Actress, 35, dies in Virar; family accuses music director of blackmail, he is absconding

A 35-year-old actress has died in Virar after consuming a poisonous substance. Her family alleges that a music director lured her with promises of work in films and web series, made obscene photos and videos of her, and used them to blackmail her.

The family also claims that about Rs 1 crore was extorted from her this way. A case has been registered at Arnala Sagari police station. The accused is reported to be absconding.

The deceased, Nalini Namjoshi, lived with her mother and brother in the JP Nagar area of Virar West. She worked in films as a junior artist and supporting actress. On the day of the incident, she left home for her usual morning walk but did not return for a long time. Her worried family began looking for her. She was found in the Olanda Naka area of Virar, which caused alarm in the neighbourhood.

According to Senior Police Inspector Satish Nikam of Arnala Sagari police station, at about 6.30 am on Thursday Nalini sat on a bench on the main road towards Arnala and consumed a poisonous substance. Police reached the spot on receiving information and admitted her to hospital immediately. She died during treatment.

According to the complaint filed by her brother, the accused music director had grown close to Nalini from January 2026, luring her with promises of big opportunities in films and web series. He then allegedly made obscene photos and videos of her and began blackmailing her. The family claims the accused took about Rs 1 crore from her for various reasons through this blackmail.

The letter Nalini wrote before her death is also said to mention the alleged blackmail and financial fraud.

Police have registered a case against the accused, and the music director concerned is said to be absconding. Police are investigating on the basis of the complaint, the suicide note and other evidence. The allegations in the case are yet to be examined in court.