance and striking beauty quickly caught attention, opening doors to more opportunities. In 1998, she made her Malayalam debut in Sibi Malayil’s blockbuster *Summer in Bethlehem*, where she effortlessly left a lasting impression among a strong ensemble cast.
The Iconic ‘Yakshi’ and Memorable Roles
Mayoori’s most beloved role for many Malayalees came in Vinayan’s 1999 horror film *Aakasha Ganga*. Playing Ganga, a servant girl who returns as a vengeful spirit, her portrayal of the ‘yakshi’ became iconic, despite another actress often being possessed by her spirit onscreen.
Her expressive face and starry eyes made her a notable presence in every film, even in smaller roles. She appeared opposite actors like Kunchacko Boban in *Chandamama* and *Prem Poojari*, leaving her mark on audiences.
In the acclaimed family drama *Arayannangalude Veedu* (2000), she demonstrated her versatility, playing Ragini, a character with deep emotional layers, opposite superstar Mammootty. This role proved she was capable of much more than just pretty faces.
Beyond Malayalam Cinema
Mayoori’s career also spanned Tamil and Kannada films. She took on a significant role in the Kannada film *Sarvabhouma* (2004) alongside Shivarajkumar, showcasing her ability to handle diverse characters, including an elderly getup.
Her final screen appearance was in the 2005 Tamil film *Kana Kandaen*, where she shared the screen with Prithviraj Sukumaran. Though she had roles in several other Tamil movies like *Whistle*, *Manmadhan*, and *Aai*, they often didn’t fully tap into her potential.
A Tragic End at 22
Sadly, shortly after *Kana Kandaen* was released, Mayoori was found dead at her Anna Nagar residence on June 16, 2005. She was just 22 years old.
The exact reasons behind her decision to take her own life remain unknown. While there were unconfirmed reports of her struggling with depression and an alleged stomach cancer diagnosis, her family never publicly confirmed these details.
A note reportedly left by her stated, “No one has any role in my death. I am leaving because I have lost hope in life.”
Lingering Questions and Lasting Impact
Many speculated that the pressures and dark realities of the film industry may have contributed to her mental distress. Colleagues recalled her childlike innocence, often seen playing with dolls between shoots, suggesting she was still a child at heart.
Reports also indicated that broken promises of roles and professional disappointments may have deeply affected her. Despite the mystery surrounding her tragic passing, Mayoori’s talent ensured her place in the hearts of her fans.
- Mayoori debuted in films at just 13, in Class 8.
- She became iconic as the ‘yakshi’ in the Malayalam horror film *Aakasha Ganga*.
- She worked across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, sharing screen space with top actors like Mammootty and Prithviraj.
- Mayoori tragically passed away at age 22, with the exact reasons for her suicide remaining unconfirmed.
Even today, her captivating presence in songs like “Puthu mazhayayi vannu nee” continues to remind audiences of her exceptional talent, ensuring her legacy endures.