New Delhi: Noted Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee accidentally drowned on Sunday. Rahul drowned while he was shooting for a series called ‘Bhole Baba Paar Karega’ off the Talsari beach in Odisha, around 8km from the beach town of Digha.
The 43-year-old was a well-known face in the Bengali film, OTT, and television industry.
People, including crew members, started panicking as Rahul was drowning. They pulled him out of the water and immediately took him to Digha hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The exact circumstances of the incident are yet to be ascertained. A West Bengal police officer said they have got in touch with their counterparts in Odisha to ascertain the sequence of events. A case of unnatural death has been registered in Digha police station as well. “We are also talking to his production team members and eyewitnesses,” he added.
Rahul is survived by his 13-year-old son and his wife, actor Priyanka Sarkar.
‘Time of immense grief and deep despair’: Wife
Taking to Instagram, Priyanka Sarkar wrote, “This is a time of immense grief and deep despair for us. In this difficult moment, we sincerely request space and privacy.”
“There is a child, a mother, a family, and loved ones trying to navigate this loss together. We kindly urge our friends and colleagues in the media to respect our boundaries, refrain from intrusion, and allow us the dignity to grieve in peace. Your understanding and support mean more than ever at this time,” she said.
‘Shocked, deeply saddened’: Mamata
Expressing grief over the sudden death of Rahul, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: “I am shocked, deeply saddened to hear the news that the distinguished, young, and popular actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee is suddenly no longer among us. I am unable to comprehend what exactly happened. He was one of my favourite actors and a person I truly admired. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones, and countless admirers.”
She added: “Rahul’s sudden passing is an irreparable loss to the Bengali entertainment industry.”
A popular face
Rahul Banerjee was known in the Bengali television industry for his character roles. For many years, he had been active in soaps.
His role in the blockbuster Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (2008) catapulted him to fame. He also acted in Tumi Asbe Bole (2014), Zulfiqar (2016), Byomkesh Gotro (2018), Biday Byomkesh (2018), and The Academy of Fine Arts (2025). He also featured in TV serials like ‘Hargouri Pice Hotel’ and ‘Mohonna’.
Raj Chakraborty, who directed Chirodini Tumi Je Amar and cast Rahul Banerjee in the main role, said he was a spontaneous actor and had immense potential.