Updated: March 30, 2026
The sudden and tragic death of Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee on March 29, 2026, has left the Tollywood industry and his fans in shock. The 43-year-old star drowned while shooting for the TV serial Bhole Baba Par Karega at Talsari beach in Digha. In the midst of this devastating news, many are searching for details about his personal life — especially his ex-wife, Priyanka Sarkar.
Priyanka, a talented actress in her own right, shared a whirlwind love story with Rahul that captured hearts on-screen and off. Though they faced ups and downs, including a painful separation, the couple reconciled in 2023 for the sake of their son. Her recent statement after his passing speaks volumes about the deep bond they once shared. Let’s dive into the complete story of Rahul Arunoday Banerjee’s ex-wife in this heartfelt, no-nonsense guide.
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Who Is Priyanka Sarkar? The Versatile Bengali Star
Priyanka Sarkar is a well-known face in Bengali cinema and television, admired for her natural acting and graceful screen presence. Born on December 31, 1990, in Kolkata, she entered the industry at just 12 years old with Bengali TV shows. Over the years, she has built an impressive career with roles in popular serials like Swapner Rong and films such as Bornoporichoy and Kolkatar Harry.
What makes Priyanka stand out is her ability to balance strong on-screen characters with a grounded personal life. She started as a child artist and grew into a leading lady who fans connect with emotionally. Even during tough times in her marriage, she continued working and stayed focused on her craft and her son.
Today, at 35, Priyanka remains a respected name in Tollywood. Her quiet strength has been on full display after Rahul’s passing — she issued a dignified statement requesting privacy for the family during this “time of immense grief and deep despair.”
The Fairytale Beginning: How Rahul and Priyanka’s Love Story Unfolded
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee and Priyanka Sarkar’s romance feels straight out of a movie — because it literally started on one. They met while shooting the 2008 blockbuster Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, directed by Raj Chakraborty. Their sizzling on-screen chemistry quickly turned real.
Rahul, who rose to fame with the same film, proposed to Priyanka, but she didn’t say yes immediately. In a candid chat with the late director Rituparno Ghosh, Rahul recalled her saying she “liked” him but wasn’t in love yet. Their patience paid off. After a long courtship, the couple tied the knot in a grand wedding in 2010 that was even telecast live on Bengali TV.
Three years later, in December 2013, they welcomed their son, Shohoj Banerjee. For a while, life looked picture-perfect: two rising stars building a home together while balancing busy careers.
Turbulent Times: Separation, Allegations, and the Divorce Battle
Sadly, not every love story stays smooth. By 2017, cracks appeared in their marriage. The couple separated after seven years together. In 2018, Priyanka filed for divorce, and things got messy in the public eye.
Reports from that time mention serious allegations on both sides:
- Priyanka claimed mental and physical torture and said Rahul wasn’t providing enough support for their son.
- Rahul, on the other hand, accused Priyanka of extortion and mental harassment toward his mother.
The legal battle dragged on, with headlines about alimony demands and court hearings making rounds. It was a painful chapter for everyone involved, especially their young son Shohoj. Friends and fans watched helplessly as one of Tollywood’s favorite couples seemed to fall apart.
Reconciliation for Their Son and the Tragic Final Chapter
Thankfully, the story didn’t end in bitterness. In 2023, Rahul and Priyanka decided to give their relationship another chance — not for themselves, but for Shohoj. They withdrew the divorce petition and started co-parenting under the same roof. Close friends said the couple had grown wiser and wanted their son to have both parents around.
They were spotted together at family events and festivals, looking happier and more united. Rahul even shared throwback photos with Priyanka on social media, and fans celebrated the “new beginning.”
Then came the unthinkable. On March 29, 2026, while shooting near the Odisha-West Bengal border, Rahul was swept away by waves and drowned. He was rushed to hospital but declared dead at 6:10 PM. Priyanka’s first public words after the tragedy were simple yet powerful: she asked for space and privacy as the family grieves.
Here’s a quick snapshot of their journey together:
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | First Meeting | On the sets of Chirodini Tumi Je Amar |
| 2010 | Marriage | Grand wedding in Kolkata |
| 2013 | Son Shohoj Born | December 9; now 12 years old |
| 2017 | Separation | After 7 years of marriage |
| 2018 | Divorce Filed | Mutual allegations surfaced |
| 2023 | Reconciliation | Withdrew divorce for their son |
| 2026 | Rahul’s Passing | March 29; accidental drowning |
Conclusion: A Story of Love, Lessons, and Lasting Bonds
The journey of Rahul Arunoday Banerjee and his ex-wife Priyanka Sarkar is a reminder that real life isn’t always a fairytale. They found each other young, faced storms together, and chose forgiveness and family when it mattered most. Even after separation, their decision to reconcile showed maturity and love for their son Shohoj.
Priyanka’s graceful silence now, amid unimaginable grief, speaks louder than any headline. As the Bengali film industry mourns one of its brightest talents, fans are left remembering the couple’s beautiful on-screen magic and the quiet strength they showed off-screen.
If you’re here because you loved Rahul’s work or are curious about his life, know this: behind the glamour were two people trying their best to build a happy home. Rest in peace, Rahul. Our thoughts are with Priyanka, Shohoj, and the entire family.
Stay tuned for more updates from the world of Bengali cinema. Share your memories of Rahul in the comments below — let’s celebrate his legacy with respect and warmth.