Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, a well-known actor in the Bengali film industry, died at the age of 43 while shooting for a series called ‘Bhole Baba Paar Karega’ off Talsari beach in Digha, Odisha. The incident occurred during filming in knee-deep water, leading to a tragic drowning.
Banerjee was reported to have insisted on an unscripted drone shot just before the incident. Crew members attempted to rescue him after he was seen struggling in the water, but he was declared dead at Digha hospital shortly after being pulled from the sea.
The police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating whether safety protocols were followed during the shoot. Details remain unconfirmed.
Banerjee’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, stating, “This news has left me stunned, heartbroken, and grief-stricken.” She added, “He was one of my favourite actors and a wonderful person.”
Sudipta Chakraborty, a fellow actor, remembered him fondly: “Rahul had a heart of gold. He stood up for me and voiced his opinion against internet hooliganism.”
Banerjee made his film debut in 2009 with ‘Chirodini Tumi Je Amar’ and had since become a popular face in the Bengali film, OTT, and television industry. He is survived by his wife and a 13-year-old son.
The post-mortem is scheduled to take place at Contai Sub-divisional Hospital, with the cause of death pending further investigation.
As the news continues to unfold, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actor and beloved figure.
