In a tragic incident, Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, a well-known Bengali actor, died while shooting for a series titled ‘Bhole Baba Paar Karega’ off Talsari beach in Digha, Odisha. The incident occurred on the evening of his death, with crew members reporting that he was drowning in knee-deep water.
Banerjee, 43, was declared dead at a local hospital after being rescued from the sea. He was brought to the hospital at approximately 6:10 PM, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating whether safety protocols were adhered to during the shoot.
Witnesses noted that the crew was shouting for help as they attempted to pull him out of the water. Diganta Bagchi, a crew member, recounted the frantic moments leading up to the rescue. The circumstances surrounding his drowning remain unclear, and details are still unconfirmed.
Banerjee was a prominent figure in the Bengali film, OTT, and television industry, having made his debut in the 2009 movie ‘Chirodini Tumi Je Amar’. He is survived by his wife and a 13-year-old son, who are now mourning his loss.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, stating, “This news has left me stunned, heartbroken, and grief-stricken.” She described him as one of her favorite actors and a wonderful person.
In a heartfelt tribute, Sudipta Chakraborty remarked, “Rahul had a heart of gold. He stood up for me and voiced his opinion against internet hooliganism.” His passing has left a significant void in the hearts of many fans and colleagues.
The post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place at Contai Sub-divisional Hospital, which will provide further insights into the cause of death. Until then, the community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved actor.