Shashank Vyas remembers Balika Vadhu co-star Pratyusha Banerjee aka Anandi on her 10th death anniversary
Mumbai, April 2
Actor Shashank Vyas remembered his late co-star Pratyusha Banerjee on her 10th death anniversary on April 1, sharing an emotional tribute on his social media account.
Taking to his social media account, Shashank shared a monochrome portrait of Pratyusha, where she is seen looking back over her shoulder.
The black-and-white picture added a nostalgic touch to the memory. Alongside the picture, he wrote, "Gone for 10 years, but never forgotten. You'll always live in my memories."
For the uninitiated, Shashank and Pratyusha rose to fame with the popular television show Balika Vadhu.
While Shashank played the role of Jagdish, Pratyusha essayed the iconic character of Anandi.
Their on-screen chemistry and performances were widely loved by audiences. The show revolved around the issue of child marriage, and became one of Indian television's most impactful and long-running dramas.
Pratyusha Banerjee, who became a household name with Balika Vadhu, also appeared in shows like *Sasural Simar Ka and participated in reality television, including Bigg Boss 7.
Her untimely demise in 2016 shocked the industry and especially her fans. The actress reportedly died by suicide, with reports suggesting she was dealing with personal and relationship-related issues at that point of time.
Talking about Balika Vadhu, the show featured a strong ensemble cast including Surekha Sikri, Siddharth Shukla, Anup Soni, Smita Bansal, Avika Gor, Avinash Mukherjee and others.
Three of the show's most iconic actors are unfortunately no longer alive.
Pratyusha Banerjee passed away in 2016, Surekha Sikri breathed her last in 2021 due to age-related ailments, and Siddharth Shukla passed away the same year, reportedly due to a heart attack.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Shashank's tribute is so heartfelt. Their chemistry on-screen was magic. It's sad to think that three of the main cast members are no more. Balika Vadhu was more than a show; it started important conversations in our living rooms.
A very respectful and touching post from Shashank. It's a grim reminder of the immense pressure young TV actors face in the industry. We celebrate their fame but often forget the personal struggles behind the scenes. Mental health support is crucial.
I remember watching this show with my mom and grandma. Pratyusha's performance was so genuine. It's heartbreaking that such a talented life was cut short. Her legacy as Anandi will always remain.
While the tribute is nice, it makes me wonder where this concern was when she was alive and reportedly struggling. The industry needs systemic change, not just emotional posts years later. Just my two cents.
Om Shanti. She is immortalized as Anandi. That show taught me so much as a teenager. It's a tragic loss for Indian television. May her soul rest in peace.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.