Years after the tragic death of television actress Pratyusha Banerjee, her former boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh has once again spoken out, shedding new light on her mental health, family dynamics, and career challenges. Pratyusha, best known for her role in Balika Vadhu, died by suicide on April 1, 2016, sending shockwaves through the Indian television industry.
In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Rahul Raj Singh addressed long-standing allegations and gave his side of the story. His claims add a complicated layer to the narrative that has surrounded Pratyusha’s death for years.
Rahul Claims Pratyusha Was Drinking Long Before Their Relationship
Rahul stated that Pratyusha had already developed a drinking habit before he came into her life. According to him, her father was the one who introduced her to alcohol. “Her father used to give her alcohol,” he claimed during the interview.
He went on to explain that, as actors, they had to maintain their public image and health. He said he advised Pratyusha to cut down her alcohol intake, warning her of its long-term impact. He recalled telling her that placing alcohol in front of him might encourage him to drink too, and so both of them had to control it.
Family Troubles and Emotional Turmoil
Rahul also spoke about Pratyusha’s strained relationship with her father. He claimed that although they got along when sober, their relationship turned aggressive under the influence of alcohol. According to Rahul, their fights would escalate during drinking episodes, further affecting her emotional well-being.
In an attempt to help her, he encouraged journaling. He told her to write reminders like “Today you are not supposed to drink early in the morning.” He believed that these small steps could make a difference in their daily lives and reduce dependency.
Career Decline and Financial Stress
After Balika Vadhu, Pratyusha’s career began to lose momentum. Rahul revealed that she had multiple unsuccessful shows and that production houses stopped casting her. She reportedly left Balika Vadhu on bad terms, which may have hurt her chances of future opportunities. Creative clashes and payment issues made matters worse.
There were also allegations of her payment being delayed for six months by one production house. Rahul suggested that these unresolved payments added to her stress, especially because her financial responsibilities extended to supporting her parents. Her expenses were high, and she felt pressure to keep earning.
A Struggling Comeback That Never Happened
Rahul shared that he tried creating opportunities for her, even involving writer Amit Khan to help her land a promising show. He wanted to revive her career with a strong performance, hoping to bring her back into the limelight. He remembered her saying, “I’ll do this one last,” referring to a potential role that could have been her major comeback.
Despite his efforts, things didn’t work out as planned. She faced repeated setbacks, with no big projects taking off. The rejection, coupled with personal battles, pushed her deeper into distress.
Legal Troubles and Court Observations
After Pratyusha’s death, Rahul was charged under IPC Sections 306, 504, 506, and 323. He was arrested but later granted anticipatory bail in July 2016. He filed a discharge plea, claiming that he was being falsely accused due to personal vendetta. However, the sessions court in Mumbai dismissed the plea.
In August 2023, Additional Sessions Judge SJ Ansari made a strong statement, saying, “The pitiable condition to which the deceased had been reduced to by the accused can scarcely be imagined.” The court noted that despite living separately, Pratyusha was under the complete control of Rahul.
The investigation also revealed that she was undergoing severe financial pressure. Reports mentioned that her car loan had defaulted and multiple liquor bottles were found at her residence.
A Tragic End with Unanswered Questions
Pratyusha Banerjee’s death remains one of television’s darkest moments. While Rahul Raj Singh continues to maintain his innocence, the court’s observations and the surrounding circumstances paint a disturbing picture.
Her story reflects the intense pressure young actors often face because of balancing fame, finances, relationships, and personal demons. As the case continues, one thing remains clear: Pratyusha’s life was cut short far too soon, and the industry is still reckoning with the aftermath.
