MUMBAI (Web Desk) – India’s famous TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee, best known for playing the lead character of Anandi on Balika Vadhu, allegedly committed suicide at the age of 24.
“She is no more,” her friend and Balika Vadhu co-star Siddharth Shukla told Press Trust of India news agency.
Pratyusha died in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, where she was taken after she allegedly hanged herself at home.
Mumbai Police spokesperson Dhananjay Kulkarni said they received a report on the actress’ death from the hospital and that the police will now be investigating, the NDTV reported.
The actress allegedly killed herself over difficulties in her personal life. In January this year, Pratyusha had alleged that she was molested by some men dressed as police personnel.
Actor Eijaz Khan, a close friend of Pratyusha’s, has alleged that she had been murdered. “I know that what happened was very wrong. But this is not a case of suicide. She was not so weak. It seems to be a case of planned murder,” Mr Khan said.
Pratyusha Banerjee played Anandi on Balika Vadhu from 2010 to 2013. She was also a contestant on reality shows Bigg Boss and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and appeared on several other shows like Sasural Simar Ka.
Pratyusha’s sudden death has left both television and Bollywood industries shocked to say the least.
Bollywood in shock
While her friends from both the fraternities have conveyed their condolences and prayers, superstar Salman Khan is absolutely shocked and bereaved after hearing the tragic news of her untimely death.
Others celebrities expressed their grief on Twitter:
This is just so sad…and a wake up calm to families and friends who don’t consider depression a medical condition…RIP #PratyushaBanerjee
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) April 1, 2016
What a shame! Such a lovely person should suicide! Who knows the turmoil within her. RIP. pic.twitter.com/tIDk1QetF1
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) April 1, 2016
Deeply saddened by the news about #PratyushaBanerjee. May God give her family the strength to deal with this loss. भगवान आत्मा को शान्ति दे।
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) April 1, 2016
Opened the papers to Pratyushas suicide?So young!Heartbreaking. They say “Sometimes even to live is an act of courage”. #RIPPratyusha
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) April 2, 2016
#pratushabanerjee The only serial I’ve watched was Balika. For her! Very sad. Only 24. It’s too tough here for girls without family support.
— Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) April 2, 2016
RIP #PratyushaBanerjee.We all live on the edge of disturbia,some fall in the abyss.Sad for parents,friends.Showbiz needs TLC !#Gonetoosoon
— RichaChadha (@RichaChadha_) April 1, 2016
Sad sad news of the loss of young #PratyushaBanerjee May God grant her soul serenity.
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) April 2, 2016
Extremely saddened to hear about Pratyusha !!! May her soul rest in peace. God give her family strength in this difficult time..
— Arbaaz Khan (@arbaazSkhan) April 2, 2016
So sad to hear of #PratyushaBanerjee death! But media plz let her family mourn privately.. They have just lost a daughter!
— Geeta Basra (@Geeta_Basra) April 2, 2016
