The news of actress PRATYUSHA BANERJEE’s suicide has stunned the entire TV fraternity, her friends and millions of fans since her Balika Vadhu days. SUNDAY PIONEER brings you a report on the sad loss of a promising young artist
Popular TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee, who shot to fame with her beloved portrayal of Anandi in serial Balika Vadhu, dropped a shocker on the nation by hanging herself to death in her Mumbai flat last Saturday. All her viewers, the entire TV industry, friends and family are yet to come to terms with this harsh step that the leading actress took without a premise.
The 25-year-old was found hanging from a ceiling fan by her boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh who rushed her to the Kokilaben Hospital. She was declared dead on arrival. Singh went missing after that but was later brought in for interrogation.
The post-mortem report states that Pratyusha died of suffocation. There are two marks on her throat.
Friends and people who knew her well feel that she took this drastic step due to the twin problems with her boyfriend Singh and work. Some reports suggest that she had gone deep into drugs and alcohol on account of which she was asked to leave a number of shows.
Pratyusha’s career high point was playing Anandi in Balika Vadhu, a show she left after three years in 2013. Her fans raved and ranted against her decision and also felt that Balika Vadhu would be a no-go without her omnipresence.
After a brief hiatus, she participated on reality shows Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 5 and Bigg Boss 7, not winning anything. She did a cameo on Sasural Simar Ka (as a black magic mistress) and then a lead role in the show Hum Hain Na. Most recently, she was seen with beau Rahul, who is also a TV producer, on the reality show Power Couple.
Pratyusha’s friends rushed to the hospital and expressed their grief over her untimely death. Her best friend Kamya Punjabi was the one who confirmed the news to the media. “Yes, this is true. It is very shocking,” she said before she broke down.
All of Pratyusha’s friends in the industry find it very hard to believe that she could commit suicide.
Actress Pooja Bose who was present at the hospital said: “I find it hard to believe that Pratyusha can do this. I have known her for years and she was always such a strong girl. And where is Raj (Singh)IJ If he was her boyfriend, he should be here right now.” Singh allegedly went missing after Pratyusha was declared dead.
Another friend and actor Ajaz Khan too told the media outside Kolilaben Hospital that it could not be suicide. “It is just not possible that Pratyusha could commit suicide. I know I can’t say for sure that Rahul did it, but this is a planned murder.” Her co-star Kanwar Dhillion seconded. “Everyone is speculating but what really happened between them is something only he can answer.”
However, the last WhatsApp status update by Pratyusha on March 15, 2016, suggests that it could, indeed, be suicide. It read: ‘Marke bhi muh na tuzse modana’ (Even after death, I won’t turn my face away from you). Sunjoy Waddhwa, CMD Sphereorigins and producer of Balika Vadhu said, “It’s really unfortunate and and shocking for us to know that we lost a talented and young TV actor. We sadly mourn the untimely death of Pratyusha and wish the family peace, comfort and hope in the midst of their sorrow.”
Co-actor from Sasural Simar Ka, Dipika Kakar is unable to believe this has happened. “It’s shocking. She was a wonderful human being and co-actor. We will miss her.”
Actor Gautam Rode said he was “really sad about her death. An actor’s life comes with bit of insecurity and stress. In terms of work it’s always about what’s next and your relationship is always under scrutiny. You just have to keep at it and stay strong,” he added.
Pratyusha’s previous relationship with Makarand Malhotra had also ended on a bad note with Pratyusha filing a case of abuse against him. Earlier this year, Pratyusha had filed a police complaint against eight men who had allegedly misbehaved with her and tried to forcefully enter her home on account of discrepancies on loan repayment.
The dark side of life led by stars often comes to light only when such incidents happen. Before Pratyusha, there have been many other actress like Divya Bharti, Parveen Babi and Jiah Khan who committed suicide due to problems. Pratyusha’d suicide is the first such case from the Hindi TV industry. There have been others from the South TV industry before her.
Sunday Pioneer interviewed Pratyusha all through her career about various issues related to her work and life. Here are excerpts of her responses down the years
Since you decided to leave Balika Vadhu, there have been rumours about your unprofessionalism..
It all depends on how you see it and how supportive the production house is. I had had a lot of adjustment issues during the initial days of Balika Vadhu because of problems at the personal front. There had been instances where I couldn’t show up for an important shoot because of those issues but my producers were very understanding. It is unfortunate that TV stars are under constant media glare. It’s as if we don’t have a life at all. When I made an exit from the show, it was an emotional moment for me but rumours that I had been shown the door due to my unprofessional behaviour were preposterous.
What kind of training is needed for a dance show like Jhalak Dikhla JaaIJ
It was exercise and dance practice in that order for three whole months. There was a time when I thought I couldn’t even walk anymore. I just wanted to crawl. It was fun to rehearse the moves with music on the sets. But the strict routine before it was a nightmare. I was lucky to get an understanding choreographer in Deepak who pushed me to do the basic minimum. But that was too much for me.
Why did you take such a long time to return to a daily soap (Hum Hain Na) in a lead roleIJ
After Balika Vadhu, my fans wanted me to do something bigger and better. I got many offers but they didn’t click. I went on to do reality shows. When I got this project, I took a lot of time to decide as nobody was sure whether it will go on the floor. But then things got rolling. Though working for TV is hectic and demanding, I have become used to it now. I don’t really like sitting idle at home.
How has your approach to work changed over the yearsIJ
When I started out, it would take me 25 takes to get a shot right. Today, I give an okay shot in one take. I have learnt how to deliver good work.
Are there any kind of roles you are uncomfortable playingIJ
However modern the world may become, I will never be comfortable wearing a bikini and showing skin. I hate to expose myself.