Marathi film producer ends life

Mumbai: A Pune-based film producer, Atul Tapkir, committed suicide on Sunday in a room booked by him at Hotel President on Karve Road, Pune.

Tapkir had produced a Marathi movie Dhol Tashe in 2013, which flopped at the box office.

Police said that Tapkir  (37) consumed poison to kill himself. He had allegedly posted a suicide note on Facebook on the intervening night of Sunday.

In his note, Tapkir said he was fed up of the constant fights with his wife, Priyanka, and would like to be in peace with his late mother on Mother’s Day.

Police inspector Pramod Gaikwad of Deccan police station said that the Prabhat chowky police received a call at 2.30 am stating that Tapkir had committed suicide by consuming poison. “A team from Deccan police station reached the spot and started investigating the matter,” Mr Gaikwad said.

The police found the suicide note that Tapkir had posted on his FB account. He left his laptop on in the hotel room. The police contacted his family members and estranged wife, Priyanka. Tapkir’s FB suicide note alleged that his wife had thrown him out of their house six months ago and spread false rumours about him. In his suicide note posted on Facebook, Tapkir mentioned that his wife accused him of ‘emotionally assaulting’ her very often. He also mentioned that his estranged wife did not let him meet their two children, but kept demanding money.  

Talking helps
Dr Suleman Merchant, dean of Sion hospital who has prepared a module on preventing suicides said, “Suicides are impulsive steps. People taking such drastic steps badly need to be counselled. A simple talk with the depressed and gloomy person can help prevent suicide.”