TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee commits suicide

TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee, known for her role as Anandi in the serial Balika Vadhu, allegedly committed suicide in Mumbai on Friday, police said.

Banerjee, 24, hanged herself from a fan at her Kandivali residence but was found and taken to the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital where she died.

Confirming the news, Mumbai police spokesperson Dhananjay Kulkarni said that the hospital has sent a report about her death to them.

Police are investigating what may have pushed Banerjee to kill herself.

Her colleagues from the industry and fans are in shock.

Actress Surekha Sikri, who acted alongside Banerjee in Balika Vadhu, said: “I am absolutely shocked. I knew her, she was very sweet. She was a sensitive person, she must have taken something to heart and must have got really emotional.”

According to Tanuj Garg, former CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, she had plans to marry her boyfriend Rahul Singh.

“Terrible, terrible news about Pratyusha Banerjee. Met her once at a party. How extreme must pressures be to drive one to take one’s own life. Friends met Pratyusha Banerjee and her boyfriend Rahul [who owns a production house] on Holi and they seemed happy. They were to get married,” Garg posted on Twitter.

Social media users were surprised once news of Banerjee’s suicide surfaced, with many hoping that it is an April Fools’ joke.

Hailing from Jharkhand, Banerjee catapulted to fame with her role in Balika Vadhu between 2010-2013.

She was later seen in the reality dance show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 5, Bigg Boss 7 and hosted some episodes of Savdhan India. She recently appeared in Sasural Simar Ka.

Banerjee earlier dated businessman Makrand Malhotra, with whom she had a bitter break up and against whom she had lodged a complaint for abusive behaviour.

Earlier this year, Banerjee filed an FIR against eight men, including three policemen, claiming they tried to barge into her residence in relation to a car loan that her boyfriend Singh had taken from a bank.

Here’s what celebrities had to say about the actress’ death online:

Simi Garewal: The only serial I’ve watched was Balika Vadhu. For her! Very sad. Only 24. It’s too tough here for girls without family support.

Karan Johar: This is just so sad and a wake up call to families and friends who don’t consider depression as a medical condition. RIP Pratyusha Banerjee... A girl died, let her loved ones mourn in peace. Social media may not have a conscience, but can it have a heart?

Madhur Bhandarkar: Shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden death of Pratyusha Banerjee. May god give her family strength to deal with the loss. RIP.

Anupam Kher: Deeply saddened by the news about Pratyusha Banerjee. May god give her family the strength to deal with this loss.

Rishi Kapoor: What a shame! Such a lovely person should (commit) suicide! Who knows the turmoil within her. RIP.

Arbaaz Khan: Extremely saddened to hear about Pratyusha! May her soul rest in peace. God give her family strength in this difficult time.

Sophie Choudry: So shocked to hear about Pratyusha Banerjee’s suicide... Makes me think of Nafisa and Jiah. All beautiful, talented girls. This is heartbreaking.

Karishma Tanna: Extremely shocking and sad news... RIP Pratyusha.

Gauhar Khan: Sad, sad, sad...Nothing’s worth ending your one beautiful gift called life for... My heart bleeds for the parents and family... Suicides [are] never the cure... Heartbroken about the news... Pratyusha Banerjee... A sweet soul.

Mika Singh: Extremely saddened by the news about Pratyusha... May God bless her soul rest in peace.