Kolkata, March 29 – Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday evening expressed her condolences for the passing of Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, who tragically died earlier that day at the age of 42.
He was best known for his successful Bengali film, "Chirodini Tumi Je Amar."
Using her X handle, Mamata Banerjee wrote, "I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the sudden news of the passing of the distinguished, young, and popular actor, Rahul Arunoday Banerjee. I cannot comprehend how such a tragedy could have occurred. He was an actor—and a human being—whom I deeply admired."
The Chief Minister further stated, "I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and countless admirers. Rahul's sudden departure is a significant loss for the Bengali acting world—for both Tollywood and the television industry."
The actor is survived by his mother, his wife, actress Priyanka Sarkar, and his 13-year-old son.
He died while filming at Talsari beach in Odisha. Reports indicate that after the shoot, he was on a speedboat from which he accidentally fell. He was later declared dead upon reaching the Digha hospital in West Bengal's East Midnapore district.
He was filming the television serial "Bhole Baba Paar Karega" when the incident occurred.
Director and TMC MLA Raj Chakraborty, who directed the film "Chirodini Tumi Je Amar," said, "I am shocked. He was such a talented actor. I received the news from my wife, Subhashree. He was also a very good writer. I am at a loss for words."
A West Bengal Police officer stated that the actor was declared dead at a Digha hospital after being brought from Talsari beach in neighboring Odisha.
Rahul, known in the Bengali television industry for his character roles, had been actively involved in soaps for several years.
He rose to fame with his role in the blockbuster "Chirodini Tumi Je Amar" in 2008, followed by hits such as "Tumi Asbe Bole" (2014), "Zulfiqar" (2016), "Byomkesh Gotro" (2018), "Biday Byomkesh" (2018), "The Academy of Fine Arts" (2025), among others.
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee had acted in TV serials such as "Horogouri Pice Hotel" and "Mohona".