Popular Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee died on Sunday (March 29) after an accidental drowning in Talsari in Digha, near the Odisha-West Bengal border. He was 43 years old. His wife, Priyanka Sarkar, shared a statement on Instagram, asking for privacy as the family deals with the loss.
Popular Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee died on Sunday (March 29) after an accidental drowning in Talsari in Digha, near the Odisha-West Bengal border. He was 43 years old.His wife, Priyanka Sarkar, shared a statement on Instagram, asking for privacy as the family deals with the loss.“This is a time of great sadness and profound despair for us. In this difficult moment, we sincerely ask for space and privacy,” she wrote.She added: “There is a child, a mother, a family, and loved ones trying to cope with this loss together. We urge our friends and colleagues in the media to respect our boundaries, refrain from prying, and allow us the dignity to grieve in peace. Your understanding and support means more than ever at this time.”Rahul and Priyanka married in 2010, separated in 2017, and later reconciled in 2023 as they continued to raise their son Shohwag together.
Drowning incident after the shooting
The actor had traveled to shoot for his TV show Bholebaba Paar Karega, which has been underway since Sunday morning.According to preliminary information, the accident occurred in the afternoon. Rahul reportedly entered the sea alone and soon disappeared, causing panic among members of the production unit.
Crew members and technicians were able to pull him out of the water and quickly shift him to Digha Sub-Hospital, about 10-12 km from Talsari beach. His death was announced at 6:10 p.m., and initial reports indicate that the cause was drowning.
The latest video from the group is going viral
A video of Rahul from the sets of the show surfaced online and was shared widely. The clip shows the actor preparing to film with a supporting actor near a car, surrounded by onlookers, and captures the moments before the tragedy.
The co-actor remembers the last moments
“After the shooting today, he went alone to the water but somehow got involved in something underwater… The exact circumstances are unclear. Suddenly, people, including the crew members, were screaming that Rahul was drowning and we pulled him out of the water. We took him to Digha Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead,” Rahul’s co-actor Diganta Bagchi told PTI.
The industry is in shock
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the actor’s demise, saying, “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news that the distinguished, young and popular actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee is suddenly no longer with us.
I am unable to understand exactly what happened. He was one of my favorite actors and someone I really admired. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones and countless fans.”“Rahul’s sudden demise represents an irreparable loss to the Bengali entertainment industry,” she added.Filmmaker Raj Chakraborty, who directed Rahul in Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, said he was shocked to hear the news, while actor-director Anjan Dutta also expressed his sadness.Rahul Arunoday Banerjee was known for films like Zulfiqar, Byomkesh Gotru and Biday Byomkesh, along with popular TV shows including Harjori Bice Hotel and Mohuna.