Popular actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee died after an accidental drowning at Talsari Beach near Digha on March 29. He was just 43.
Rahul had travelled to the coastal location for the shooting of a Bengali television serial titled ‘Bhole Baba Par Karega’. Filming had started early on Sunday morning. Like any regular shoot day, the crew worked through scenes, dialogues, and technical adjustments.
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According to preliminary information, the incident happened after pack-up in the afternoon. Reports suggest that Rahul entered the deep sea waters alone after the shoot ended. Within minutes, things took a terrifying turn.
Crew members suddenly realised he had gone missing. Panic spread across the set. Technicians and members of the production team rushed toward the water. Some witnesses said they saw him struggling. The atmosphere shifted from casual chatter to desperate shouting.
Pulled from the water, but too late
Technicians and crew present at the spot managed to pull Rahul out of the sea. Initial reports indicate that drowning was the cause of death. He was immediately placed in a vehicle and rushed to Digha Sub-divisional Hospital, located about 10-12 kilometres from Talsari.
Doctors tried, but at 6:10 pm, he was declared dead. The confirmation stunned everyone. What had started as a routine shoot ended in devastating silence.
Co-actor recalls the frightening moment
Rahul’s co-actor Diganta Bagchi spoke about the incident, describing how confusing and sudden it was. He said Rahul went alone into the water after the shoot and might have gotten entangled in something underwater.
Bagchi added that the exact circumstances are still unclear. Crew members began shouting that Rahul was drowning. They rushed in, pulled him out, and immediately took him to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Wife Priyanka Sarkar’s emotional appeal
Rahul is survived by his son and wife, actor Priyanka Sarkar. Soon after the news broke, she shared a heartbreaking statement on Instagram.
She described it as a time of immense grief and deep despair. She requested space and privacy for the family. She also urged media and well-wishers to respect boundaries, saying there is a child, a mother, and loved ones trying to cope with the loss.
Chief Minister expresses shock
Mamata Banerjee also expressed deep sorrow over Rahul’s sudden demise. She said she was shocked and saddened.
She called his death an irreparable loss to the Bengali entertainment industry and extended condolences to his family, loved ones, and admirers.