Content creator Misha Agrawal’s suicide linked to Instagram follower decline, family reveals

New Delhi: 24-year-old social media influencer and content creator Misha Agrawal died by suicide on April 24, just two days before her 25th birthday. 

Her family revealed that Misha had been grappling with deep depression, triggered by a decline in her Instagram follower count, which she feared signalled the end of her career.

Agrawal, known for her witty comedy skits, relatable lifestyle content, and vibrant personality on The Misha Agrawal Show, had amassed over 350,000 followers on Instagram and 20,000 YouTube subscribers. She was also the founder of Mish Cosmetics, a hair care brand she built with passion. 

However, according to a heartfelt statement from her sister, Mukta Agrawal, Misha’s mental health deteriorated as her follower numbers dropped, a goal she had set to reach one million.

“My little baby sister had built her world around Instagram and her followers,” Mukta wrote on Misha’s Instagram account on April 29. “When her followers started decreasing, she became distraught and felt worthless. Since April, she had been deeply depressed, often hugging me and crying, saying, ‘Jijja, what will I do if my followers decrease?’” 

Mukta added that she urged Misha to view social media as entertainment and prioritise her happiness, but “she became so consumed by Instagram and followers that she left our world forever.”

The news, first announced on Misha’s Instagram on April 25, shocked her fanbase and the influencer community. Fans flooded her final post with messages of grief and disbelief, with one writing, “This is heartbreaking. Misha was so talented and hardworking. Sending strength to her family.” Another expressed, “Wish you knew how loved you were, Misha. Rest in peace, beautiful soul.”

A resurfaced video from March, where Misha described 2025 as a “terrible year” and admitted to crying “day and night,” has fueled speculation that she was silently battling depression. Her unusual online silence since April 4, a departure from her frequent posts, further hinted at her emotional struggles.

Misha, a law graduate who was also preparing for civil service exams, was celebrated for her quirky Gen Z humour and entrepreneurial spirit. 

The tragedy has sparked conversations about the mental health toll of social media, with many calling for greater awareness and support for content creators. 

In India, suicide prevention helplines like Sanjivini (011-40769002, Delhi-based) and Sneha Foundation (044-24640050, Chennai-based) are available for those in need.