From Delnaz Irani to Siddharth Shukla: Friends shocked by Pratyusha Bannerjee's death

Delnaz Irani

I am shocked. I had met her on the sets of Power Couple. She was a chirpy, loving girl. I had hurt my toe in the second episode of the show. My nail had come out and I was in immense pain. Pratyusha came to my room and said, ‘Delu don’t worry, aap theek ho jaogi and you will be able to do the task.’ She was so encouraging and optimistic. On the sets also, she was vibrant, full of life and when we got those heavy tasks, she would just laugh it out and do it. It is shocking that she has done something like this.

I didn’t know Rahul much but they looked very happy. I used to call them Raj and Simran because they used to dream big. She would say she will have a destination wedding and tell us all of us have to come for it. She told Arbaaz Khan, especially that he has to come for her wedding. In fact, it was on the finale episode that she announced she and Rahul will marry. She was like this child woman, vibrant, energetic and friendly, but at the same time strong with a mind of her own. This made her endearing.

Shashank Vyas

We did our first show Balika Vadhu together, she was my first co-star. I met her for the first time at the office. We did our first look test and audition together. I remember her as this tiny, skinny, chirpy girl. She was a chatterbox. We got along well and sort of grew up together on screen. After she quit Balika Vadhu, she got busy with reality shows and I was doing theatre. Though we did not meet regularly we were in touch. I talked to her four days ago and she was saying how I don’t have time to meet her. She said let’s catch up. The news of her death is a shock to me. I am in a different zone altogether.

Dipika Kakar

It’s a shocking news and I’m still not able to believe it’s true. She was a wonderful human being and co-actor. My support and condolences are with her family which is going through an unimaginable time right now.  I didn’t know her too well even though we worked together briefly in Sasural Simar Ka.  However, I did admire her for her hard work and achievements. We will miss her!

Siddharth Shukla

It’s very saddening. We had worked together in Balika Vadhu and I had spoken to her a couple of months ago. She was so chirpy and full of life, can’t believe she could have done something like that.

Jay Bhanushali

I hadn’t worked with her but I knew her socially. She was a very sweet and bubbly girl. She still had that childlike quality in her. I can’t digest a girl like her doing something like this. It is shocking and upsetting.

Sargun Mehta

I knew her socially. We used to keep  bumping into each other. She used to come across as a very warm and positive person. I can’t imagine she would take a drastic step like this. I think we don’t lack emotional support we lack non-judgmental friends . Everybody is out there to judge you right from what you wear to what you do to who you are dating. The stress to live up to the expectations  or to have a happier or more successful life as compared to others leads to depression. Why is it that we give someone else more importance our own lives. We need to learn to be happy with ourselves know who we are and believe in that. Let nobody else decide for us ..not our work not our relationships, success or failures. When something like this happens you tend to look at yourself and ask why is it that we crib about so many things in life . What is it that we actually want that gives us happiness not only for this one moment but for our entire lifetime.

Tinaa Dattaa

It’s very shocking. I can’t believe it. She was chirpy and lively. I knew her but can’t imagine she would kill herself. She was feeling low but how can one give up one’s life for anything.  RIP Pratyusha.

Shivin Narang

It’s really sad. I am blank, I don’t know how to react. I met Pratyusha during the Box Cricket League matches. She was a sweet, friendly and cheeeful person. I still can’t believe she is no no more. I just want to say God bless her sould and give courage to her family.

—As told to Chaya Unnikrishnan