What happened to Sooryavansham actress Soundarya? The story of her 2004 tragic plane crash

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News headlines once more feature Soundarya following fresh accusations against Mohan Babu. Although his part in her heartbreaking demise remains uncertain, it was on April 17, 2004, that a plane crash claimed the life of the actress from Sooryavansham. Keep reading for details about what followed for her.

Story behind Soundarya’s death

2004 saw Soundarya embark on a journey from Jakkur airfield near Bengaluru, as she was new to politics and en route to Karimnagar for a BJP political campaign. Her brother Amarnath, fellow party worker Ramesh Kadam, and pilot Joy Philips were her travel companions. The flight took off approximately at 11 AM.

Shortly thereafter, tragedy unfolded. The plane found it difficult to climb higher and allegedly swerved sharply left, losing balance, stalling in mid-flight, and ultimately colliding with the University of Agricultural Sciences campus. The crash proved lethal. Debris from the wreckage ignited, leaving no trace of the passengers.

The nation was stunned by her passing, as rumors circulated that she had been pregnant in her thirties. Politicians and movie stars mourned the tragedy. Even Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee referred to it as a “great loss.

Soundarya’s career and political stint

Soundarya, a well-known actress across various regional cinemas such as Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam, gained recognition for her work. She amassed numerous awards, including three Nandi Awards and two Karnataka State Film Awards, among others. Notable films in her repertoire include “Ammoru”, “Anthahpuram”, “Pavitra Bandham”, and “Apthamitra”. In 2002, she was honored with a National Award for her work as a producer on the Kannada film, “Dweepa.

In the year 2004, the highly respected actress starred in the critically acclaimed movie “Apthamitra.” Remarkably, this film was a huge hit even after she had passed away, resulting in numerous posthumous awards for her outstanding performance.

Simultaneously, Soundarya has taken on a political role alongside her acting career. She is well-known as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Mohan Babu accused in Soundarya’s death case

A recent report from News18 Kannada suggests that Soundarya’s death was not an accident but a deliberate homicide, possibly connected to a property disagreement with Mohan Babu. It is said that Soundarya and her brother Amarnath declined to sell a 6-acre plot, which caused friction. Following the plane crash, it appears that Mohan Babu acquired control of the land in question.

Chittimallu, a concerned individual, submitted complaints seeking action from the government, justice, and resolution. The appeal further mentioned ongoing family conflicts with Manchu Manoj and requested protective services from the police, due to escalating safety issues.

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2025-03-12 09:52