TV Actor Pratyusha Banerjee Commits Suicide

Mumbai: Television actress Pratyusha Banerjee, known for her role in Balika Vadhu, allegedly committed suicide in Mumbai on Friday. She was 24.

Pratyusha hanged herself from a fan at her Kandivli residence but was found and taken to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital by her boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh, where she succumbed. Police are investigating the probable cause that may have spurred Pratyusha to resort to the extreme step. Initial reports suggested she was facing a turmoil in her personal life.

Mumbai police spokesperson Dhananjay Kulkarni said her body was found around 5pm. Her parents, who live in Jamshedpur, reached Mumbai on Saturday. They will be taking Banerjee’s body after the autopsy is completed.

Social media went into a tizzy once the news of Pratyusha's suicide surfaced, with many hoping that it is an April Fools' joke.

Hailing from Jharkhand, Pratyusha catapulted to fame with her role in Balika Vadhu from 2010 to 2013. In 2015, she starred again as a lead in Hum Hain Na. She was later seen in reality shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5, Bigg Boss 7, Power Couple and hosted some episodes of Savdhaan India. She recently appeared in Sasural Simar Ka.

Pratyusha was earlier dating businessman named Makrand Malhotra, with whom she had a bitter break-up and against whom she had lodged a complaint for abusive behavior.

Earlier this year, Pratyusha had filed aFIR against eight men, including three policemen, claiming they tried to barge into her residence in relation with a car loan that her boyfriend Rahul had taken from a bank.

Various artists including Sara Khan, Jay Bhanushali, Meghna Naidu, Sachin Shroff were seen waiting outside the accident and emergency ward at the hospital soon as the news reached them.

Pratyusha’s co-star from Balika Vadhu, Sidharth Shukla expressed shock at the news of her death. He said: “I can’t believe someone like Pratyusha could take such a step.”

Another participant from Power Couple, Salil Ankola said: “Pratyusha and I worked together only a month ago. She was looking forward to her wedding. I just have no words to how shocking this news is. She was a chirpy and fun loving girl. I am still wondering why she took such a step.”

Pratyusha’s grandmother said that she had a talk with her last night (Thursday). She spoke with her on telephone. She asked her when she will get married. Pratyusha said that she will earn some money and then get married.