Sad, sad, sad': Celebrities, friends mourn Pratyusha's death

Mumbai: Popular TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee, who shot into fame as Anandi in celebrated drama series 'Balika Vadhu', was found dead at her suburban residence in a suspected case of suicide.

The 24-year-old was found hanging from the ceiling at her flat in Bangur Nagar in suburban Kandivli, a police officer said. However, no suicide note was found from the flat, he said, adding the exact cause of the death, which occurred around afternoon, will be known only after an autopsy is conducted.

Reason for the extreme step was not yet known, but Banerjee was reportedly facing problems in her relationship with boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh. Her last status message on Whatsapp read, "Marke bhi muh na tuzse modana" (even after death won't be turning my face away from you) with a smiley.

Pratyusha's co star from 'Balika Vadhu', Siddharth Shukla said, "She is no more with us. It's shocking. I spoke to her two-three months back and she was fine that time. I am at the hospital...trying to get details."

Her other major appearances on the small screen were in 'Bigg Boss 7', a reality show, and 'Jhalak Dikhla Jha', a dance programme. She was last seen in TV show 'Hum Hain Naa'.

Reacting to the news, actor Ajaz Khan who was with Pratyusha on Bigg Boss Season 7, said that he didn't think it was "suicide but a planned murder". He said, "This can't be suicide. She was a strong girl she can't commit suicide. I feel this is murder and if this is suicide then she was forced to commit suicide. This has happened because of her love life. She had stopped meeting her friends also because he (her boyfriend) didn't like it. When I had met the guy, I had told Pratyusha that you are a beautiful girl please be careful... I met her a couple of days ago and she was fine. So now suddenly suicide! There's obviously something fishy."

Bollywood producer Tanuj Garg tweeted, "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."

Bigg Boss co-contestant Kushal Tandon wrote, "The news is absolutely saddening. I know life is tough but why do you need to do this. She was so young, I don't know what happened. Lots of strength to her family during this time."

A few fellow actors like Ratan Rajput and Jay Bhanushali said they thought it was an April fool prank, but were shocked when the news was confirmed.

"I got to know at around 9 pm when I was shooting for my show. I thought somebody was making April fool joke. Then I checked with our common friend Vikas Gupta and he said it was true. I was shocked. This is unbelievable. I have just reached Kokilaben hospital," Ratan said.

"It is really sad. She took such a big step and I don't know why. Initially I thought it must be an April fool's prank but then I got it confirmed through some of my media friends and close associates," Bhanushali said.

Recalling time spent with her, Ratan said Pratyusha was a "chirpy, bubbly girl, always smiling and laughing. I spent one month with her in Bigg Boss house. We last met at the screening of film 'Kuku Mathur ki jhand' and laughed so much about our times in Bigg Boss. I still feel that she hasn't gone and this just a fake news," she said.

Another co-contestant Gauhar tweeted, "Sad sad sad. Nothing's worth ending your one beautiful gift called life for... My heart bleeds for the parents and family... #suicidesnvrthecure."

Expressing shock TV personality VJ Andy said, "I first read that on Twitter and thought it was an April fool's joke. Then I got a call from Tanisha who told me the same. Then my manager too confirmed It. I still cannot believe it. I am shocked. She was so full of life, and always seemed happy. The last time I had met here she was fine and seemed ok. I really don't know how to react now."

Ace Bollywood director Karan Johan expressed his shock saying, "This is just so sad...and a wake up calm to families and friends who don't consider depression a medical condition...RIP #PratyushaBanerjee"

Anupam Kher wrote, "Deeply saddened by the news about #PratyushaBanerjee. May God give her family the strength to deal with this loss."

Boman Irani wrote,

Popular TV star Karan Wahi expressed his stand against suicide saying, "Not the way to go....rip pratyusha banerjee....wen smeone dies they dont die alone...suicide is neva the rite way out.. SAD"

Singer-actress Sophie Choudry said that she was heartbroken by the news and that it reminded her about the similar tragedies of Nafisa and Jiah Khan who were all 'beautiful and talented girls'.

Other Television actors like Urvashi Dholakia, Sambhavna Seth, Ragini Khanna expressed their shock on social media. Here's what they had to say.

Alok Nath: “Small towners with big dreams, dreams that turn into reality quickly, quick fame, quick mega bucks, quick multiple relationships, all in all a super-fast rave drive in a congested lane. And a very quick burnout too... no strength and body to digest, no counselling, no family/friend support a huge hangover that cannot be nursed thus this defeatist step. Sad, very sad.”

Anoop Soni: “Pratyusha’s death has left me completely shocked. I am speechless. We worked together for years in Balika Badhu. She was a happy, energetic, enthusiastic young woman. I haven’t really met her recently. I met her last on her birthday.”

Gurmeet Chowdhary: “Pratyusha was a friend. I am hurt shocked and numbed by her death. No one should be more important to an individual than his or herself. Then show could she do this?”

Ashmit Patel: “I am deeply saddened and shocked. I never expected this. Pratyusha seemed such a positive person and so full of life.I met her last when she and her boyfriend Rahul came to my gig last month when I was DJ-ing.They seemed so content together. My girlfriend Maheck and I are completely in shock. We can’t believe she is gone!”

Gautam Rode: “I am really saddened by her death. All actors’ careers come with their portion of insecurity and stress. A television actor is as good as the serial he or she is doing. Thereafter you need to worry about what comes next. And your relationships are always under scrutiny. You just have to keep at it and stay strong. My condolences to Pratyusha’s family.”