Pune: A Marathi film producer on Sunday allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at a city hotel. Atul Tapkir, known for producing Dhol Taashe in 2015, posted a suicide note on Facebook before taking the extreme step. In his note, Mr. Tapkir has accused his wife Priyanka and her family of mental and physical harassment after his picture flopped.
Detailing his turbulent relationship with his wife, Mr. Tapkir said he received no support from her and was separated from his children. “For six months, I’ve been driven away from my home, and my wife has refused access to my children....I am now joining my (deceased) mother,” read the suicide note, in which Mr. Tapkir has credited his father and sisters for standing by him.
The film, which stars Abhijeet Khandkekar and Jitendra Josh, and features an appearance by Bollywood starlet Hrishitaa Bhatt, is a rather superficial statement about the politicisation of traditional Dhol Tasha music-cum-cultural activity.
After the film flopped, Mr. Tapkir is believed to have incurred debts, which in turn may have put a strain in his marital life.
The producer’s body was found at President Hotel in Karve Road. Mr. Tapkir had checked into the hotel for the past two days.
The hotel staff summoned the police after he did not respond in the morning. The police broke open the door to find the producer lying on the bed.
While preliminary investigation indicated that Mr. Tapkir had consumed poison, his body has been sent for post-mortem to Sassoon General Hospital.
