Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's wife, Priyanka Sarkar, has shared an emotional note after the tragic demise of her husband. She urged for privacy during this difficult time.
The 43-year-old passed away after drowning in the sea at Talsari, Digha, near the Odisha-West Bengal border.
Taking to her Instagram handle, Priyanka issued a statement, addressing the tragedy and asking for privacy during this period of 'immense grief.'
Priyanka Sarkar reacts after Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's sudden death
She wrote, "This is a time of immense grief and deep despair for us. In this difficult moment, we sincerely request space and privacy. There is a child, a mother, a family, and loved ones trying to navigate this loss together."
Priyanka further added, "There is a child, a mother, a family, and loved ones trying to navigate this loss together. We kindly urge our friends and colleagues in the media to respect our boundaries, refrain from intrusion, and allow us the dignity to grieve in peace. Your understanding and support mean more than ever at this time."
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee dies due to tragic drowning
Banerjee had travelled to a coastal location for the shoot of a Bengali television project Bhole Baba Par Karega. As he entered the water at the Talsari sea beach near Digha, he slipped and drowned. According to a report by news agency IANS, the actor went missing for over an hour, causing panic and an urgent search operation by the crew. After an extensive look out, he was found and pulled out of water. He was immediately rushed to Digha State General Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Later, Rahul's co-star Bhaskar Banerjee addressed the incident, stating while the rest of the Bhole Baba Par Karega team had went for lunch, Rahul stayed to film couple of scenes after the shoot.
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's marriage and cherished career
Rahul became a breakthrough star after his performance in the 2008 film Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, which made him a widely recognised face across Bengali cinema and television.
Rahul tied the knot with actress Priyanka Sarkar in 2008. However, after several years of marriage, the couple announced separation in 2017, and later filed for a divorce in 2018. They share a son Sohoj, born on December 9, 2013.
Surprisingly, in 2013, the couple chose to reunite and work on their differences, hence withdrawing divorce petition.