Bengali actor Rahul Banerjee dies after drowning during shoot in Odisha
Bengali actor Rahul Banerjee dies after drowning during shoot in Odisha
Renowned Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee dies at 43 after drowning off Talsari beach during a shoot in Odisha; police file an unnatural death case.
Renowned Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee died on Sunday after a drowning incident off the Odisha coast at Talsari beach during a shoot. The 43-year-old actor, known for his breakout role in the 2008 film Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, was reportedly pulled from the sea by the crew and rushed to Digha hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
A co-actor, Diganta Bagchi, said Banerjee had gone alone into the water after today’s shoot and became entangled underwater. The crew shouted for help, pulled him out, and the production team, eyewitnesses, and authorities are cooperating to establish what happened. A case of unnatural death has been registered in Digha police station, with officials in touch with counterparts in Odisha to determine the sequence of events.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep condolences, saying she was shocked and saddened by the loss of a popular actor and admirer. Banerjee noted Banerjee’s impact on Bengali cinema and his work.
A separate, now-viral video from Banerjee’s last on-set appearance has circulated online. The clip from the Bhole Baba Par Karega set shows him near a car, surrounded by teammates and onlookers as preparations for a shot proceed.
Banerjee’s death is mourned by his wife, actor Priyanka Sarkar, and their 13-year-old son, with fans and colleagues recalling his contributions to Bengali entertainment.
