Nafisa Joseph, one of the lead actress of television show C.A.T.S. became the youngest winner of Femina Miss India Universe 1997, represented India at Miss Universe, where she finished among the Top 10 semifinalists.
In July 2004, she died by suicide at the age of 26, leaving the television and modelling industry in shock.
Before her untimely death, Nafisa Joseph balanced a successful modelling career with television, becoming one of the familiar faces of C.A.T.S. She went on to become one of MTV India’s most popular VJs with MTV House Full. She later hosted Style on Star World, launched her own television production venture, starred in C.A.T.S., She was also known for her work as an animal rights activist.
Nafisa Joseph was at the peak of her career when tragedy struck. The actor took her own life just days before her planned wedding.
Her family alleged she was devastated after discovering her fiancé had allegedly misrepresented the status of his previous marriage, while he denied wrongdoing. Police confirmed she died by hanging, and no suicide note was found.
Her C.A.T.S. co-stars attended her funeral, including close friend Kuljeet Randhawa, who was inconsolable as she bid farewell to the actor.
Kuljeet Randhawa had joined C.A.T.S. after replacing Karminder Kaur as one of the female leads. C.A.T.S., that aired on Sony Entertainment Television, was inspired by the American series Charlie’s Angels. The action thriller centred on three women solving dangerous missions under the guidance of a mysterious boss.
Known for playing bold, independent characters, Kuljeet Randhawa earned praise for C.A.T.S. before later starring in shows including Special Squad and Kohinoor.
In February 2006, she died by suicide at the age of 30, 18 months after friend Nafisa Joseph’s death. According to her close friends, she was deeply in love with Bhanu Uday (an aspiring actor) and she said they were going to get married.
Malini Sharma first gained recognition through music videos and television. She then starred as Tanya in C.A.T.S. in 2001. Later, she made her Bollywood debut in Vikram Bhatt’s 2002 blockbuster Raaz, where she played the ghostly Malini Malik.
Despite the film’s success, she turned down several acting offers, backed out of Gunaah opposite Dino Morea, and walked away from acting.
