On December 9th 2020 early morning Kollywood was shocked to hear the untimely death of popular television actress VJ Chithra's by apparent suicide. The 29-year-old much-adored star of 'Pandian Stores' was staying at a hotel in Nazarethpet when she hung herself in the bathroom and the reasons for her taking the extreme step are still under investigation.

Chithra played the Mullai character in 'Pandian Stores' to such perfection that fans started to see her as her onscreen persona and they posted on social media that they will not accept any other actress in the role. However she was replaced by actress Kavya Arivumani and episodes featuring her were telecast from December 23rd onwards.

Now three months later fans have accepted Kavya as Mullai and 'Pandian Stores' is back as one of the most watched serials. Kavya Arivumani has posted a long message as a tribute to Chithra on her social media.

Kavya has written "முல்லை The very first picture I post. The character which is been created and been travelling in Pandian stores ,a Vijay television serial for two years. This is such a beautiful character which has its own characteristics and perfect body language as a Tamil girl being born and brought up with tamil culture and practices.The team and the crew decided ,casted one of the beautiful women “Vj Chitra". Personally I have never met her ,never had a chance to speak to her. Only once in one of the shows I saw her very far away ,and that time I was very new to the channel ,didn’t know that was her. I never had a chance to spend time with her. But I heard that she created her life to her best and one of the inspiring women to many. Her stories were inspiring for me too.,I never seen her clips as mullai,because I never watched the serial.Just used to see some Instagram feed . She did her best ,moulded the role superbly.,gave her 100%"

Kavya then added with a touch of philosophy "But, “Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another”. She lived in the character mullai,none of us expected ,mullai wouldn’t have expected that Chitra would leave her. She has gone from our sight ,but never from our hearts .I wish u healing and peace,my solace for all her fans ."

Kavya further wrote "I never thought that I would do this role.,as an actor I see this as an opportunity and am happy that I got this.Life has to move on,I usually think togivethe best to any character I play ,whatever it may be . Bharathikannama “Arivumani “was a supercool character loved by many ,and as I did for it ,I will give justice to mullai and I will never fail to entertain people and disappoint my fans and to Mullai fans.,since Acting is my uyir,passion,profession,my world,my love ,my everything . I thank for all the people who supported me from zero to here,my parents ,friends,my Instagram family❤️
This is not the destiny,and do support and show your love to the new mullai ,to me ,and Pandian stores With all my heart thankyou so much. Spread love and positivity
From Kaavya Arivumani Gratitude." (Social media post not spell checked)

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