Who was San Rechal, the model- influencer and anti‑colourism advocate who died by suicide aged 26?

Dubai: Model and social media influencer San Rechal, 26, died by suicide on Sunday after reportedly overdosing on blood pressure pills at her father's home in Karamanikuppam, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

According to media reports, she was first taken to a government hospital and later shifted to the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), where she died despite medical efforts.

According to sources, Rechal had been battling financial difficulties and emotional stress in recent months. A suicide note recovered by police stated that no one should be held responsible for her death.

Authorities are also exploring whether marital issues may have contributed to her decision, as she had recently gotten married.

San Rechal, also known by her full name San Rechal Gandhi and previously as Shankarapriya, was a prominent figure in the Indian modelling scene. She gained recognition for challenging conventional beauty standards—particularly colourism—in the fashion industry. Rechal was celebrated for embracing her dark skin tone and promoting self-acceptance in an industry often dominated by Eurocentric ideals.

She earned several titles, including Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu (2019), Miss Pondicherry (2020–2021), and Queen of Madras (2022).

In 2023, she represented India at the Miss Africa Golden pageant, walking the ramp in international fashion hubs such as London, Paris, and Berlin.

Rechal’s modelling journey went far beyond glamour—it was her form of protest. Bullied during childhood for her skin tone, she turned that pain into purpose. In an interview with Etimes, she said:

“My vision is to create an environment free of unrealistic beauty standards... I want to inspire a generation that believes they can achieve their dreams, no matter their colour, size, or shape.”

She consistently urged others to focus on their goals, regardless of societal expectations, and worked to change how beauty is perceived—both within the fashion world and beyond.

Outside of modelling, Rechal co-founded Rose Noire Fashion & Grooming Ltd, a talent development and grooming agency. She also ran RADO’s Gift, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray and indigenous puppies—an initiative she deeply cared about.

With more than 180,000 Instagram followers, Rechal was an influential voice online, often sharing her thoughts on beauty bias, self-worth, and inclusivity. She was also a member of Pondicherry Queens, a women’s community on the platform Coto, where she mentored and uplifted others.

Police reports indicate that Rechal had sold some of her jewellery recently to fund her career ambitions. She had asked her father for financial assistance, but he reportedly declined due to obligations toward her younger brother. The emotional weight of these financial challenges, combined with reported marital issues, may have worsened her mental health.

While her suicide note stated that no one was responsible for her death, investigators are still examining all possible factors, including her recent marriage—the details of which remain largely private.

Rechal's untimely death has left fans and followers in shock. Once dismissed by pageants for her complexion, she eventually rose to become a nationally and internationally recognised model. Her story was one of perseverance, purpose, and empowerment.

San Rechal leaves behind a legacy defined by courage—fighting colour-based discrimination, championing inclusivity, and proving that confidence, not conformity, is the true standard of beauty.