Rahul Banerjee and Priyanka Sarkar had a highly publicised marriage and split. Following his death, here's a look at their reason for separation.
Popular Bengali star, Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, known for his works in both movies and television series, has left the world too soon. Rahul was well known for his film roles in Zulfiqar, Katakuti, and Shotyi Bole Shotyi Kichhu Nei, and for TV serials such as Tumi Ashbe Bole, Ardhangini, and Lalkuthi. The actor passed away on March 29, 2026 after a drowning accident in the sea at Talsari beach, Odisha. He was just 43 years old when the mishap occurred after the wrap-up of his shoot for his ongoing serial, Bhole Baba Paar Karega. As condolences pour in for the actor's family, here's a look at his turbulent split with wife, Priyanka Sarkar.
Priyanka Sarkar is a prominent Indian actress who primarily works in Bengali cinema and television, much like her late husband, Rahul Arunoday Banerjee. Rahul and Priyanka shared a highly publicised relationship that included a long period of separation followed by a recent reconciliation before his sudden, unexpected death. Born on December 31, 1990, in Kolkata, Priyanka began acting at the early age of 12. She made her Tollywood (Bengali film industry) debut in Dadar Adesh (2005) alongside Prosenjit Chatterjee. Her breakthrough was the 2008 film, Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, starring opposite Rahul.
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee and Priyanka Sarkar got married at a very young age, and the decision, according to her, was "hasty and immature". During their 2017 divorce filing, Priyanka stated that the marriage was "not peaceful" and that, while she gave 100 per cent to the relationship, she did not receive the same from Rahul. The ex-spouses had a messy, publicised legal separation, during which Priyanka reportedly made serious allegations against him. She alleged that he subjected her to mental and physical torture, and also claimed that he did not financially support their son, Sohoj, according to Radio Bangla Net.
Priyanka went on to say that Rahul didn't even want to get their son admitted to school, even on her repeated pleading. She alleged that he was unwilling to spend money on their child and that she had shouldered all of Sohoj's parental responsibilities, including financial support, for the past two years before they filed for divorce. Notably, Rahul vehemently denied his wife's allegations, including that he refused to pay their son's school fees. Chatter about strains in Rahul and Priyanka's relationship persisted for a long time; however, a report by Radio Bangla Net stated that the problems in their marriage escalated after their son was born in 2013.
As per Priyanka Sarkar, her issues with Rahul and their strained marriage took a toll on her mental health, leading to depression. Looking back at that time, she revealed feeling guilty that her deteriorating mental health affected her son, Sohoj. It was then that she decided to walk away from the marriage. She wanted to raise Sohoj in a better environment, but that wasn't possible while she was in a tumultuous relationship. However, it was their son itself for whose sake the separated couple reconciled in 2023 and reportedly started living together.
Rahul and Priyanka's romantic drama, Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, directed by Raj Chakrabarty. The two gained overnight fame as the lead pair of the 2008 movie, with the songs, U la la and Batashe Gungun becoming teen romance anthems of that era. Rahul and Priyanka's on-screen chemistry led to a real-life romance, and they tied the knot after two years of dating in 2010. Three years into marriage, they welcomed their only child, Sohoj on December 9, 2013. They then separated, reconciled and have been co-parenting their son until Rahul's death on March 29, 2026.
We share our heartfelt condolences to Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's family as they deal with his loss.
Also Read: Did Priyanka Sarkar Demand Huge Alimony From Estranged Husband, Rahul Arunoday Banerjee? Find Out