The makers of the Bengali television serial Bhole Baba Par Karega expressed grief over the death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee and assured that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be examined transparently. Banerjee, 43, died on March 29 after a drowning incident while shooting for the show at Talsari Beach in Odisha.
Reportedly, the actor was filming a scene when the accident occurred.
His sudden death has shocked the Bengali entertainment industry, with several actors and filmmakers expressing condolences. Some celebrities have also called for a detailed inquiry into the incident. The All Indian Cine Workers Association has demanded a judicial investigation and the registration of an FIR against the producers of the serial.
Producers respond to the incident
According to a report by PTI, the production house issued a statement on Wednesday mourning the actor’s passing. It said the entire cast and crew were “in profound mourning” and that efforts were underway to collect accounts from those present during the incident to understand exactly what happened.
“We request a few days to gather accounts of the cast and crew present at the time of the tragedy, in a neutral and structured manner, so that we can present a comprehensive and accurate report,” the statement said.
The producers added that they were open to including a representative from Banerjee’s family or industry bodies in the inquiry process to ensure transparency.
The production house stated that a representative nominated by the actor’s family, friends, or the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum would be welcome to observe the investigation process.
Reportedly, addressing reports about the sequence of events, the statement noted that preliminary information suggested Banerjee had been rescued from the water alive and was attempting to communicate.
According to the producers, he was first taken to a nearby clinic in Talsari where no doctor was available. He was then shifted to Digha State General Hospital, where he was declared dead.
The statement also responded to speculation in some media reports claiming that the actor had remained underwater for a long time. The production house said such reports were “in all probability incorrect”.
The statement also mentioned that the show’s director, Saibal Banerjee, was in Mumbai when the incident occurred. After learning about the tragedy, he travelled to Kolkata and visited the actor’s residence the same night.
Officials said Banerjee and another performer were reportedly filming a dance sequence in knee-deep water when they accidentally slipped into a ditch. Both were rushed to the hospital in Digha, but Banerjee could not be saved.
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee rose to fame with the 2008 Bengali romantic film Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, directed by Raj Chakraborty. The film starred him opposite Priyanka Sarkar and became a major hit, turning both actors into overnight stars.
Rahul and Priyanka later got married in 2010 and welcomed their son, Shohoj Banerjee. The couple separated in 2017 but reconciled in 2023 to co-parent their child.
